Generally speaking, for a commercial passenger vessel to operate in US waters, it’s required that it be built in America. This is a rule that is typically strictly enforced, but if you do own a vessel of foreign or unknown origin, there is a path to you conducting commercial passenger operations, and that’s with a…
If you own a documented vessel in the United States, you may be subject to a Coast Guard Documented Vessel Search at any time. The process can be intimidating, but you can speed things up and make it a smoother process by following some helpful tips and tricks. Here are some ways to ensure that…
The last thing you want to be concerned about while you’re out on the lake is paperwork. You should be aware that you must have paperwork for your vessel if you are the owner of a boat. The good news is that there are many different services that, much like us at the U.S. Vessel…
Have you ever been in a sailboat race? It can be thrilling, frustrating, crushing, and exhilarating – all in a manner of a few seconds. As the race is so dependent upon factors that no person can control, (such as the wind, the waves, weather, and more), sometimes the courses have to be altered. What…
When it comes to the selling and/or buying of a boat, it isn’t quite as simple as just paying for the vessel and getting on with your ownership. There is a checklist of requirements that needs to be completed. Along with the financial transaction, there is also a whole host of paperwork that has to…
A lifejacket or a personal flotation device is a must-have item in your boat. It keeps you afloat if you fall off your boat or in case of sinking. It’s also the most useful item if you get stranded after your boat experienced a serious problem. Don’t just buy an item because of its color,…
When you first receive your Merchant Marine Credentials (MMC) so that you can captain a commercial vessel, it is a momentous step for you and can open up some great career opportunities. Once you have your credentials, it is important that you do everything necessary to maintain them and renew them when you need to…
A new method is available that makes it simple, quick, and straightforward to look for the paperwork associated with your boat. The USCG has just launched an online vessel documentation search tool that allows you to search by vessel name or hull number. Even the paperwork may be printed off directly from your computer if…
Spending time aboard a recreational vessel with family and friends can be super fun, but it can also be potentially dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing and are not properly prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. When planning a trip, no matter how short, it is always good practice to put together a…
USCG vessel documentation serves to register a vessel in the United States. It dates back to the 11th Act of the First Congress and is one of the oldest roles of the government. The National USCG vessel documentation Center’s Certificate of Documentation for a vessel serves two purposes. Certificate of nationality and authorization for general…