<John wrote: If someone would like to start a list of non-enforced rules - just for boating - I would be happy to add a few.> I think John's statement makes my point. When you have so many boating laws on the books you'll find them enforced differently in different places. As Bob Phillips pointed out, Puerto Rico didn't want to even see him. That doesn't mean that some other US Port Customs/Immigration folks take the same view. Spotty and haphazard enforcement can lead to complacency. A good example of this is the French islands of Guadeloupe/Martinique. Recently they started fining boaters who arrived to check in with state registered vessels. I.e. boats registered in a state not USCG documented. Until then folks have been checking in/out with USVI and other "state" registered vessels. This has always been illegal but woops just now enforced. Most other Caribbean jurisdictions accept state registrations. So I suggest that as more laws hit the books that we are supposed to abide by more zealous officials will find that there's money to be made if you "fine rich boaters" who violate little known or seldom enforced laws. Realize that most of the fine will go into their pockets not the government coiffures. Emissions and many other local rules/laws fit this category. Trying to keep up with them is not easy but needs to become an integral part of passage planning. What special rules/laws must I meet to visit this country/port. What will I need if required to divert to another port for help/repairs. One only needs to run the gamut of a few banana republic entry procedures to realize that it can turn into a nightmare with the wrong duty officers or be a piece of cake. Again local interpretation of laws prevails. YMMV Dave Swan Song