The vessel registration process has been around for a very long time, and it has been adapted to every latest change in technology. It’s relatively easy to start the process, but it can be a hassle to complete. Further, it can be difficult to determine if you even need to register your vessel.
Eligibility
A vessel that weighs five or more net tons is eligible to be federally registered, so long as it’s owned by a U.S. citizen. This usually applies to any vessel which measures up to 35 feet or longer, but it ultimately depends on the tonnage of the vessel. You can register as soon as the vessel is legally yours but you are not required to; owners can obtain American vessel documentation at the federal level at any time during ownership.
It’s important to remember that if you choose to obtain federal American vessel documentation after receiving state-level registration, the state-level registration no longer applies. It’s going to be superseded by the federal documentation through the USCG, and this invalidates any prior registration through the state.
Initial Vessel Documentation
Initial vessel documentation occurs when a vessel is registered for the first time through the USCG. If your vessel has never been documented at all, such as through the state, you might need to include some additional information with the application regarding the tonnage of the vessel.
If the vessel is already registered through the state then you may use your State Registration as proof of ownership. However, a title works for this as well. If the vessel itself is brand new it will also need documentation regarding the tonnage.
If your vessel has been registered in another country, you are still able to receive American vessel documentation. Official foreign documentation can be used to establish ownership and serve and support the requirements for information about tonnage.
Required Information to Apply
Aside from establishing ownership and tonnage, there is other information that you will need to supply both about yourself as the owner and the vessel. You first need to establish how you became the legal owner of the vessel, as well as its registration history.
You also need to give your vessel a unique name, if it doesn’t already have it; you can also use this form to change the current name of your vessel. There are some restrictions in place regarding the name you give to your vessel. It can’t contain or be similar to any words that are to solicit assistance at sea like ‘Help’, ‘On Fire’, ‘Rescue Me’, or ‘Police Boat’. You also can’t choose the name that contains or resembles any profane language and slurs.
If your vessel has an Official Number you’ll need to include that; it can be found on a part of the hull that will be clearly visible while on the water. If there is none you can skip right ahead to the vessel specifications. Aside from tonnage, which we mentioned above, you’ll need to include specifications like where it was built, when it was built, the material it’s made of, the total horsepower, and the hailing port.
It’s fine if you don’t know the exact date that your vessel was built. When applying for initial American vessel documentation you only need to know the month and the year.
Lastly, you will need to clarify the endorsement and primary service. The endorsement explains what your vessel is legally allowed to do. For example, if your vessel is only a recreational one you would indicate that by choosing ‘Recreational’, but if you use it in unrestricted international trade other than fishing you would select ‘Coastwise’.
The primary service is used to describe any services that you are using your vessel to offer. There is a comprehensive list of options to follow, so your service is sure to be listed here. When a vessel is used to offer multiple services, you only need to indicate the one that you do the most often (or intend to do the most often, if you haven’t taken it out on the water yet).
An Easier Way For American Vessel Documentation
Are you unsure about whether or not you require American vessel documentation with the USCG? Are you a first-timer who is unfamiliar with the process? Do you not know which other documents you’re required to complete? There’s no need to stress out over American vessel documentation and what it entails – the U.S. Vessel Documentation Center is here to help.
We provide fast and easy services that allow you to manage all of your documents online, located in one convenient place. We’re here to help you as you complete your documents and answer any other questions that you might have.
