5 Unconventional Tips To Be Considered Before Shipping Your Boat Internationally

 The shipping companies involved in shipping your boat internationally do a lot of preparations and planning for transporting boats overseas from the USA to any destination across the world.

It is very important to discuss this with a company involved in international boat shipping professionally as they plan a lot to execute your overseas boat transportation more conveniently.

Connecticut Boating has suggested below mentioned tips to be considered before shipping your boat internationally:

Tip-1: Your Boat’s dimension decides the shipping cost, so measure it carefully

Your boat’s shipping cost is decided by calculating the dimension of the boat, so, it is advised to get your boat measured from each dimension including the exact length, height, width, along with the bow platforms, swim platforms, motors, or any protruding parts that may extend the exterior dimensions.

You need the boat measurements because you may require special permits from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and because the shipper needs to know what type of handling to use. The permitted height for transporting boats on the road is 13ft 6”- that means that the boat has to be at most about 12ft high. And as far as larger boats are considered, there is more clearance required. Boats that are over 8”6’ wide are considered oversize load and require special road transport permits.  

However, DOT rules vary from state to state.

Tip-2: Prepare your boat for damage free shipping in cold weather

Prepare your boat for winter basically refers to the removal of all electronic devices and water or oil from the boat. Remove all propellers, lights, antennas, electronics, anchor, and valuable items and store safely below. Secure all cabinets, covers. Remove all fuel. Disconnect batteries. Latch and tape cabin windows. Remove any cargo out of your boat. Empty all the water out of the boat, including the drain plugs and air conditioner. Clean the exterior of your boat. Wrap your boat in plastic wrap or canvas to protect it from bumps.

However, you can protect your boat made of wood by applying a coat of linseed oil to prevent it from drying. You may consider having it transported on its own custom cradle.

Basically, this process is followed to avoid any damage during the transportation of your boat.

Tip-3: Arrange the shipping cost and expenditure details from your agent

Arrange the shipping cost and expenditure details from your agent, such as-

1. Types of transportation.

2. Boat- Pick up details.

3. Trailer Transportation details.

For ease in transporting your boat, find out & clear all the customs clearance, port fees, and taxes that may be due in the country the boat is being shipped to. Doing this practice in advance would be convenient especially for International yacht shipping.

Tip-4: Prepare the necessary documents in advance

Preparation of all the necessary documents in advance reduces the last time pressure that pressurizes you to complete it within a short span of time to avoid being delay.

For this process, Contact the embassy of the country where the boat is being shipped, find out all the customs regulations and documentation that is to be completed by you for smooth transportation.

Generally, your boat transport specialist will assist you with all the paperwork to ensure your documentation and boat is prepared and helps you with each step of the boat transportation process.

Tip-5: Get a Safe Boating Certificate

In order to reduce the injury caused to persons and damages to the property due to the use of recreational boats, It is important for the Boaters to have a Safe Boating Certificate and the world at large out on the water to have Boating Safety Education. Boaters can keep themselves and their crew safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways. Boaters can learn about all of these important subjects through approved boat safety education courses and the family can gain such knowledge by joining several informative classes such as Private Family Boating Classes.

Contact Connecticut Boating Certificate LLC, for more information on the Safe Boating Certificate and ct Boating License course, and many more.

10 Important Tips To Operate a Boat Safely

It hardly matters how much experience do you have, it is always the best idea for everyone to have a look for rules & practice procedures of safe boating before leaving the dock.


Connecticut boating certificates LLC has suggested below mentioned safety and maintenance tips to help you boat responsibly and enjoy your time on the water. By following them, you and your water-loving friends and family can enjoy each other’s company on the open water.

Tips & procedure for safe boating:

Tip.1: Inspect your boat completely.

Whenever you board a boat, always make sure that you have checked the engine of your boat completely for any leaks or issues. Check all electrical conductors and features, Ensure lights are functioning and the wiring or appliances are not damaged.

Tip. 2: Check for the Fuel level.

Before boarding your boat, always check for the fuel level and make sure that it is up if somehow it is not leveled up then add what is needed. If you have to fill the portable tanks, only add fuel on the dock and never on the deck of your boat.

Tip.3: Prevent fires on board.

Always inspect for fuel hoses and evacuate any fumes or vapors that may have gone into the bilge, the lowest section inside the boat. Your boat should be equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, marine-type fire extinguisher at all times in the event of liquid fire from gasoline, oil, or grease.

However, to have a safe boating certificate before boarding your boat is the best idea to get yourself trained for any such situations.

Tip.4: Check for radio devices and Develop a float plan.

Always check for your radio devices prior to boarding to your boat and make sure that the devices are functioning properly.

We recommend you to create a float plan and inform a friend or relative about your travel plans and expected time of return. Moreover, A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of the trip leader and passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; and, types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

Tip.5: Check for the forecast and stay alert for any change in weather.

Always check local, route, and destination weather and water conditions before departure and make sure it is safe to go out. Do not venture out if there is any possibility in the forecast for thunderstorms, fog, or high winds. If you find that the weather changes for the worse while boating, return to shore as quickly and safely as possible.

Tip.6: Use Life-jackets properly.

In order to make your trip safer, Assign, and fit each member of your onboard team with a life jacket prior to departure. All passengers must wear fitted life jackets and your boat should have additional flotation devices in case of an emergency.

However, the regulations may vary with respect to different states, but the children aged under 16 years and all watersports riders must wear a life jacket on the water.

Tip.7: Avoid wearing slippery shoes.

The chances of slipping or falling on the boat are increased when you wear slippery or such type of shoes which can let you fall. So, always wear proper footwear and gear as slipping or falling overboard can be prevented with the proper footwear and gear.

Tip.8: Check & dock the boat properly

We recommend you to prepare bumpers, Moore lines, and hooks before docking as you return from a fun and safe day out on the water. Moreover, the passengers should remain seated while docking, and the engine should be turned off as passengers disembark from the boat.

Tip.9: Avoid boating under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs.

Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs is illegal in every state and this regulation applies to all types of boats, from canoes to large ships. To avoid these risks, the primary and backup operators on board should not consume any alcoholic beverages before or during the operation of the boat.

Tip.10: Educate your passengers about safety passengers.

Before leaving for your trip, always inform your passengers about the location of the fire extinguisher, and how to operate the radio devices properly along with the necessary steps to evacuate the boat safely in case of emergency. As a reminder, don’t forget to have everyone put on a life jacket before boarding!

Moreover, you can ask your passengers to join Online boating classes for more awareness.

Moreover, newly boaters and experienced experts must be familiar with the boating rules. Boating Education Courses are offered locally, inexpensive, and often completed in a day, in-person or online.

For more information on safety procedures of boating, Contact Connecticut Boating Certificate LLC for broader detail on each aspect of boating.

How to Get Your Boating License in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, Boating License is called a Connecticut Boating Certificate. If you are thinking to operate a boat legally, you need to have a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO).

There are two types of boating license in CT:

1-Safe Boating Certificate: It allows you to operate an individual recreational vessel/boats only

2-Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation: Allow you to use personal watercraft (i.e. trademarked brand names Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea-Doo. They come in the list of personal watercraft)

Points to know to get your Connecticut Boating License:

1-Take a Class: Take the Boating Safety classroom courses at convenient locations throughout the state and approved by both the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection(DEEP).

2-DEEP Equivalency Exam: The Equivalency Examination was designed for the experienced boat haulers who know the rules and regulations for safe boating on all Connecticut waters.

It covers all aspects of a basic boating course including general information and safety topics, Connecticut State law, trailering, waterways, canoes, motorboats, sailboats, PWC’s, rowboats, etc. 

3-Certification Reciprocity: Person who possesses a Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation issued by a state has an agreement of reciprocity with the Commissioner of DEEP.

Get Your Boating License in Connecticut:

To get your Boating Certificate you need to sign-up for Connecticut Boating Certificates LLC Boat Licensing Course. Get your free conservation id number ( unique and permanent number) through the D.E.E.P website See how

In order to pass the CT state exam, pass the Boater exam. It does not take much time, you get your Boating License in One Day boater class. Boating Education Course CT duration is a minimum of 8 hours. After taking the CT state exam, you will be able to print your Connecticut Boating Certificate.

Remember to take Boating Safety courses which are approved by both the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection(DEEP) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administration.