General G. Man

[Sailor Robius]

hello all,

we're having a boat stamp made for future customs efficiency and i was wondering what general info is needed. thanks in advance.

[captain58sailin]

Vessel's name, documentation #, Official#, IMO #, GT, NT. depending on the vessel size. If it is not a documented vessel, then state registration #.

[Hud3]

Here are some threads on the topic that should help...

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...amp-65961.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...amp-68126.html

[Cheechako]

So.... I know it was trendy for a while to have one.... but what's the purpose of a stamp ? BTW: one thing I did, I made color copies of our boat Document, there's a color tone identical at the office supply places, looks just like the real thing. That way I never had to carry it around or worry if some official insited on keeping it for some reason.....

[captain58sailin]

I use mine all the time aboard my working vessel, anytime I receive supplies or materials, when I clear into port, I stamp the documents, on top of my signature. Not unlike the days of old when they would melt wax and use an embossed signet ring, or seal. It is to assure the authenticity of the signature and it ties the signature to the vessel. Not so different from modern day notary. I have not yet made one for my sailing vessel, I am still in the conceptual visualizing stage.

[denverd0n]

I think the main point of it is that has a sort of "official" air about it. The fact is, there are plenty of places where seeming very "official" will go a long ways with the customs folks. After all, when you get down to it, their job is mostly about forms and stamps and such--it's what they understand.

[osirissail]

Although such things like Boat Stamps look pretty and may get a smile from some C/I officials, it is of little or no practical use.

You still have to fill out "their forms" in "their language."

And in the most modern countries the process is done on a computer so there is nothing to put your "boat stamp" on.

But still it would be fun to have one so you can match the "slam, smack" of their stamps on the paperwork with your own. It might get some smiles and laughs.

[Cheechako]

Yeah, they love to hammer those stamps down in Mexico! I've never had any issues with C & I anywhere. I just go through their process and make it an experience like any other thing I do in their country. I play the dumb, polite, confused tourist real well......

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

BTW: one thing I did, I made color copies of our boat Document, there's a color tone identical at the office supply places, looks just like the real thing. That way I never had to carry it around or worry if some official insited on keeping it for some reason.....

Several countries will give you a hastle about color copies of your documentation... They call it forgery! Several cruisers in Mexico have had hastles about this and a couple more we meet in Costa Rica.

We have only been cruising for two years in Mexico and Central Anmerica, but no one has ever tried to take our original documentation certificate. We just show up with the original and B&W copies. Most of the time they don't even look at the orginal and just the B&W copy.

Has someone taken your orginal certificate before?

[Cheechako]

How would they know? Isnt a B&W a forgery too? No one has taken my doc before... but if lost would be a real hassle! Never had a question about it frankly. But anything's possible when it comes to Officialdom!

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

How would they know? Isnt a B&W a forgery too? No one has taken my doc before... but if lost would be a real hassle! Never had a question about it frankly. But anything's possible when it comes to Officialdom!

No B&W isn't a forgery, because it doesn't replicate the document to exact detail, like you color copy does...

As far as losing the orginal, the USCG now will FAX or email certified copies, so it isn't a big deal any longer. IMHO, not as much as facing a thrid world country's police.