A Certificate of Documentation (CoD) validates their ownership and operational competence for vessels. The US Coast Guard requires that you submit this paperwork to prove that you’ve passed the statutory safety testing of your boat before it sets sail. For pleasure vessels under 79 feet, no certificates of documentation (CoD) are needed, and no specific…
If you ever need to do a Coast Guard-documented vessel search, the good news is that it is possible to do so online. Whether you want to do a search on your own boat or one you are considering buying, or one you simply need more information about, you are in the right place. Why…
When you own any sailing vessel, recreational or commercial, and you take the vessel out into the open waters around the United States, you are subject to the rules and regulations set forth by the United States Coast Guard. It is the responsibility of the Coast Guard to protect our waters, and part of their…
Your boat’s Abstract of Title is an important document that you need to keep on hand at all times. However, it’s often filled with abbreviations that can be overwhelming and confusing. For that reason, it’s a great idea to become familiar with the most common acronyms that you might see on your Abstract of Title.…
A vessel certificate of documentation is the unique identity that the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) issues to any vessel that satisfies the relevant standards. Essentially, it’s the national register for boats. Have you ever needed to find out information about a vessel, such as where it is situated or who the owner is? A…
As the leaves fall, are you ready for one last summer ride on the water with your friends and family? Do you want to wring every last bit of summer fun out of the water? If you’re like so many vessel owners, that’s what autumnal boating is all about. There’s nothing like seeing the leaves…
If you have recently purchased a large boat, either for recreational purposes or commercial purposes, there are steps you need to take before you can legally put the boat in the water and traverse the seas. You need to make sure your boat is registered properly, either with the state that you live in or…
For those who are uninitiated in the world of seafaring and the various vessels that make up that particular activity, it can be very easy to get mixed up and confused regarding even the most basic of differentiations. Many people use the words boat and ship interchangeably but there are two words for a reason.…
There are many different forms that vessel owners and prospective vessel owners need to be aware of. This documentation is what allows vessel owners to legally take their boats out onto the water, and to operate any commercial ventures in compliance with all the relevant regulations. It’s also used to establish ownership. These forms are…
It’s never too early or too late to decide on boating gifts. Some of the National Vessel Documentation Center favorite items could be kits, items that fit the season and things that could offer safety to the boating experience. One of the most popular ones is a fender kit in assorted colors. Small fenders are…