A USCG vessel lookup will provide you with quite a bit of helpful information, as it pertains to a specific boat. What you find out will give you insight into the boat’s history, ownership record, and specifications, among other details. This is valuable if you own the boat because you ensure the information is correct. It’s also a great idea to do a vessel search before you buy a boat so that you know what you’re getting into. Keep reading to find out more.
What’s Involved in a USCG Vessel Lookup?
When you conduct a vessel lookup, you access the relevant database where you can input information about a boat and find out all of the included details that are on record. Keep in mind that a boat has to be registered with the Coast Guard for it to show up on a USCG lookup. What you can find will give you a wealth of knowledge about the boat in question.
Boat Specifications
This includes the boat’s dimensions (volume, weight, length, etc.), its systems and its registration details. This is handy if you are looking for a vessel with certain requirements in terms of its specs. For example, if you are looking for a passenger boat, you want to make sure it can accommodate the number of people that will be on board.
Financial Liabilities
A vessel search is a great way to find out about any liens or encumbrances that are associated with a boat. This lets you know what the financial standing is and any legal issues that need to be resolved. In some cases, if you buy the boat without these being addressed, they become your responsibility, so it’s best to ensure that there are no outstanding bills that need to be paid.
A lien or encumbrance may be due to unpaid taxes or loans, as well as a variety of other existing obligations. If they exist, proceed with caution. Due diligence involves finding out more about existing liens and is an important part of deciding whether to buy a boat or not. This allows you to move forward with a purchase, while also being sure that financial obligations are being addressed by the appropriate person or entity.
Other Information
A vessel search can also provide you with other information about the boat. That includes its record of ownership, maintenance information and other details that can help you decide if it’s a good buy or not. Perhaps it was involved in a collision and repaired. That may influence your decision to move ahead with a transaction. Carefully examining all of the information that you can find with a vessel search is an important step in the buying process. If you own a boat, it’s a good idea to check that the data coming up on a vessel search is accurate.
If you need help facilitating a USCG vessel lookup or you have any questions about the process, we are here to help. Get started today by contacting the US Vessel Documentation Center.
