BajaNomad - Boat Registration

Boat Registration

Larry L. - 6-15-2004 at 04:07 PM

Does mexico require a boat to be registered before launching? If so where and what is the cost for a 23' boat?

Most all San Diego tackle shops

jrbaja - 6-15-2004 at 04:24 PM

carry Mexican boat permits.
http://www.bajabound.com/before/fishing.asp

[Edited on 6/15/2004 by jrbaja]

Boat permit or fishing permit?

JZ - 6-15-2004 at 04:31 PM

Fishing permit yes (if you have any fishing gear on board what so ever). You can get them from www.vagabundos.com.

For the mainland you need to get an import permit for your boat and trailer. You get this at the boarder. For Baja there is no requirement to have an import permit.

As for a valid state registration, I don't think they will check to see if you are current, but may check to see if you are the owner (named person on the registration). I always show them my CG certificate of documentation.

[Edited on 6-15-2004 by JZ]

Bob and Susan - 6-15-2004 at 04:34 PM

We just paid 650 pesos (~$57.75) for a boat permit for our 24 foot Wellcraft for 1 year.

Fishing licenses were 427 pesos(~$37.95) each for 1 year :yes:

JZ - 6-15-2004 at 04:38 PM

Bob: what do you mean when you say boat permit.

Do you mean fishing permit for the boat.

Fishing ?

jrbaja - 6-15-2004 at 04:43 PM

"Does mexico require a boat to be registered before launching? If so where and what is the cost for a 23' boat?"

http://www.bajabound.com/before/fishing.asp
:lol:

Ok, you need a boat permit if you want to fish

JZ - 6-15-2004 at 04:47 PM

Bob and Susan - 6-15-2004 at 04:50 PM

Yes you need a boat permit to use your boat in Mexico.

It's about 57 bucks

Every person on the boat MUST have a fishing license also.

There is also a rule that says you must also check in with the Port Captain from the area you are staying, but it is only really enforced in Loreto and La Paz.

Boating is fun but expensive... :lol:

Markitos - 6-16-2004 at 05:32 AM

When we check in at port captain we need our US documents and visa at Imigation, Then when we check out we pay the opi tax, a buck a day.

Boat Permits

Jack Swords - 6-16-2004 at 07:26 AM

The "fishing license for everybody on board" rule is ONLY if you have any fishing gear aboard (even a hook). If you are boating without fishing stuff you do not need the fishing licenses (sailing, diving). Checkin/Checkout varies with location and today's interpretation of regulations. Sometimes you only have to use the VHF radio. If in a marina, the marina can checkin/checkout usually. If you are going to keep the boat in Mexico (mainland and Baja) you need to get a 10 year import permit. Check with a marina as to "today's" rules. As with all things the rules depend on who you are dealing with. The fishing regs are taken seriously however.

Source of good info

Jack Swords - 6-16-2004 at 07:39 AM

Here are phone #'s for Marina San Carlos. They have many, many trailable boats using their ramp, fishing, diving, etc. They also have boat and trailer storage and a full marina. They are up on all current regs. Give them a call if you are still concerned. Good people!

Marina San Carlos

tel. #011-52-6-226-1230

tel. #011-52-6-226-1202

fax #011-52-6-226-0565

Larry L. - 6-16-2004 at 04:37 PM

Can we get the boat permit in baja such as ensenada or loreto?

Clearing in/out change

Jack Swords - 6-16-2004 at 07:37 PM

Check out the URL about change in Mexican law on checking in/out from ports. Good news!

http://www.latitude38.com/LectronicLat/2004/0604/Jun16/June1...

Wow!

JZ - 6-16-2004 at 08:01 PM

This is big news!

Santa Rosalia is the worst. A 3-4 hour event. Go to immigration, go to API, go to the port captain, go to the bank, go back to the port captain. Sounds simple, until they pull out the typewritter and start the two finger typing.

One time, I kid you not, my friend and I sat on the bench at the port captain's office an extra 30-40 minutes thinking they weren't done, when in fact they were.

Dave - 6-16-2004 at 08:27 PM

So, how would this apply to those who have ten year import permits. Check in when entering and then out ten years later? :lol:

FrankO - 6-16-2004 at 08:37 PM

It's takes about 10 minutes at the tackle shop by Point Loma Seafoods. I got grilled about my permit the first time I crossed the border w/my boat. It feels good to be legal, helps you diffuse the BS.

Roberto - 6-16-2004 at 08:56 PM

Ok, we're talkin' about two different things here:

1. A boat permit.
2. A fishing permit for the boat.

You MUST have a boat permit to use a boat in Mexican waters. Problem is, a lot of the folks who go fishing in Mexico trailer their boat in, and therefore "bypass" the normal mechanism, which is the Port Captain network in Mexico. When entering Mexican waters (via water), you must check in to the local port captain at the first port of entry, and present the ship's manifest, and all papers for the boat, including insurance, proof of ownership and U.S. registration, whether it be a DMV CF (in CA) #, or Coast Guard registration information. By the letter of the law, you should do the same if you trailer in. But, if you pull the boat to, say Bahia de Los Angeles and splash the boat at the Ejido ramp, who exactly is the Port Captain? Well, he's in Ensenada, and not likely to come down and perform his function, nor are you likely to stop on your way down and get the papers you are supposed to have. Does this present a problem? In some situations, it may (like a sinking,accident, or insurance claim). What can you do about it? Quien Sabe? It depends on the extent you are willing to go to obey the letter of the law.

As far as the fishing permit, you can't get one without one of the (above) forms of valid registration, and you should get it if you are even remotely going to have any fishing equipment on board in Mexican waters. And that, gentlement, is my $.02.

This is a ridiculous statement

jrbaja - 6-17-2004 at 07:47 AM

"As far as the fishing permit, you can't get one without one of the (above) forms of valid registration, and you should get it if you are even remotely going to have any fishing equipment on board in Mexican waters. And that, gentlement, is my $.02."
You don't need any of the above to get a fishing license. In fact, when I renew mine, I usually get 4 or 5 others for friends.
Does that also mean I need 4 or 5 boats to get more than one license? Oh brother! The nonsense spewed by some on here.

[Edited on 6/17/2004 by jrbaja]

It's takes about 10 minutes at the tackle shop by Point Loma Seafoods.

jrbaja - 6-17-2004 at 08:14 AM

It's called Hook Line and Sinker. They know Baja.
And, you can also go to the departamento de pescas @
2550 Fifth Ave. St. 101
San Diego, Ca.
619 233-6956, this is closer to the I-5 heading south than the Hook Line and Sinker.
Or you can go to any Port Captain, we even have one in Rosarito although we are still lacking a port for him to captain!
:lol:

Viva Mexico!!

Bob and Susan - 6-17-2004 at 09:10 AM

yes JR we need to get you a BIG boat... :lol:

No more boats thanks

jrbaja - 6-17-2004 at 09:21 AM

much better to have friends with boats for sure! :lol:

And there's plenty of em here in DABAJA ! :lol:

Larry L. - 6-17-2004 at 08:05 PM

OK. Now that I have digested all this great info. I assume that I can get my boat permit (not fishing permit) in loreto with the port captain when I check in?

Yep

jrbaja - 6-17-2004 at 10:23 PM

but better to get it done before hand. :light:

Don Jorge - 6-18-2004 at 05:36 AM

You folks are confusing me.
Roberto, JZ and Jack get it, perhaps because they do it?
A boat permit and a fishing permit for that boat are two different documents. And an individual fishing permit, ie fishing license, is yet another piece of paper which has nothing to do with a boat other than everybody on your boat better have one if there is even one hook on your boat as Jack mentioned.
Those of us who actually cruise port to port in Mexico and fish at the same time therefore carry proof of insurance, a fishing permit for our boat, documentation from the Captains of the ports of call we have hailed in Mexico, individual fishing permits for all on board and current registration and or documentation for the boat and communication equipment on board.

So, in response to do I need a permit for my boat? Yes. Technically, two of them, if you plan to fish.

As I get older and the value of my rigs increases and my time to enjoy living decreases I have found: It my duty as captain of the vessel I command that it is in the best interest of me and my passengers and the best interests of the country which is letting me share their resources as a guest to follow the letter of that countries laws as currently best interpreted.

Overcatious, not hardly. When you are at the Midriff Islands in splendid isolation sitting on the hook enjoying life and the green 30 foot panga with the 18 year olds comes around the point with that big 50 caliber bow mounted staring at you, isolation is quickly replaced with violation. It is then when you are awful glad you have all your papers in order, you speak Spanish, you have a few sodas and jokes to share and there are no violations!!
And that is my dos centatvos!

Markitos - 6-18-2004 at 07:01 AM

Just to confuse everyone...
How do you go about getting a 10 year boat permit?
Sorry I just had to ask.

Temp Importation Permit

Jack Swords - 6-18-2004 at 07:32 AM

First of all, all info is subject to change...generally, the TIP (Temporary Importation Permit) is obtained at the first port of entry at the Customs office by getting the "Solicitud de Importaci?n Temporal de Embarcaciones". It is easy (have registration, passport, etc. and multiple copies of each). Cost us nothing. You cannot legally import repair or maintenance parts without the permit. You will be given a copy and a "folio" number under which it is registered. You must cancel it when you leave Mexico.

10 year boat import permit

JZ - 6-18-2004 at 10:02 AM

10-year boat import permit

Get it at the Aduana office, at any port of entry (LA PAZ, Guaymas, etc.) or boarder crossing. There is one at K21 (21 kilometers past the border) in Sonora and it is open 24 hours. I assume the same is true for TJ.

You definitely need a boat "import permit" for the mainland, but I don't think you need it for Baja (just like you definitely need an import permit for your car on the mainland, but not in Baja).

Baja is a "free-zone." Some folks are trying to make Sonora in the mainland a free-zone also.

If you want to leave your boat past the time on your tourist visa you probably need an import permit.

Boat Permit

You need a, so-called, "boat-permit" if you plan to fish or have ANY fishing gear on board.

Fishing License

You also need an individual "fishing license" for everyone on board if you plan to fish. If you don't fish or have fishing gear, you don't need a boat permit or a fishing license.

You can get boat permits and fishing licenses at www.vagundos.com or from the folks JR mentions.

Import permit for your car

If you want a 6 month import permit for your car (required in mainland, but not Baja), go to BANJERCITO at the border (should be open 24-hours).

Sonora Only Import Permits

You can get tempory permits (up to 6 months) for boat, trailer, and car for Sonora Only at k21. This restricts you to the state of Sonora. The import permit must be given back when you leave. Whereas, the 6-month vehicle permit from BANJERCITO is multiple entry-exit.

Despachos

Now lets talk about "Despachos"... (just kidding!).

[Edited on 6-20-2004 by JZ]

Bob and Susan - 6-18-2004 at 04:28 PM

despacho?????

Despacho in Mulege.....
http://www.despacho.org
http://www.despachocontable.com
:yes:

Despachos

JZ - 6-18-2004 at 05:13 PM

Mexico requires that every boat check out of the port with the Port Captain "Capitania de Puerto" every time it leaves for more than 24 hours. These papers are referred to as "Despachos. This is the stuff Jack's post said may be changing.

None of this crap is required for trailered boats that are taken in and out of the water daily.

If you are at a place where there is no Port Captain (BOLA, Mulege, etc.), you don't need to worry about it.

[Edited on 6-20-2004 by JZ]

Talk about rdiculous

Roberto - 6-19-2004 at 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrbaja
"As far as the fishing permit, you can't get one without one of the (above) forms of valid registration, and you should get it if you are even remotely going to have any fishing equipment on board in Mexican waters. And that, gentlement, is my $.02."
You don't need any of the above to get a fishing license. In fact, when I renew mine, I usually get 4 or 5 others for friends.
Does that also mean I need 4 or 5 boats to get more than one license? Oh brother! The nonsense spewed by some on here.

[Edited on 6/17/2004 by jrbaja]

jr, we're talking about the BOAT FISHING permit. I realize you know more about Mexico than us poor dumb grnigos, JR, but I've been doing this for a while - how many times have YOU brought a boat to Mexico?

When it comes to posting INFORMATION, I really do try to refrain unless I am sure I know what I'm talking about.

[Edited on 6-20-2004 by Roberto]

Ridiculous

jrbaja - 6-19-2004 at 09:22 PM

is posting someone else's statements and saying they were mine. I sure feel ridiculous. You sure proved your point.
And actually, I have been bringing boats into Mexican waters since about 1980 not that it's any concern of yours.

Roberto - 6-19-2004 at 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrbaja
is posting someone else's statements and saying they were mine. I sure feel ridiculous. You sure proved your point.
And actually, I have been bringing boats into Mexican waters since about 1980 not that it's any concern of yours.

The statement I quoted came directly from the post labelled under your handle. It wasn't yours? Do you get my point about the boat fishing permit and why you must have a boat permit to get one?

Roberto

jrbaja - 6-19-2004 at 10:03 PM

This is someone else's quote. That's why it has the quotation marks. And why don't you chill out. Perhaps a trip to Baja is necessary?

"As far as the fishing permit, you can't get one without one of the (above) forms of valid registration, and you should get it if you are even remotely going to have any fishing equipment on board in Mexican waters. And that, gentlement, is my $.02."

Roberto - 6-19-2004 at 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrbaja
This is someone else's quote. That's why it has the quotation marks. And why don't you chill out. Perhaps a trip to Baja is necessary?

"As far as the fishing permit, you can't get one without one of the (above) forms of valid registration, and you should get it if you are even remotely going to have any fishing equipment on board in Mexican waters. And that, gentlement, is my $.02."

JR, the first part "with quotes" was something I said. The second part, after the quotes, was you stating what I said was ridiculous.

Quote:

You don't need any of the above to get a fishing license. In fact, when I renew mine, I usually get 4 or 5 others for friends.
Does that also mean I need 4 or 5 boats to get more than one license? Oh brother! The nonsense spewed by some on here.

Are we closer now?

[Edited on 6-20-2004 by Roberto]

Pardon my density

jrbaja - 6-20-2004 at 08:46 AM

But do you need a boat fishing permit as well as everyone having Mexican Fishing Licenses? This is something I have never been informed of or asked for.
When I got mine, numerous times, all that was required was a boat permit and a fishing license for anyone on board. And I didn't need the boat permit to get the fishing licenses.
Has it changed?

Roberto - 6-21-2004 at 06:48 AM

To fish mexican waters you need a fishing license. The boat needs a fishing permit as well. And, the boat must me legal in Mexican waters - i.e. a Temporaty Importation Permit. That's the letter of the law, and has been for a long time.

My initial point is that very often trailer boats don't have a TIP, because they don't go through the port captain, even though they should. As everyone knows the letter of the law, the reality and what gringos respect are often three different things in Mexico. What's also true, is that gringos often don't know the difference between the three until it's too late and there's a problem.

Well, it' been a long time

jrbaja - 6-21-2004 at 07:55 AM

so I apologize for any snide remarks or wrong information. I have never heard of a seperate "boat fishing permit". I always just got the boat permit and a fishing permit. (two seperate things)!
Wasn't aware that three were necessary.

Markitos - 6-21-2004 at 08:49 PM

HUT OH