FAQ’s

Frequently Ask Questions

LLC FAQS

We facilitate the establishment of a Delaware LLC (Limited Liability Company) on your behalf as the initial step.

A non-US citizen has the opportunity to possess a Delaware LLC, which can subsequently hold ownership of a vessel registered in Delaware. We assist in establishing this LLC exclusively for you, with you being the sole owner. To accomplish this, you execute a bill of sale transferring the ownership of your boat to your newly formed Delaware LLC. Notarizing the bill of sale is a straightforward process since you act as both the seller (individual) and the buyer (your company). The primary purpose of this LLC is to possess your boat, resulting in no tax obligations. The setup procedure for the LLC typically concludes within approximately 24 hours. You have the option of utilizing our provided sample Bill of Sale or utilizing your own document.

We handle the registration of your vessel under the Delaware flag.

After your LLC has been established and the Bill of Sale has been notarized, we proceed with the application for your Delaware yacht registration. The processing time for this registration is approximately 5 days for express service or 2 to 3 weeks for regular service. Once you have obtained your registration, your vessel will be eligible to fly the US flag in international waters across the globe.

The annual fee for renewing your LLC is set at $400 USD. Fortunately, since the LLC is solely utilized for vessel ownership purposes, you are only required to pay the renewal fee without having to complete any additional paperwork. It’s important to note that all renewals must be processed before June 1st of each calendar year.

If the Delaware LLC does not engage in any direct or indirect business activities within the United States, and the managers, nominees, and/or beneficial owners are neither US citizens nor green card holders, it is possible for the LLC to be exempt from all US taxes. It’s important to note that tax regulations can be complex and subject to change, so consulting with a tax professional or attorney familiar with international tax laws is advisable to ensure compliance and to fully understand the specific tax implications in your situation.

To maintain the active and valid status of your company on an annual basis, you are required to pay the registered agent fee of $75 USD. The registered agent serves as the official representative for your company in the USA. It’s important to note that this fee is separate from the annual state tax, which is due before June 1st each year. The registered agent fee covers the services provided by the registered agent in accepting and handling legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your company.

 

RADIO MMSI LICENSE FAQS

An MMSI radio license is a legal authorization that allows you to operate VHF, AIS, and EPIRB radio equipment on your boat.

An MMSI radio license is mandatory in many countries to ensure proper identification and communication at sea. Operating without a valid license can result in fines or penalties.

Typically, an MMSI radio license remains valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

It depends on the issuing authority. Some licenses, such as those issued by the UK Telecom authorities, can be used with any flag. However, licenses issued by the US FCC Telecom authorities are only valid for US-flagged vessels.

Typically, you will need to provide personal information, boat details (such as name, registration number, and dimensions), and proof of ownership or authority to operate the vessel.

Operating without a valid MMSI license can result in legal repercussions, including fines, vessel confiscation, or denial of port entry in certain jurisdictions.

Remember, specific regulations may vary by country, so it’s essential to comply with the rules and requirements of your sailing destination.

The MMSI number, or Maritime Mobile Service Identity, is a nine-digit numerical code specifically assigned to your boat. This unique identifier plays a vital role in marine traffic monitoring systems, enabling effective VHF communications, facilitating customs and border security procedures, supporting emergency response efforts, and enabling accurate commercial call tracking and billing processes.

A radio call sign for a boat is a unique identifier used for communication purposes over radio frequencies. It serves as a distinct name or designation assigned to a boat or vessel to facilitate effective and efficient radio communications. The radio call sign is typically used when initiating or responding to radio communications, enabling clear identification, and ensuring accurate message delivery between boats, maritime authorities, and other relevant parties.

DSC stands for Digital Selective Calling, and it is a feature available on marine radios. DSC is a digital communication protocol used to initiate distress calls, send and receive position information, and establish direct communications between vessels. It enhances safety and efficiency in marine communications by providing a reliable and standardized method of transmitting important information. DSC allows for automated distress alerts with precise location data, making it easier for nearby vessels and maritime authorities to respond to emergencies. Additionally, DSC enables selective calling, where specific vessels can be directly contacted using their unique MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) numbers.

We need to know the following:

What type of VHF you have on board and what is its power (for example, 25 W).

If you have more equipment on board such as ATIS, EPIRB or any other, please indicate so. If you have an EPIRB, we need to know the following:

  • Hexadecimal identification (15 digits)
  • Type of beacon
  • Beacon manufacturer
  • Serial number of the beacon

* We also need to know the maximum number of passengers allowed on board, as well as the displacement in KG of the boat.

* You must also provide us with the details of 2 of the emergency contact persons. Please note that he / she cannot be the same as in the registration document.

MMSI license can be issued within 24-48 business hours. It is issued in a digital format and is valid for 10 years.

Yes. The same MMSI number needs to be input into each radio if there are many that are only used on a single boat.

Delaware FAQS

STEP 1 – SRA CROWN HOLDINGS SETS UP A DELAWARE LLC FOR YOU
As a non-U.S. citizen, you are allowed to own a Delaware LLC, which in turn can own a vessel registered in Delaware. SRA Crown Holdings will establish this LLC for you, ensuring it remains 100% under your ownership. You will then create a Bill of Sale transferring ownership of your boat to your newly formed Delaware LLC. The Bill of Sale must be notarized — a simple process, as you are acting both as the seller (yourself) and the buyer (your company). This LLC is created solely for the purpose of boat ownership and, therefore, will not be subject to any taxes. Setting up the LLC typically takes around 24 hours. You can use a sample Bill of Sale provided by SRA Crown Holdings or prepare your own.

STEP 2 – SRA CROWN HOLDINGS REGISTERS YOUR VESSEL UNDER THE DELAWARE FLAG
After your LLC is established and the Bill of Sale has been notarized, SRA Crown Holdings will handle the application for your Delaware yacht registration. Using express service, the registration process takes about 5 days, while standard service takes approximately 2–3 weeks. Once completed, your vessel will be authorized to fly the U.S. flag in international waters worldwide.

Delaware offers two types of vessel registrations: 1-year and 3-year options. However, they operate based on the calendar year. This means that a 1-year registration is valid until December 31st of the same year — for example, if you register on June 5, 2022, it will expire on December 31, 2022.

For a 3-year registration, it will expire at the end of the third calendar year — meaning a registration completed on June 5, 2022, would expire on December 31, 2024.

If you submit your registration request through SRA Crown Holdings between October 15th and December 31st, the registration will be valid for the full 1 or full 3 years, depending on the type you select.

  • If all required documents are provided, SRA Crown Holdings can complete your Delaware registration within 5 days using our expedited service. For standard service, the process typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

  • Yes, you do not need to be a U.S. resident to register your vessel under the Delaware (USA) flag. SRA Crown Holdings can assist non-residents with the entire registration process.

You must paint or affix the boat’s name and its homeport on the stern (back) of the vessel, specifically on the port side. The letters for the boat’s name must be at least 10 cm in height, while there is no minimum size requirement for the homeport name. SRA Crown Holdings can guide you on proper placement if needed.

    • Operating without a valid MMSI license can result in legal repercussions, including fines, vessel confiscation, or denial of port entry in certain jurisdictions.

      Remember, specific regulations may vary by country, so it’s essential to comply with the rules and requirements of your sailing destination.

    • The annual renewal fee for your LLC is $400 USD. Since the LLC is solely used for vessel ownership, there is no additional paperwork required — just the renewal payment. All LLC renewals must be completed before June 1st of each calendar year. SRA Crown Holdings will assist in managing your renewal process to ensure everything stays in compliance.

      • If your LLC does not engage in any direct or indirect business activities within the United States, and if the managers, nominees, and/or beneficial owners are not U.S. citizens or green card holders, the Delaware LLC can remain completely exempt from U.S. taxes. SRA Crown Holdings will ensure your setup meets these requirements to maintain your tax-free status.

      • To maintain the validity of your LLC, you will need to pay an annual registered agent fee of $99 USD. The registered agent serves as your official representative in the USA. Please note that this fee is separate from the annual state tax, which is due before June 1st each year. SRA Crown Holdings will handle the registered agent services for you to ensure your company remains in good standing. 

  • Scanned copies of all documents (preferably in color) are sufficient. Originals will only be required if specifically requested. SRA Crown Holdings will inform you if any original documents need to be submitted.

  • SRA Crown Holdings can deliver your documents anywhere in the world. Please note that UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes, so an alternate address will be required for delivery.

    • The documents required to register your vessel under the Delaware (USA) flag depend on whether the boat is new or used when purchased. SRA Crown Holdings will guide you through the specific documentation needed for your situation.

    • The documents required to register your boat depend on whether the vessel is new or used at the time of purchase.

      First-Time Delaware Registration of a Used Boat for a Private Owner:

      • Completed Delaware Boat Registration Form (SRA Crown Holdings will prepare this for you to sign)

      • Notarized Bill of Sale

      • For boats previously registered in another country, a Deletion Copy from that registry is required. Registrations will not be processed without it.

      • If the boat is new, you must also submit the Original Certificate of Origin

      First-Time Delaware Registration of a Used Boat for an LLC (Company Ownership):

      • Completed Delaware Boat Registration Form (SRA Crown Holdings will prepare this for you to sign)

      • Notarized Bill of Sale

      • For boats previously registered in another country, a Deletion Copy from that registry is required. Registrations will not be processed without it.

      • If you choose to transfer ownership to an LLC or corporation, you will need to complete our Company Formation Application Form.

      • Notarized Bill of Sale between you (the previous owner) and the new Delaware LLC set up by SRA Crown Holdings — [link to sample Bill of Sale]

      • If the boat is new, you must also submit the Original Certificate of Origin

      Already Registered in Delaware: To transfer a boat already registered in Delaware, we will need a notarized Bill of Sale and the previous owner’s Registration Certificate to retain the same Delaware license number.

UK LTD FAQS

Usually, it take 1-2 days, But it can take more than 2 days because company house does not operator over the weekends.

Once the company documents will be ready, we will send you by email, because it only comes in a digital format so you can simply take a printout and keep it with you.

  • To Register a UK LTD we need the following:
    3 Proposed names of LTD (we will check the name availability from provided names and setup LTD)

  • To Register a UK LTD we need the following:
    3 Proposed names of LTD (we will check the name availability from provided names and setup LTD)

    Registered office address (we will manage this for you)
    Company owner passport copy (scanned copy only by email) No original documents required.
    You have to provide a document showing your current address and should not be older than 60 days. It can be any one of them (Electricity or Gas or Water bill or bank statement)
    Director Details:
    Name:
    Date of birth
    Residential add: (We will keep this private, will not be appear in public records)

POLISH FAQS

 Yes, you don't need to live in Poland or the EU to register a boat there. Anyone can register a boat under the Polish flag, regardless of their nationality or where the boat is located.

No, Poland does not impose maritime distance restrictions like Spain or Italy. You just need to comply with Polish laws.

  • Yes, many insurance companies offer coverage for Polish-flagged boats. We can assist in getting a low-cost insurance quote.

  •  No, no surveys are required if your boat is under 15 meters in length.

 Yes, licenses from the UK, Spain, France, Italy, and other countries are accepted under Polish registration.

 To cancel your Dutch ICP, simply send a scanned copy by email and the original to the provided address.

Yes, we are always looking for new dealers. Contact us for details on dealer rates.

Boats built before June 16, 1998, do not require a CE certificate or plate.

  • Yes, Jet Skis can be registered under the same conditions as boats.

  • Do commercial yachts require inspections? Yes, after registration, commercial yachts need to undergo a mandatory safety survey conducted by a recognized organization.

 Poland accepts various international licenses, but the boat must be for commercial use if operating commercially in Polish waters.

  1. The required license depends on the boat's size:

  • Up to 7.5m: No license

  • 7.5m–12m: Sailing license

  • 12m–18m: Yacht skipper

  • Over 18m: Captain’s license

 Yes, all translations into Polish are included, along with free cancellation of an ICP registration.

 Yes, we offer assistance with shipping yachts. Contact us for a quote.

 Yes, you can register your homebuilt boat under the Polish flag.

  • Provisional registration can be completed in 2-5 days or 24 hours with express service. Permanent registration may take up to 4 weeks.

  •  

 Portable devices like a portable VHF radio cannot be registered as Polish authorities don’t require an MMSI license for them.

 No, Polish law requires all registered vessels to have a Polish MMSI number.

  • Yes, equipment changes or additions are allowed under the same MMSI number by following the same registration process.

  •  

Yes, we can assist in finding a buyer. Please contact us for further details.

UK YACHT REGISTRATION FAQS

All nationalities can register under the British flag but only residents of the below country list can register as private owner. Not to worry, for all other nationalities, we set up a UK LTD for the ownership of your vessel and it still will only cost 799 EUR. If you register as private owner, we do not need to setup a British LTD for you and the cost is only 649 EUR,-.

The list of approved residency countries is: UK residents, EU nationals, UK companies and EEA companies, all Commonwealth citizens and countries and citizens and companies of the following countries: Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Brazil, the Canary Islands, China (including Hong Kong), the Faroe Islands, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Liberia, Madeira, the Marshall Islands, Monaco, Panama, South Korea, Switzerland, Surinam, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. Brexit: The above eligibility requirements are still in force since the Brexit on Jan 1, 2021!

 

The UK flag registration is valid for 5 years. The renewal process is less paperwork and we will contact you 6 months before the due date to assist you.

  • It depends if you register as private person (from the approved nationality list) or if you register with another residency so we need to setup a UK LTD for you, to be eligible.

    If we need to set up a UK LTD for the ownership of your vessel, the total cost is 799 EUR. If you register as private owner, the cost is only 649 EUR,-. The standard registration procedure takes about 2 weeks from when we are supplied all documents. If you need your registration done faster, there is a express service that will only take 3 days. This service is offered by the UK ship registry and will cost an additional 250 EUR,-.

    We include all in our price; government fees, translations & courier fees, so there are no hidden cost!.

     

  • The normal registration takes about 14 days from when we submit all documents. However, if you need it done faster, the express service will only take 3 days. The service is offered by the UK maritime registry and will cost an additional 250 EUR,-.

You can use your vessel for either private use, bareboat charters or commercial use under the UK part 1 registration. The procedure and documentation is the same for all 3 categories.

NOTE on bareboat charter use: the UK Registry allows ships to bareboat charter out to another register (if on the approved country list above) while remaining able to return to the UK Registry at the end of the charterparty.

The vessel owner is required to arrange for the official number that is provided and the registration document and the registered tonnage to be marked on the boat. The name and also the port of choice must also need to be marked clearly on the stern of the boat. Moreover, the owner is required to certify that the boat has been properly marked by returning the certified carving and marking note within 3 months.

 

We setup a British LTD. company and you will transfer the ownership of your vessel into this dormant LTD that you own. The LTD is only used for boat ownership, so no taxes or government filings will be due. We will make a bill of sale for you transferring the boat into your new UK LTD. and it will be done in 2-4 business day.
BREXIT INFO: There are no changes in procedure even with the new Brexit laws!

SAN MARINO YACHT REGISTRATION FAQS

The registration can be done fast. You will receive your provisional in 48 hours already!
The cost of registration is low. They start from €290,- for boats up to 10 meters.
No yearly renewals! The registration is valid for 1 or 5 years.
No survey is needed if your vessel is under 24 meters and for private use.
Paperwork and bureaucracy are reduced to the minimum necessary to satisfy international requirements.
San Marino allows for commercial registration without differentiating between charter with and without crew.
San Marino allows vessels in private use to be temporarily engaged in trade for a period up to 84 days.
San Marino allows for commercial registration to be temporarily suspended in order to switch to private use, with a simple online procedure.

The San Marino ship register is very fast and efficient. This means that you can receive your provisional registration in 48 hours. This provisional registration will be sent by email and will already be valid for use. You will then receive the official registration within a couple of weeks.

  • If your yacht is under 24 meters and used only for private use a survey is not required. You will receive only have to fill in a self-assessment form which we will provide to you

  • San Marino has a very competitive flag registration. The validation period is for a 1 or 5 years and the cost depend on the size of your vessel:

    Vessel up to 10 meters in length for private use:
    Registration (valid 1 year) €290,-
    Our service fee for handling the application process for you €200,-
    Registration (valid for 5 years) €590

    Vessel from 10 meters to 24 meters in length for private use:
    Registration (valid 1 year): €990,-
    Our service fee for handling the application process for you: €200,-
    Registration (valid for 5 years) €1690

    Ship Radio Station license in San Marino?
    Yes, we can obtain a Ship Radio Station Licence for you without having to do any courses.

San Marino has a very competitive flag registration. The validation period is for a 1 or 5 years and the cost depend on the size of your vessel:

Vessel up to 10 meters in length for private use:
Registration (valid 1 year) €290,-
Our service fee for handling the application process for you €200,-
Registration (valid for 5 years) €590

Vessel from 10 meters to 24 meters in length for private use:
Registration (valid 1 year): €990,-
Our service fee for handling the application process for you: €200,-
Registration (valid for 5 years) €1690

Ship Radio Station license in San Marino?
Yes, we can obtain a Ship Radio Station Licence for you without having to do any courses.

The San Marino registry is an open registry. This means that private owners from any nationality, can register their vessel as well as companies from around the world. So, if your vessel is currently owned by a UK LTD or Delaware LLC for example, you can continue to use these ownership companies and register your boat in San Marino.

You are required to have a local resident agent to be your San Marino point of contact if you are not a San Marino resident or not a San Marino company. We work with a reputable law firm in San Marino and there fee for being your official registered agent in San Marino is only €100,- per year. The registration is therefor possible for private and company owned vessels and for all nationalities!

I want to register my boat, as company owned but don’t have a company yet?
Let us setup a UK LTD. or Delaware LLC for the ownership of your vessel. We can setup either of these entities for you (€399 UK LTD or €299 Delaware LLC) and this entity will then become the owner of your vessel. We will make a bill of sale were you as a private person sell your boat to your new company (of which you are the owner).

Since the new company is only used for owning a boat, you will not need to pay any yearly taxes or do any government filings. There will just be a small renewal fee for the company registration.

If you have any further concerns, feel free to reach out to us.

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