Owning a boat is a dream for many individuals and families. Being out on the water, feeling the breeze in your hair and enjoying panoramic views of the coast is an experience that cannot be compared to any other. And when it comes to owning a boat, there are certain advantages to owning a United States Coast Guard documented vessel. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 3 benefits of owning a US Coast Guard documented vessel.
International Waters
If you are planning to take your boat to international waters, it’s recommended to have a US Coast Guard documented vessel. This is because a vessel documented with the USCG is recognized internationally, providing you with the necessary credentials for safe and legal operation in foreign ports. Moreover, if you want to import the vessel into another country, a US Coast Guard documented vessel makes the process smooth and flawless. To be precise, a vessel documented with the USCG has a higher level of legitimacy and legal recognition, which works in your favor when you are traveling internationally.
Increased Value
A US Coast Guard documented vessel has an increased value, even if it is of older make or model. This is because the vessel has undergone a stringent process of inspection and witnessed a satisfactory condition, making it more reliable and safer than ever. In addition, a transfer of ownership is much easier when you have a USCG documented vessel, as the documentation serves as proof of ownership. In fact, many lenders prefer to finance US Coast Guard documented vessels over non-document vessels, giving you access to better financing options and better resale value.
Exclusive Licensing
The USCG has an exclusive list of licensing and registration that every vessel must adhere to when operating in US waters. When you have a vessel that has been documented with the USCG, you are eligible for special privileges that non-document vessels don’t have access to. This includes renewing your licensing at the same time, every three years, which means you won’t have to remember constantly to renew your licensing, and you won’t incur any late fees. In addition, your vessel’s documentation number never changes, so you have one less thing to worry about.
US Coast Guard Documented Vessel
In conclusion, owning a US Coast Guard documented vessel provides peace of mind for boat owners. It allows you to have a higher level of legitimacy and legal recognition when traveling internationally, which is important, and it increases the value of your vessel. Additionally, you will enjoy the convenience of exclusive licensing and faster transfer of ownership, which can save time and stress. If you are a boat owner interested in improving your boating experience, consider documenting your vessel with the National Documentation Portal. It’s a decision you won’t regret and could very well be the best decision you make for your vessel and crew.