Vessel documentation service is a process that provides vessel owners with a document that proves the ownership of their vessel. This document is beneficial for vessel owners because it confirms the legitimacy of their vessel and its ownership. Many boat owners often fail to appreciate the significance of their boats. They think boats don’t need much upkeep since they’re long-lasting. It’s not always the case, particularly when it comes to paperwork. Maintaining proper paperwork aboard your yacht is essential to compliance with maritime law and may save many headaches in the long run. Here are several reasons why all USCG boat owners should prioritize documenting their vessels.
Proof of Ownership
You could be tempted to skip this step if you’ve had the vessel in question for quite some time. What’s the point in proving ownership if you already have the boat? Even while, at first look, the reasoning seems reasonable, closer inspection reveals many significant problems. If there is ever a problem with the boat or its owner, the US Coast Guard may take control of the boat and decide what should happen to it based on their discretion and federal law dictates. This means that if the owner of a boat passes away due to an accident or sickness, the boat’s heirs will have a higher chance of retaining ownership of the vessel than they would if the boat hadn’t been registered.
Easier Registration and Renewal
The United States Coast Guard requires all boat owners to register their vessels. If you want to use your boat on the water, you must register it with the United States Coast Guard once you purchase it. Even though this does not imply that you are required to record your boat with the USCG annually, it does imply that you should always be aware of the documentation status of your vessel.
We suggest you conduct some research on a vessel documentation service available in your area if you are unsure how to proceed or if you would like additional information about the procedure. This will make it simple for you to monitor the paperwork status of your yacht and will guarantee that you don’t miss any critical dates.
Safety
Most likely, you are already aware of the need to have complete vessel paperwork for safety reasons. For instance, the United States Coast Guard mandates the constant presence of flares, life vests, and a noisemaker aboard all boats carrying Coast Guard documentation. However, you should be aware that not having your boat recorded might endanger that safety. The US Coast Guard collects data on all registered vessels in the nation and stores it in a central database.
This is a crucial safety feature since it makes it simpler for rescue teams and others to discover your boat if it is in crisis or stolen. To facilitate communication between vessels and to aid in search and rescue operations, the USCG mandates that all documented vessels be equipped with operational VHF radios at all times when underway. If you ever need help, having a record of your vessel would be helpful since anybody with radio may contact adjacent vessels for assistance or the coast guard.
You Can Peace of Mind through a Vessel Documentation Service
Too many people working on the paperwork of a ship may lead to mistakes, as the adage goes. A lot of miscommunication regarding your boat’s demands can arise when many people are engaged in learning the ins and outs of the Coast Guard’s various divisions. This might force you to seek advice from various specialists, which could cost a lot of money. You may save a lot of money on legal expenses and hiring an attorney by using a business specializing in vessel documentation. With these businesses, you may outsource compliance with US Coast Guard laws for a reasonable price. In exchange, you’ll have access to someone well-versed in the rules above and regulations.
Faster turnaround times
The Coast Guard returns documentation to those who have recorded their vessels far more quickly than those who have not. If everything goes well, you should have your documentation back within two weeks. However, some individuals report receiving theirs in as little as two business days. Why? Because the Coast Guard may expedite your boat registration if they already have information about the boat’s owner and the date the previous title document or registration certificate was received. If you’ve ever had to wait for documentation like this, you know how wonderful it is when it arrives promptly—especially if you own a commercial boat that requires more regular updates.
If you’re looking for more information about vessel documentation service or if you want to apply for a loan, contact the U.S. Vessel Documentation Center at (800) 340-7580 for more information.
