This is a Hypothetical question, assuming I flag a vessel here in the U.S. And a year later I decide to change the Registry to let's say the BVI. Am I required to sell the vessel to let's say another LLC? Or can Registry be changed while maintaining current ownership?
Current owners can reflag. If owned personally you erased all benefits of foreign flag. That is how I understand it. Flags of Convenience, google that
You only erase the benefits if cruising in the US and you are US citizen, otherwise, benefits apply. If a US citizen then you need an annual cruising license to cruise within the US. Waiting...waiting...
I wouldn't be flying a Flag of Convenience, it would be a one time permanent change. I'll contact a Maritime Attorney.
As much as I would appreciate this Forum's input, would require full disclosure, and as one of our members overseas has pointed out this is an international Forum.
This is a serious pain in the butt required by many states. De. & MD required you to pay a fee or take on the pilot at their discretion. That is precisely why I did not but a 100' foreign flagged boat All foreign flag yachts 100 feet in overall length and over, entering or departing the ports and waters of New York State, shall be required to take a state pilot. Vessels that fail to comply with the NY State Navigation Law are subject to statutory penalties. Any foreign flag vessel, including yachts as specified above, failing to take a pilot shall also be reported to the USCG/Captain of the Port of New York or USCG/Captain of the Port of Long Island.
Of you are going to flag it in the US and pay the tax $18,000 in Florida. Why would you want to change it and pay the tax again to BVI's? Just put it in it's own Florida LLC. If given the opportunity I would stay FLorida US flagged.