I’ll document the paperwork that I’ve done to properly handle the boat:
At time of purchase:
- Bill of Sale
- Bill of Sale for USCG
- Title
- I promised to register the boat with the USCG
- I promised to leave Florida within 90 days, to avoid $18K use tax. And file proof.
- Buyer’s Acceptance
Radio stuff:
- I have a FCC “FRN” permanent ID (valid until 2027)
- Filed for ship station to receive a ship call sign. WDM7760
- Filed for MMSI with USCG. Helps rescue efforts if I ever need it. 368237030
- Purchased Garmin InReach – an emergency satphone with GPS. Very nice little piece of equipment.
- (bought an ICOM M-803 – marine HF radio, no license needed)
- I have a US Amateur Extra License (call sign AC0IF)
UCSG
- filed for registration – received formal document mid.April.22 (pretty slow).
Missed (but should have done. I was advised wrong.)
- Zarpe – certificate documenting that I left Key West, FL, USA.
Isla Mujeres, Q Roo, Mexico
- clear in (took five days and fifteen hours of sitting in the office Capitania del Puerto). minor expense, no custom visit to my boat, but I was required to move from Marina del Sol to anchor in the Isla harbor.
Florida Department of Revenue
- filed documents to prove that Bat HaYam left Florida – the Isla Mujeres “clear in” document is the proof.
Fun fact
- “zarpe” is a Spanish word from the verb “zarpar” – to set sail, to leave port.
- It’s a very important document – required to “clear in” to your next country.
On the Water 