Only a minor hiccup, I hope
23 August 2012 | Thailand
The process of buying a new boat, when one is remote from the point of sale, or even the points of registration (remember, I have bought a US registered ship, currently in Mexico, which I need to register in Australia, whilst travelling in SE Asia) is more tedious than difficult. Emailed copies are generally insufficient and need to be originals, sent to the various agencies (USCG in the US, AMSA in Oz).
Well after almost two months, I now have an official number for the boat and the name is reserved for registration in Australia..But; and there is always a 'but', it turns out that I forgot to date one of the many forms which were notarised to effect the purchase. The Australian authorities have been great and efficient and have sent me an emailed copy of the form which they have asked me to complete and send back. That's wonderful and I thank them sincerely.
Also however, they require more than just the signed USCG registration paper, from the former owner. The AMSA needs to see the official cancellation of US registration before they can issue my final Oz registration. I hope this will not be difficult to organise through the former owner. He's a good and decent bloke, so here's hoping.
However, dealing with US authorities has proven less simple than dealing with those from Oz. I need a visa to transit through the US, and I want to buy boat related items from the big chandleries in the US and maybe catch up with a few mates. So, after visiting the boat in Mexico, I will need to re-enter the US; perhaps once or twice.
I have asked them which visa I need (90 VWP..or Non immigrant) and, despite the fact that their website does not deal with specific circumstances, no person will answer the phone (It's all press button one, etc.) and all their emails simply point me to the website.
I am flying into the US, having a few beers and a look around, then catching a bus to Mexico. Then I will re-enter on more than one occasion, then I will sail out of Mexico across the Pacific. This means a return ticket is unnecessary..but a return ticket appears to be a prerequisite for the VWP program and no one seems either willing or indeed able to assist me with information through a one to one talk which should take no more than 30 seconds.
It's bloody frustrating, but I am sure all will be well in the end..............