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…
Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a first-time vessel owner, completing your vessel documentation can be intimidating and seem like a daunting task. However, it’s an essential part of owning a boat in the USA, and if done correctly, it can save you time and money in the long run. In this blog post, we’ll…
When you own and operate a boat, it’s necessary to renew USCG vessel documentation, according to the schedule for your vessel and its purpose. This paperwork is a legal requirement and pertains to maritime activities, international travel, and keeping your boating life legal, whether it’s recreational or commercial. As we get closer to 2024, you…
All documentation filed to the Coast Guard for a specific vessel is recorded in an abstract of title. However, it isn’t exactly accurate to say that it is the authoritative history of titles. If a boat has been registered in another country or state before, the abstract may not contain all relevant dates and events. …
Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove a boat from the USCG documentation center. When that happens, there’s a process that needs to be followed to ensure that all of the proper parties are informed of the deletion. A Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation contains all paperwork relevant to the vessel and is where a letter…
Is it possible for you to finance your vessel more cost-effectively? You may wish to apply for a preferred ship mortgage if this is the case. It is possible to profit from cheap interest rates and flexible repayment choices if you get this form of a mortgage. There are specific requirements to be met to…
Are you the owner of a USCG vessel? If this is the case, you will need to check with the United States Coast Guard to ensure that your boat has the appropriate documentation on file. US Coast Guard vessel documentation is essential for two reasons: first, it guarantees that your boat is registered with the…
There is a set of USCG hailing port requirements that you should be aware of when you register your boat. Knowing what they are and how to comply with them is an important part of being a responsible boat owner. At the same time, it ensures that your documentation is current and accurate with the…
Do you want to use your documented vessel to transport people but aren’t sure how to make sure it’s in compliance with the powers that be? Are you filling out your initial documentation and are a bit stumped by the part that says “Endorsements for Which Application is Made?” These “endorsements” are actually critical to…
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…