What Identification Do I Need on a Boat?

Boating is the very definition of adventure. Freedom and flexibility abound when you're out on the water, and that's what draws new sailors to a life at sea or, more realistically, some leisure time at sea.

The question is, what sort of identification do you need on a boat to keep yourself legal and safe? We will focus on at-home documents first and then go over what is needed to travel abroad. International boating can be a great experience, but certain requirements need to be met to avoid legal trouble. 

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Domestic Boating Identification Requirements

Even if you aren't going far from home, keep this documentation handy at all times.

Boat Registration or Rental Agreement

This is your basic proof of ownership if you do get stopped by the authorities for any reason. If you own the boat, you'll be asked to present your boat registration. Otherwise, you're required to present a rental agreement in order to prove that you actually do belong on that vessel.

Double-check that all of your documentation is up to date. If you're going on an extended journey, make sure that your boat registration does not expire during the trip.

Personal Identification

A passport is best for this purpose since it can also be used internationally (see below), but any sort of state-issued photo identification can do in a pinch. This is mostly used as proof that you are who you say you are.

Without any photo ID, anyone could just say that they are whoever person the boat is registered to, and that would be a scary and confusing world to live in.

Boater's Safety Cards

While these cards aren't really required internationally, they are now required in a lot of states. Even if your state doesn't require one, you'll definitely want to check on the laws of neighboring states if you plan on crossing state lines.

Similar to insurance, they are a great idea to have on hand regardless of the letter of the law. Boater's safety cards can be a great boon when it comes to proving that you know the rules if you need to file an insurance claim. Additionally, they can help lower the cost of your insurance.

It will pay itself off in no time flat, and there are plenty of places to obtain one completely online. A worthy investment, indeed.

Insurance Paperwork

Insurance may or may not be a requirement depending on where you're located, but it's always a good idea to have it. A few states are starting to enforce the need for at least basic liability coverage.

Some people will write off boat insurance as an unneeded expense, but those are the same people who will end up without a means to get back on the water should any sort of disaster befall them unless they are ludicrously wealthy. I am not, so I keep my insurance current to ensure that one slip-up isn't the end of my boating career.

International Boating Identification Requirements

Headed to another country? Ensure you have the proper documentation.

Country of Origin Passport

If you're boating in San Diego and meander over into Mexican waters without a passport, you might get into some legal trouble. This might be a bit of an obvious one since passports are needed for most international travel, but it definitely bears mentioning.

Nothing could be worse than starting on a leisure cruise and ending in a prison cell or paying an exorbitant bribe to avoid said prison cell. To avoid this awkward situation, ensure that each person onboard has a passport that hasn't expired.

Needed Visas

Do your homework and find out if the country you're headed for requires a visa. Some will present a visa as you arrive, but you'll need to be in the know in order to collect it.

If you're from the US, a passport should suffice for neighboring countries but for longer voyages, things can differ quite a lot. Countries like Cuba, China, Vietnam and Australia require a visa for your boat to enter their waters. Luckily an e-visa can be easily obtained online for a small fee.

Pet Documentation

Nobody wants to consider that their pet might be impounded at customs, but it does happen. If your furry companion is along for the ride, you'll want to ensure that you possess a current vaccination card signed by a veterinarian.

Some vaccines need to be given enough time to take effect, so ensure that the vaccine's incubation period has elapsed.

Backup Copies

It's rare to experience a boating accident, but it certainly does happen from time to time. Check out our blog on the equipment you should carry on your boat in an emergency.

A quick dip can destroy almost any of the documentation listed above, so you'll want to ensure that you have at least three copies of each document.

• Keep one copy in a tightly sealed waterproof container.
• Keep a second copy in your emergency evacuation ditch bag.
• Keep a third copy with someone that you trust on dry land. The party on dry land can forward the documents to the US consulate if you end up losing your paperwork while abroad.

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