It’s very important that your USCG vessel documentation is accurate and up to date at all times. If you happen to notice an error anywhere on any of your paperwork, it’s vital that you address the issue right away. Whether you own a fancy recreational boat or you have a large commercial fishing vessel, proper documentation is imperative. This article will guide you through the steps for correcting an error, should you find one.
Identify the Error on Your USCG Vessel Documentation
The first thing you should always do when you get documentation that is new or updated, is to check it for mistakes. That way you can get it taken care of promptly, rather than deal with the fallout of finding out down the road. Minor corrections, such as a typo won’t be as difficult to fix and something more imperative, such as incorrect ownership information or a HIN that is wrong.
Contact the Appropriate Authority
Once you’ve detected a mistake, you will need to get in touch with the appropriate entity to explain the situation and request that it be fixed. For boats registered with the United States Coast Guard, your best bet is to let them know there’s a mistake in the paperwork. However, you may also need to alert the state authorities if the error appears on documents relevant to that organization.
Submit a Correction Request
In many instances, correcting an error will require you to submit a form requesting a correction. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can get the problem taken care of. The request form will ask for a description of the error, supporting documentation, and in some cases, a fee for making the correction. This might include the bill of sale, title certificates and proof of ownership. The charges applied will depend on the type of error and can vary in cost.
Why Correcting an Error is Important
You might be wondering if it really matters if you correct mistakes on your documentation. There are several reasons why it’s vital that all your paperwork is accurate and up to date at all times. They include the following:
- Legal compliance – correct documentation proves that you are complying with all relevant regulations and guidelines that pertain to you and your vessel.
- Verifies ownership – your paperwork is important for establishing ownership, which is necessary if you decide to buy, sell or finance now or in the future.
- Emergency situations – your documentation is how the USCG will find you in cases of search and rescue so proper paperwork is important for expediting the process if it becomes necessary.
- Security and transactions – if you want to finance your boat, correct and current documentation will be required.
A mistake on your USCG vessel documentation can be frustrating and will take a bit of time and effort to fix, but it’s necessary for keeping your information up to date. If you need help facilitating the process or have questions along the way, we’re here to help. Contact the US Vessel Documentation Center today for the assistance you need.
