“So how do I get started with vessel compliance?” “What do I need to be able to take my vessel out and do what I want with it legally?” Those are some of the questions we’re most often asked. We get it. You paid for your vessel, you put it all together and now you have it – you want to take it out on the water, for business, pleasure, or anything else. The most commonly used form at our site is Coast Guard form 1258. The main reason it’s used so often: it has so many different uses.
Initial
Perhaps the most common use for 1258 is to apply for your initial documentation. With this, you’ll be in compliance with all the rules and regulations that will let you use your vessel to transport people or goods throughout US waters in addition to the Exclusive Economic Zone. Of course, you don’t have to use your vessel commercially to find plenty of benefits in documentation. For example, if you’re financing your vessel, most banks demand that the vessel be documented.
Exchange
Life changes. We make plans and then life occurs. If your life changes in such a way that you want to exchange documentation, form 1258 is once again the answer. If you want to bring someone else on as the owner, take someone off, or even sell the vessel to someone else, you’ll use this form again. Of course, like so many other forms, you’ll find it available at our site.
Replacement
Many of us are so used to having the documents we need on our phones or in the cloud. It can seem like you may not need physical documents in life anymore. However, that’s not always the case. For example, to be in compliance, you need to have a physical copy of your Certificate of Documentation. You can’t just have a jpg or PDF. So, should you lose or even just find yours physically damaged, we can help you to get a new Certificate of Documentation fast.
Redocumentation
Getting your initial documentation done may seem like the end of a journey, but really, it’s a beginning. Your documentation needs to be renewed annually. Of course, you can do that through our site, too. Unfortunately, sometimes, life intervenes, things happen, and you may not get it done by the deadline. If that’s the case, then we can help you with reinstatement, too. That way, you can use your vessel how you would like.
Beyond Coast Guard Form 1258
While 1258 is a very popular form, it’s far from the only one that we offer at our site. In fact, you’ll be able to find different forms that will be useful throughout the course of your vessel ownership. From the Abstract (for all the info you need when you purchase it) to the forms that will make it that much easier to sell it to its next owner, we’ve got you covered. For more information, send us an email.
