Set sail with us as we celebrate the first anniversary of The Yacht Law Podcast, with over 600 downloads from 44 different countries! We’re thrilled that our insights have resonated deeply with the yachting community. Once again, for this new episode, maritime attorney Michael Moore and our editor, Diane M. Byrne, unravel the complexities of maritime law. In fact, we dive into the intricacies behind a question we hear year after year. Specifically, why don’t more American yacht owners offer their yachts for charter in U.S. waters? As you’ll learn, they may be missing out on legal waivers that they don’t even know exist.
In demystifying yacht charter in the United States, we first explain the legal term bareboat charter. If you’ve hired a small production boat without a captain previously, you might think of that scenario. However, bareboat charter and bareboat charter contracts mean an entirely different thing in the superyacht sector. Therefore, we explain what they entail, especially what they require of charter guests.
Michael and Diane next chart a course through the century-old Jones Act. It plays a critical role in protecting U.S. maritime commerce. It therefore impacts everything from commercial fishing to megayachts. We then cast a spotlight on the Small Vessel Waiver Program. This is a little-known way for non-U.S.-built yachts to conduct yacht charter activities in the United States. The fact that so few yachting representatives are familiar with it very well may be why we don’t see more American yacht owners offer their yachts for charter in U.S. waters. Listen closely as we discuss the challenging, but achievable, process for yachts to obtain the waiver.
In the final leg of our journey, we explore further reasons why we don’t see more American yacht owners offer their yachts for charter in U.S. waters. Part of the problem likely stems from brokerage listing disclaimers, for example. A further reason is the customs duty, a critical tariff that fuels the U.S. economy.
Whether you’re a seasoned yachting enthusiast or new to the experience, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate legal seas with confidence. Join us a we provide clarity on charter nuances.
Finally, if you have a yacht law question, we want to hear from you. Email it to info@megayachtnews.com or michael@moore-and-co.com for your chance to have it addressed on The Yacht Law Podcast. We respect requests for confidentiality and/or anonymity, too.
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