Chase boat registrations: Know the risks, plan with clarity
Within superyacht operations, chase boats frequently occupy a regulatory grey zone—critical in function, yet often only loosely covered by commercial compliance or registration standards. These vessels play an essential role in guest transfers, logistics, and water sports support, yet their compliance status is frequently left unaddressed.
While enforcement may be inconsistent, the risks when regulations are applied can be significant. A rise in chase boat incidents has drawn the attention of port authorities and maritime administrations around the world. As a result, Captains and crew must carefully evaluate whether their chase boat is truly aligned with their operational program—not just functionally, but legally.
A floating grey area
A chase boat is not just a tender. It is often a standalone vessel, operating independently of the mothership, whether following at a distance, deployed in advance, or stored ashore and re-joining at anchor. It might carry guests, crew, provisions, or toys—and yet, it may not fall under the main yacht’s flag or operational framework. Once it functions independently, it is legally required to stand on its own, with proper registration, coding, and insurance coverage that matches its use.
The reality is that many of these boats are flagged and insured as private, while being used in ways that are arguably commercial. For example, using a private registered chase boat to transfer fare paying charter guests is not permitted, the boat must be commercially compliant and registered as commercial. This practice persists because, historically, enforcement has been inconsistent. However, the tide is turning, Flag and Port states are now paying more attention on chase boat operations and their subsequent level of compliance with small craft coding and registration.
The UK MCA Maritime Guidance Notice MGN 280 is framework that is adopted not only by administrations under the Red Ensign Group but many other flags administrations such as the Bahamas, Antigua and Jamaica as a benchmark for chase boat commercial coding.
Operating a non-compliant chase boat for commercial activity will result in large fines to the Master and Operators/Owners and in some cases chase boats have been detained.
Compliance realities in the United States
In U.S. waters, the Coast Guard maintains a clear distinction between private and commercial use. A chase boat that transports guests, especially while operating away from the mothership, is likely to fall under Small Passenger Vessel (SPV) regulations. These rules require formal inspection under Subchapter T or K, certified crew, and insurance tailored to commercial use.
Even foreign-flagged chase boats are subject to inspection, and their registration status is no shield against enforcement. If a vessel is operating commercially without meeting these criteria, it risks detention, fines, and in some cases, outright denial of entry. More seriously, should an incident occur, the absence of proper documentation could invalidate insurance coverage and leave both the Captain and Owner exposed to legal liability.
Navigating the Caribbean patchwork
The Caribbean presents a more fragmented regulatory environment. Some islands maintain a relaxed approach to chase boat oversight, while others—particularly those under U.S. influence, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands—apply tighter standards. In these regions, guest use, crewing arrangements, and flag compliance are scrutinised more closely.
While inspections may be infrequent, they do occur—especially during peak periods like regattas or the winter charter season. When vessels are flagged privately but appear to be operating in a commercial context, questions are asked. Authorities may impose fines or restrict operations if the documentation does not align with the vessel’s function. As a result, chase boats in the Caribbean must be registered, coded, and insured according to their actual use—not just their intended one.
Mediterranean enforcement & VAT risks
In the Mediterranean, enforcement is not uniform, but several jurisdictions are becoming increasingly proactive. France and Monaco, in particular, have seen stepped-up efforts in recent seasons. During the height of summer, customs officials have been known to board chase boats and issue fines where vessels have been used for guest shuttling or water sports without appropriate commercial registration or coding.
Spain, especially in the Balearic Islands, has developed a reputation for rigorous enforcement. Local authorities are proactive, and their checks are comprehensive. Vessels that are found to be non-compliant risk not only fines but seizure. Italy and Greece, though traditionally more lenient, have also conducted targeted inspections during high season, and operators should not assume that leniency will continue unchecked.
Beyond registration, Captains must also consider VAT exposure. When a chase boat enters EU waters independently, it may trigger importation requirements or be liable for VAT on its use—especially if it is not properly declared or coded. These tax implications are often overlooked but can lead to severe financial consequences if ignored.
What happens when it goes wrong?
When enforcement does occur, the consequences can be severe. Vessels may be detained, fines imposed, or operations curtailed with little notice. More critically, insurance may be rendered void if a chase boat is found to have been operating outside of its legal framework. In the event of an accident or injury involving guests or crew, the fallout can escalate into legal action, reputational damage, or even vessel impoundment.
These scenarios are not hypothetical. There are documented cases of chase boats being impounded in the Med, flagged by U.S. Coast Guard inspections, or caught out on VAT discrepancies. In each instance, the disruption to operations and the embarrassment for the owning party were considerable. The fact that enforcement is uneven only adds to the uncertainty—because when it does happen, it tends to be sudden and absolute.
Choosing & registering the right chase boat
Captains and yacht managers need to assess their chase boat not just for its aesthetic appeal or technical performance, but for its compliance profile in the regions it will operate. Determining the vessel’s role—whether it will carry guests or remain strictly support, whether it will be alongside or independent of the mothership—is crucial. From there, the registration, coding, crew certification, and insurance must match the vessel’s real-world use.
When the use case is ambiguous, it is often advisable to err on the side of commercial registration. While the requirements are more stringent, they offer far greater operational flexibility and peace of mind. Consulting with your yacht management team, flag state, and local agents in advance of a season is the most effective way to ensure a chase boat is not only fit for purpose but protected from avoidable risk.
The takeaway: Plan ahead, enhance safety & stay compliant
Ultimately, the rules governing chase boats exist whether they are enforced daily or not. And while many have operated under the radar for years, the trend is shifting toward tighter oversight—particularly in the United States, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. The risks of non-compliance are too serious to leave to chance.
Every Captain knows the importance of planning ahead. The same discipline should apply to any craft that support your operation. Choose a chase boat that fits your program—and make sure it stands up to the letter of the law as well as the demands of the job.