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Am I allowed to buy, register and use a boat?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by eeekx, Jan 13, 2008.

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  1. eeekx, Jan 13, 2008
    #1
    eeekx

    eeekx New Member

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    Hello,

    I've been visiting this forum often and need some questions answered myself now before buying a boat. I really like a 2nd hand Fairline Phantom 40 currently offered by my local broker, but I'm going to wait a while, get some training and look around for other options.

    There's something that may cause problems for me though. I'm not a registered citizen in any country, I've been switching countries several times a year. This way I can run my company without having to worry about doing administration and most importantly taxes. I´d like to continue my lifestyle by using a boat to switch countries and part-time living on it.

    I have the Dutch nationality, but not being registered anywhere means that at age 30 I still don't have a drivers license (car) as I'm not able to apply for one. One of my questions is, will I be able to get certified for operating a motor boat? Is this necessary? I´m planning to spend most time in Mallorca, and probably Greece and Italy.
    Will I be able to buy a boat and get it registered?


    Thanks,
    Martijn
  2. AMG, Jan 13, 2008
    #2
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    You are the Flying Dutchman then...?:D

    I guess you can obtain license and insurance and what you need as long as you have an address and a valid passport. Be prepared to get yourself a landbased address where you will have the boat, as you are often not allowed to live aboard in ports. Maybe the customs can be asking questions, but if you are constantly moving, I think you can deal with this...

    BTW, you´ll probably also need a bank account for the purchase, cash is not popular these days!
  3. K1W1, Jan 13, 2008
    #3
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Good One Lars.

    As you take the time to kindly point out ,anyone can do a variety of things.

    They should ask the questions of their near peers and not on a global noticeboard.

    I would be surprised if the starter of the threads has such an exotic and elaborate lifestyle where he is constantly on the move.......

    Oh G.. D... I musta forgot- He works as crew on a yacht!!!!

    Now I am sure the keystroke frenzy will get this one!!
  4. eeekx, Jan 13, 2008
    #4
    eeekx

    eeekx New Member

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    Thanks for your post AMG,

    I'm relieved there's no big obstacles in the way to getting a boat. I've got a passport and bank account, so no problems there. I usually use my parent´s address when I´m asked for one.

    I understand that it's hard to find a berth in a marina where you're allowed to live aboard. I was hoping to spend at least a substantial part of the year living on the boat. I've been living in hotels and holiday apartments for years now, so it's no problem if it's not allowed to stay aboard.
    If you´re just visiting a marina in Spain, Italy or Greece for let´s say a week, would you be allowed to sleep aboard?

    I didn´t quite understand your post, K1W1. I definitely don´t work as a crew member :) I´m totally new to boating, so I hope to find some answers here.

    Thanks,
    Martijn
  5. AMG, Jan 13, 2008
    #5
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Yes, of course you can stay a week onboard in a marina.

    One thing to be careful with is boats without VAT paid. Buying such a boat or the company owning the boat, will give you extra attention...

    But as K1W1 points out, Yacht Brokers and crew you meet in the ports will guide you further on what is and is not possible.
  6. eeekx, Jan 13, 2008
    #6
    eeekx

    eeekx New Member

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    Ok, thanks for your help.
    I´m planning to follow some courses and get in touch with brokers soon, so I´ll get more info then.

    Up to later,
    Martijn
  7. T.K., Jan 13, 2008
    #7
    T.K.

    T.K. Senior Member

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    Do a RYA Day Skipper practical course. It's a 5 day practical course and available in Spain. I can give you the contact if you wish. The training school is based in Pollensa, Mallorca. That is where I had mine issued. This course will entitle you to a Day Skipper license which allows you to handle your own boat or boats upto 80ft. The license will be issued without requiring any further documentation other than your full name.
  8. eeekx, Jan 13, 2008
    #8
    eeekx

    eeekx New Member

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    That sounds like what I need TK-F430 :)
    I´m really glad to read I can get a license without having to register as a permanent citizen somewhere.

    Please share contact info, here or via P.M.

    Many thanks!
  9. K1W1, Jan 13, 2008
    #9
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi

    TKF430- Before you get our newest members hopes up. Where is your boat registered and what did you have to provide in way of ID to register it?

    I have serious doubts if you could register a boat under any flag and have no verifiable address to link it to.
  10. eeekx, Jan 13, 2008
    #10
    eeekx

    eeekx New Member

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    TK-F430 was only talking about a RYA Day Skipper course.
    But I´m hoping to be able to register my boat at my parent´s address in the Netherlands. I actually do spend about a month a year there.

    Thanks,
    Martijn
  11. T.K., Jan 13, 2008
    #11
    T.K.

    T.K. Senior Member

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    Martijn is right........I was only referring to the RYA Day Skipper license. The course can be taken and the license will be issued without any verifiable address.
    As far as yacht registration is concerned, I have my boat registered in the UK, Port of London and she carries ofcourse a British flag. The British Yacht Registration only requires a correspondence address (not resident address) inside the UK and that is very easily arranged if such an address is not available. The boat can be registered in the name of a BVI company with an address in the British Virgin Islands.
  12. K1W1, Jan 13, 2008
    #12
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    The British Yacht Registration only requires a correspondence address inside the UK and that is very easily arranged if such an address is not available. Registering the boat in the UK also does not require a verifiable address.
    ***************

    And I believe one day soon we will be allowed to transit the UK with two pieces of carry on luggage in Business or First Class. Regardless of what we may be carrying amongst our 50 or so colleagues in clear plastic bags.

    No wonder the Empire has evaporated.