Also called a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), a builders certificate of a boat is a document that is issued in an official capacity by a boat manufacturer. The document proves the boat’s origin and is used for ownership and registration purposes. If you want to know more, you are in the right place. Use this guide to find out everything you need to know.
What Information Does a Builder’s Certificate of a Boat Contain?
Important information comes in a boat builder’s certificate, including the manufacturer, model, hull identification number (HIN), date of production and other vital data pertaining to the vessel. You might also find data about the boat’s compliance with the standards and regulations that are relevant, something that is really important for registering the boat and transferring ownership.
Where Does the Document Come From?
In most cases, when you buy a new boat, the boat builder’s certificate comes from the manufacturer and is necessary for registration. It’s also part of recording the boat’s history and proving its origin during a sale or transfer or ownership. There are varying requirements for the format of a boat builder’s certificate so it’s important to check with your local jurisdiction to make sure you are doing it correctly.
Who Uses a Builder’s Certificate of a Boat?
Various parties use the certificate, including those involved with ownership, registration and transfer and transactions in the case of a sale of the vessel. Keeping the documentation pertaining to your boat on hand at all times makes it simple to prove that you have it and are the legal owner of the boat, if that’s ever in question. Listed below are the main parties involved with the certificate:
- Boat owners – this proves the boat’s origin and authenticity when you register the boat and establishes legal ownership and could be required for licensing and documentation reasons.
- Boat sellers – the seller provides the boat builder’s certificate to any potential buyers and demonstrates compliance with regulations, as well as the history of the boat.
- Boat buyers – a buyer uses the certificate to verify authenticity and origin, as well as compliance with all regulations.
- Boating authorities – this includes any government entity responsible for monitoring involved in registering boats, as well as any boating activity the boat takes part in
- Insurance companies – when creating a boat insurance policy, the certificate proves authenticity and boat specifications.
- Financial institutions – this may be required to secure a loan to pay for the purchase of the boat.
- Law enforcement – if a boat is stolen or ownership is in question, law enforcement may need the certificate as part of the investigation into where the boat is and who it belongs to.
Now that you know all of the facts about a builders certificate of a boat, you may be wondering how to get through the process. That’s what we’re here for. Contact the US Vessel Documentation Center today and we can guide you through each of the steps, from start to finish.
