You must have a solid understanding of yacht documentation if you are the owner of a USCG vessel. Documentation is the only thing that can establish that your vessel is registered with the United States Coast Guard and that it complies with all of the rules that are currently in effect. If you do not have the appropriate papers, the authorities may not allow your vessel to enter or depart from particular ports, or they may even confiscate it. The following is information that you must have about yacht paperwork to ensure that your vessel continues to comply with all regulations:
Yacht Documentation Is Different from Boat Registration
A yacht’s paperwork is distinct from a regular boat, although boat registration is common knowledge. Although the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is in charge of boat registration in the United States, no one organization is responsible for monitoring all yacht paperwork. Remember that your vessel will require documentation if you want to take it on the high seas and visit ports outside the United States, regardless of where you call home.
U.S. Coast Guard-registered vessels can travel anywhere in the world so long as they don’t illegally enter the territorial waters of other nations; however, those who wish to cruise internationally or outside of U.S. waters must first complete what is known as “yacht documentation.” Yacht paperwork focuses on security, whereas boat registration is more concerned with paying taxes.
Yacht paperwork does not expire until the USCG revokes it or you elect to change flags. Still, boat registration must be renewed annually to maintain a vessel up-to-date with safety rules and regulations changes, but only inside U.S. waters and rivers.
You Need Documentation Even If Your Vessel Isn’t Registered
Private boat operators in the United States must have the proper paperwork to operate their vessels lawfully. Most persons must get their boat documented by the United States Coast Guard. While not a difficult task by any means, you should be aware of a few specifics surrounding yacht documentation. This is of paramount importance if a ship does not match the legal requirements for registration.
For instance, sailors under 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) in length may travel without registering with the U.S. Coast Guard; all that’s required is evidence of ownership and a few minor documents. Even if your boat doesn’t need to be registered under U.S. law or doesn’t want to go through the registration procedure, you’ll still need the proper paperwork and know-how to keep it seaworthy.
Yacht Documentation Tracks the History and Use of Your Vessel
To sail legally in American waters, you must be familiar with yacht documents. To those on the outside looking in, all of these rules and regulations may seem like a bother, but they serve a critical purpose for each boat owner in the nation. If you’ve never owned a boat before, yacht documentation is simply a record of when and how you used your boat. The USCG maintains a register of all vessels 10 meters or longer to record and investigate any accidents. In an emergency aboard your boat, such as a collision or a run-in with the Coast Guard, authorities must be able to pinpoint your location and come to your aid quickly. You may not want a record of your boat being built or owned ever being found. Skipping out on declaring your boat as recorded is a simple method to avoid paying taxes.
Timely Renewal Is Critical for Keeping Your Documentations Up-To-Date
It’s encouraging that yachts are being traded often since it shows that yachts are being purchased as long-term assets. However, when boats are sold, the documentation must be processed correctly to ensure the yacht remains in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The present owner and any future boat buyers might face fines and other penalties if this is not done. Even if you don’t believe there’s a chance of your vessel changing owners, staying on top of your paperwork renewals is wise to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Before selling your vessel before your renewal expires, you should consult an expert about any necessary precautions you should take to avoid legal trouble. The second information is that domestic and international paperwork are the two most common varieties. Most people think of inland paperwork when they hear “documentation.” It is valid only for boats that remain inside U.S. waters and must be renewed every five years.
Consult A Marine Attorney Before Changing Your Vessel’s Status Quo
If you make any modifications that need license or yacht documentation, you will be required to hire a maritime surveyor, according to flsenate.gov. When making any changes to the status quo of your vessel, such as moving to a new location, increasing the size of your crew, or changing your flag, you should first seek the advice of an experienced maritime attorney. Your attorney will be able to guide you through the procedure and ensure that everything is completed successfully. By retaining the services of an expert marine attorney, you will have a greater grasp of how these regulations influence your yacht, and this will help prevent you from inadvertently breaching any restrictions.
Contact the U.S. Vessel Documentation Center today at (800) 340-7580 for more. Call them in the morning, afternoon, or evening. The office is open weekly, so they’ll be there when you need them. They’ll help you all day long and even into the night. That’s right: they’ve been doing this for a long time, so they know what they’re doing and can do it quickly.
