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 answer is that it’s always best to register with the United States Coast Guard but you can also do both. However, knowing more about the topic can help you make the right choice, so keep reading to learn what you need to know.
Documentation Basics
When you register your boat, you get an official number and can use that, along with the boat’s name, to identify your craft. When it is issued, it’s important to keep your Certificate of Documentation somewhere on board your boat. If your boat is eligible for documentation with the United States Coast Guard, this is always your best choice.
U.S. Coast Guard Eligibility
So that brings up the question of what makes your vessel eligible for Coast Guard documentation. The biggest thing to keep in mind when determining eligibility is that your vessel must weigh at least five net tons. Any boat under that is not eligible. Some watercraft are required to be registered with the Coast Guard. That includes commercial fishing boats and those used for coastwide trade. You can assume your boat is five net tons if it’s 26 feet or longer. However, it’s always a good idea to check to be sure.
Benefits of Coast Guard Documentation
You might be wondering what’s so great about registering your boat with the United States Coast Guard. One benefit is that you will be able to use your vessel for commerce in certain restricted trades if your boat is used to make a living. The documentation also proves the boat’s origin, your nationality, and proof that you own it. Some places will take state documentation, but many foreign countries require U.S. Coast Guard documents. It’s also easier to buy and/or sell a boat if it’s documented with the Coast Guard. Finally, your documentation offers protection from the U.S. military.
State Registration
The U.S. Coast Guard documentation process is overseen by the federal government. Each state has its own set of guidelines for boat registration that you need to be familiar with. Most states require boat registration, even if your vessel is already documented by the Coast Guard. State documentation covers your boat if it’s too small to register with the Coast Guard and still offers legal protection, should you need it. This registration is also necessary to buy or sell a boat so it’s important to keep it handy.
Whether you want to register a boat with Coast Guard or state documentation or both, the Vessel Documentation Online can help. Our experts know the ins and outs and our online portal makes the entire process quick and painless with easy-to-complete forms. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you get started.
