While shipwrecks might not happen all the time, they do occur and there are plenty of lost ships lying on the ocean floor to prove it. Finding these wrecked ships naturally involves US Coast Guard vessel documentation as the records about the watercraft play a big role in the process. This guide will give you…
The US Coast Guard bill of sale form is an important document, both for someone selling a boat and for someone buying a boat. This form is used to transfer ownership of a water vessel, both those with an engine and those without. Like any bill of sale, it’s important to get as much information…
When you own or operate a boat, whether for commercial or recreational purposes, it’s important to be aware of the Coast Guard safety requirements that go along with it. In addition to following the laws regarding safety on the water, there is some safety equipment that you must have on board your vessel at all…
Then it comes to passenger boats, there are two classifications that are used, according to the US Coast Guard requirements. Those are inspected and uninspected. As the names imply, the former requires a regular inspection, while the latter does not. However, there are still legal requirements that an uninspected boat must adhere to. This guide…
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…
The US Coast Guard phone number is a vital piece of information for any boat owner. A good rule of thumb is to have it near the phone in your boat. You might also consider keeping the phone number as a contact in your cell phone so that you have more than one place to…
Did you know that your license to operate a vessel with the US Coast Guard has to be renewed every five years? If you’re like most people who own vessels, you probably haven’t given much attention to this topic. Nevertheless, it is essential that you are familiar with the criteria for renewing your license and…
Owning a boat is exciting, whether you’re new to it or you are buying your next new boat. Much like a car, truck, or SUV, it’s necessary to register your vessel and document it properly. That raises the question of whether it’s better to register a boat with Coast Guard or state documentation. The short…
If you love having your boat out on the open water or if you run a commercial business with your boat, it’s vital to ensure that your boat follows all Coast Guard regulations and that your paperwork is always up to date. Failure to do so is illegal and can lead to fines and perhaps…
Although the vast majority of boat excursions take place without any kind of obstacle or hitch, when you are out in the open water it is absolutely vital that you operate with the utmost safety and are clued up on all the various ways that you are able to display your distress and signal for…