2. Registration and Regulation.—
The United States, like other commercial countries, provides a complete system for the registry and regulation of all ships entitled to the privileges of American vessels. These laws do not require registry or enrollment unless such privileges are desired. The owner may acquire and dispose of his boat without reference to them, but, until it is registered or enrolled, it is not a vessel of the United States and cannot engage in any trade.
It is therefore usual to have all matters in relation to the title and transfer of a ship in writing and according to customary forms. This is a safe and salutary rule.