BOAT BUILDING IN MEXICO- rules and regs???

jamesg · 2010-01-21T13:23:58+00:00

Hey, does anyone know who i need to talk to in order to build a boat in Mexico? What are the rules and regulations? I need to talk to the equivalent of the US Coast Guard, but in Mexico i guess. I also heard that the ABS is not involved down there. Please let me know ASAP because I'm heading down to Mexico to build a vessel in less than a month. Thanks, James

BOAT BUILDING IN MEXICO- rules and regs???

jamesg
@jamesg-tB6zyA

Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Views: 1.1K

Hey, does anyone know who i need to talk to in order to build a boat in Mexico? What are the rules and regulations? I need to talk to the equivalent of the US Coast Guard, but in Mexico i guess. I also heard that the ABS is not involved down there.

Please let me know ASAP because I'm heading down to Mexico to build a vessel in less than a month.

Thanks,
James

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gohm

Member • Jan 22, 2010

What size and type of vessel?

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jamesg

Member • Jan 22, 2010

gohm
What size and type of vessel?
It will be a floating concert stage for spring break that I will want to get registered as a vessel in Mexico. It will only be used in Mexico. It will be about 50'X100' and pulled or pushed by a boat. Or it will have outboard motors on it. I plan to build it using JetFloat or a similar modular dock system. I will put sand on it to dress it up like a tropical island for people to enjoy while they watch a concert.

This vessel will be used in calm waters and in the rough open ocean.

I would like to operate this vessel in cabo san lucas, mexico.

Thank you so much for helping me! Let me know if you need more information.

-James

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gohm

Member • Jan 23, 2010

Start off with contacting the Mexican consulate as well as the Ministry of Communications and Transportation.

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jamesg

Member • Jan 23, 2010

gohm
Start off with contacting the Mexican consulate as well as the Ministry of Communications and Transportation.
Someone else told me to do that too. Thanks for the help!

-james

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gohm

Member • Jan 23, 2010

You are welcome, you may have to also work with the Federalis at some point as well, not sure. I don't think Mexico has a coast guard equivelent, the Navy would handle most matters there. Being a barge with people on it, I'm sure you will have to jump through some legal and insurance "hoops" as well.

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jamesg

Member • Jan 23, 2010

gohm
You are welcome, you may have to also work with the Federalis at some point as well, not sure. I don't think Mexico has a coast guard equivelent, the Navy would handle most matters there. Being a barge with people on it, I'm sure you will have to jump through some legal and insurance "hoops" as well.
What is the "Federalis"? Yeah i need to find out about how to insure this barge too.

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gohm

Member • Jan 24, 2010

The Federalis is the Mexican law enforcement agency.

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veyden hart

Member • Jan 12, 2026

For building a vessel in Mexico, the main authority to contact is the Dirección General de Marina Mercante under the Ministry of Communications and Transportation. They handle vessel registration, safety requirements, and inspections, basically the Mexican equivalent of the US Coast Guard. Consulting a local naval surveyor before construction is highly recommended, especially for a large floating stage.
Companies like Palmara Charters, which operate yachts in Puerto Vallarta, have hands-on experience with local maritime rules and permitting. Their office location is listed here: (https://www.google.com/maps/place/?cid=7112340353458348755)], and they could be a good resource for understanding practical requirements for vessels operating in calm bays versus open ocean conditions.
Starting with both the consulate and the Ministry of Communications and Transportation will help ensure your project is fully compliant. Proper planning on safety and registration will save headaches later, especially with unique builds like a floating concert stage.

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