Guam Boating Requirements
BoatWiki - Resources
Introduction
This summary is designed to inform the boating public about title options, registration requirements, recording methods, record searches, tax rules, and operational guidelines for Guam. The data is maintained as an open wiki forum where readers are encouraged to participate by sharing knowledge and experiences with this particular jurisdiction. Simply click on the above "WikiShare" link to contribute further details or suggest a revision.
Registration and Titling
Guam issues registrations on all non-exempt boats operating within their jurisdictions. These are administered by the Police Department in Sinajana. Exemptions include those registered in another state not used in Guam for a period in excess of sixty consecutive days, from a country other than the United States provided that such vessel shall not be used on the waters of Guam for a period in excess of sixty consecutive days, a state or federal owned vessel used exclusively in the public service, vessel’s lifeboat if the boat is used sole for lifesaving purposes. Coast Guard documented vessels are not subject to registration. A complete list of requirements and exemptions can be found by visiting their boat registration website.
There are approximately 853 boats registered in Guam. This accounts for 0.007% of all nationwide registrations.
Numbering and Marking
Boat registration numbers in Guam begin with a "GU" designation which is followed by four numbers and then two letters. These must be displayed on all non-documented boats along with registration sticker tabs. Coast Guard documented vessels may not display the state registration numbers. However they must display an owner designated vessel name and a hailing port. An official documentation number must also be affixed to a visible interior location in the hull itself or an integral part of the hull. All vessels manufactured after 1972 are required to have a 12 digit hull identification number affixed to the vessel by the manufacturer. Owners with older boats may apply with the Marine Police Division for a hull number assignment. Assigned hull numbers prefixed with the letters "GIZ" are also available for home made boats and those without factory designations.
Recording Methods
Guam issues registration certificates on all boats operating within their jurisdiction. Although not actually titles, these may serve as quasi-proof of ownership unless the vessel is Coast Guard documented. Security interests in boats that are neither titled or documented are therefore recorded through Uniform Commercial Code filings. Tax liens are sometimes flagged in the boat registration database, recorded as UCC filings, shown on revenue records, or filed with a court clerk's office. There are no provisions for recording mechanic's liens or other non-secured claims against registered boats which are not USCG documented. If the vessel is USCG documented, a security interest is perfected by filing a preferred vessel mortgage. These are recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center with the earliest submissions taking priority. Other lien claims can be filed in the same manner although these function as notifications only. All such filings are indexed on the vessel's underlying abstract of title.
Record Searches
Boat registration records in Guam are maintained by the Police Department. This agency does not facilitate online searches for the general public but registration information may be obtained by submitting a boat record request form. It is also reported that the registration office will confirm hull identification numbers and provide telephone verifications on registration certificates in hand.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) records may be searched by contacting the Department of Revenue and Taxation or by using a public record service.
Territorial and Federal tax liens on boats are not always recorded in a consistent manner and are therefore difficult to identify. They may show up as a red flag on registration records, as UCC filings, in state revenue records, in a court clerks records, or on a vessel's abstract of title for documented boats. Given these disparities, it may be worth obtaining the services of a public record vendor that has access to a broad range of personal property lien recordings.
Ownership, mortgage, and lien search recordings for Coast Guard documented vessels can be obtained by ordering an abstract of title and a copy of the certificate of documentation from the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Taxes and Insurance
Contact the Department of Revenue and taxation for boat requirements in Guam.
Operating and Safety
There are no requirements for operator licensing or education in Guam.
Conclusion
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice and may contain errors or omissions. Be sure to check with the respective government agency before taking action on any such data. More detailed information about all of these topics can be found in the above WikiTags.
Credits and References
3/29/2022 - Page initiated by Team BoatWiki.
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