Ribs for commercial use

Ribdude · 29 April 2015, 01:34

can a rib not manufactured in the USA be used for commercial use (i.e. vessel assist) ?

From what I read on the USCG website a commercial documented vessel must be made in the USA however I see Sea Tow using Zodiacs

cgoing · 29 April 2015, 01:48

A lot of Zodiac's are made in the US.

Ribdude · 29 April 2015, 01:54

I wasnt aware of that, I thought they were all made in Canada (at least all of the ones I have been around)

Ribdude · 29 April 2015, 01:54

Can a vessel that is under 5 net tons that is not made in the USA be used for commercial purposes?

biffer · 29 April 2015, 07:45

You need to ask the U.S. Authorities, in Europe coded boats can be used all over the place, I guess it's the old rule in the states only deal with guys from your own country, tried to buy some obsolete us forces equipment from the states and they wouldn't sell to anyone out side the U.S.

Sent by mobile thingy

beemer · 30 April 2015, 20:16

Boats that are used for towing are exempt from the "made in the USA" rule. You can get a exception for boats both over and under 5 ton. Here are the links of what you will need to know. My experience is that most Government types don't even know their own rules .
USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, Fee Page

Small Vessel Waiver Program

beemer