Bringing your yacht out onto international waters is an exciting experience. After all, this is why you invested in a yacht in the first place: to be out on the open waters, far away from civilization, relaxing with family and friends on the seas. It’s why you’ve kept up on yacht repair in Fort Lauderdale, FL, too.
But with this freedom comes concerns regarding safety. While in the U.S., you know that the Coast Guard and other emergency services are available to help. You don’t have that assurance outside of U.S. territory. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re prepared should you decide to visit foreign locations. Here are some things to think about next time you venture into international waters:
- Get your paperwork in order: First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have your passport, along with that of anyone else who’s on board—including children. Every passport needs to be up to date and not expired. Without a passport, you won’t be granted access to any other country. You’ll also want to look into visa restrictions before you go. Most countries allow for visa on arrival, but some don’t.
- Travel insurance: Health insurance that you have in the States unfortunately won’t extend beyond our nation’s borders. Travel insurance is therefore necessary and is the best way to stay covered in the event of an accident abroad. There are multiple policy levels depending on your budget and what you need covered.
- Pet documentation: If you’re bringing a pet along with you, you’ll at a minimum need a list of all their vaccines. Without this, you risk having the pet quarantined. You’ll also need a pet passport, which is a form your veterinarian can fill out that shows your pet has no infectious diseases. Do your research before you go to ensure that your pet has everything needed to gain entry at your final destination.
- Check with the community: Boaters have an extensive online community, including many forums. Look at where you’re heading and see what other boaters have to say. They may include vital info like hazards to watch out for, unanticipated documentation to bring and local authorities to contact in the event of an emergency.
Do you need a trusted service for yacht repair in Fort Lauderdale, FL? Starboard Yacht Group LLC brings a level of understanding and expertise that’s unmatched. We know boat mechanics better than anyone and will properly service your yacht from top to bottom. We offer a full slate of maintenance, management, restoration and scheduled service programs.
Your yacht is an important investment—not one that you can trust just anyone with. We offer the right information, the right parts and the right employees to maintain your yacht to its highest degree of safety and functionality. Plus, our expertise goes deeper than the surface of your boat—we have a firm grasp of vital systems like your engine, while providing a level of care that’s unmatched anywhere else. Contact us today to learn more and receive a free estimate.