An important part of keeping your boat safe and secure is taking care that all of your US Coast Guard boat documentation is current, up-to-date, and accurate. Vessel security goes beyond making sure the cabin is locked up and your boat is tied or anchored properly. A vessel search also plays a role and is a process that gives you access to the paperwork associated with the boat. This guide will tell you everything you need to know.
What is Vessel Security?
There’s a lot that goes into keeping your boat secure and safe, both physically and regarding paperwork. That includes the locks and alarms you use to prevent theft break-ins, but it also involves the documents that prove your boat complies with federal regulations regarding safety. Having this information available is imperative, particularly if you are buying or selling a boat.
Ownership and Identity Verification
One of the main roles of the online vessel documentation database is to provide details about the ownership and identity of a given boat. This plays a role in safety because it proves who owns a boat if it’s lost or stolen. Confirming that the operator is authorized to be on the boat lends itself to quality security.
Theft Recovery
A stolen boat poses a scary and time-consuming recovery process. If the documentation is inaccurate, it can make recovering the lost vessel take much longer and be much more complicated. On the other hand, paperwork that is up-to-date and accurate can expedite the process and get the boat back to its rightful owner much more quickly.
Emergencies
If you encounter an emergency on the water, your documentation is going to come in handy. That’s because it allows the Coast Guard to find and identify you faster and easier, as well as increasing the potential to save lives and save the vessel itself. Anytime you are in distress or call for emergency assistance, your paperwork is an integral part of the process.
Environmental Issues
Your compliance with environmental regulations goes a long way toward keeping your boat safe and secure. Your documentation proves that you comply with rules regarding environmental responsibility, which is a legal requirement for all boat owners. This is just one reason why it’s so important to keep your paperwork valid by renewing it according to the schedule that applies.
US Coast Guard Documentation for Transactions and Purchases
Anytime you buy or sell a boat, the documentation will be scrutinized. Your boat will be much more appealing to buyers if it’s current, valid, and free of discrepancies. If you’re the buyer, such documentation will help you make the right decision regarding the purchase of the vessel. Incomplete paperwork is a red flag you should never ignore when you buy a boat.
If you have questions or need help facilitating the US Coast Guard documentation process, the US Vessel Documentation Center is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
