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| Coast Guard Cruising Permit?
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December 3, 2002
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I am new to Anacortes, Wash., and contemplating a boat purchase. I overheard a conversation re: a Coast Guard cruising permit. What is it and where do I obtain one? Thanks.
Jim Crone
Anacortes Wa
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Response
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I think you were either misinformed or you misunderstood what somebody said. There's no Coast Guard cruising permit. There are, however, a number of registrations, licenses or permits that either are required or might be, depending on how you use the boat.
1. Washington State registration. These are the WN numbers on the side of the boat. The alternative to WN numbers is vessel documentation, which has some advantages and some disdvantages. A documented vessel won't have WN numbers, but still will be registered with the state, and will pay the annual state registration fees and taxes. Our own boat is documented.
2. U.S. Customs Service User Fee Decal. Cost is $25, and is required for boats 30 feet l.o.a. and longer if you bring the boat into the U.S. This means if your boat is 30+ feet and you go to Canada it will cost you $25 a year to bring it home. The decal is good all year, January through December. You get the decal from Customs, and they send renewal notices each autumn. Since we do go to Canada, we get our decal each year. I suspect this is the "cruising permit" you are asking about.
3. VHF radio station license. This comes from the FCC, and isn't needed if the boat is used in U.S. waters exclusively. If you take the boat to Canada, however, federal law requires that you get a station license. It costs $150 and lasts for 10 years. Station licenses are not transferable, meaning that you can't use a previous owner's station license. You must get your own. Our boat has its station license.
4. VHF radio Restricted Radio Operator's Permit, often called an Individual Operator's Permit. This is your personal radio operator's license. It comes from the FCC. Cost is $50 and it's good for life. Required if you take the boat to Canada, but not required if the boat is used only in U.S. waters. My wife and I each have ours.
5. Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Safety Inspection sticker. This is strictly voluntary, not required for anything, but a good idea. They do not issue citations for deficiencies, nor are any deficiencies reported.
6. Washington State Parks annual mooring pass. This isn't required, but it will save you some money if you overnight frequently at Washington State marine parks. We don't get this pass. If we're at a park for the night we just go up and pay.
These licenses and fees are explained in greater detail in the Waggoner Cruising Guide. The 2003 edition, with the latest information, will be out in mid-January, and will be available at all your local marine supply outlets. You'll be astonished at the amount of useful information the book contains. If you get the boat I certainly recommend that you get the book to go with it.
--Bob Hale
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