Do you have to document your vessel or not? You’ve seen folks that have documented their vessels, and maybe even seen some boat owners who you felt should document their vessels but either didn’t do it or haven’t gotten around to it yet? The truth is that, yes, there are some vessel owners for whom…
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…
Are you a proud owner of a vessel that has been registered in the United States? If this is the case, did you know that you may now complete the U.S. coast guard vessel documentation procedure entirely online? In order to get your vessel documented, all you need is an internet connection, and the US…
As of this writing, New Year’s Eve is just ahead of us. Are you going out on the water with friends and family? Even if you end up reading this blog long after the holiday has passed, there’s plenty of safety advice that should serve you well for Christmas, the 4th of July, and any…
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…
Not all leisure craft in the US need to be registered with the Coast Guard but if required, the certificate can last from one to five years. For commercial craft, US Coast Guard Documentation Numbers are valid for only one year from their date of issue. The National Vessel Documentation Center requires an annual renewal…
Are you planning on taking your vessel out on the water this summer? Are you concerned that your boating documents may expire before you can enjoy a summer of boating activities? If this is the case, you should take action right once to ensure that your USCG documentation is in order. It is possible to…