If you own a boat, you probably already know that having the proper Coast Guard documentation may be advantageous. However, you should know that not all boat owners qualify for it. In this piece, we’ll go through the requirements for Coast Guard documentation and the benefits that having it might bring to your yacht. Continue reading if you are curious about the topic and want to learn more. It is not always easy to assess whether or not your boat is qualified to get USCG paperwork. Although having your yacht registered and approved is not a simple procedure, it will prove worthwhile in the long run. The following are some basic suggestions that can assist you in determining whether or not your boat meets the requirements:
Length
When it comes to boats, there are a variety of circumstances that might make the process of registering them with the Coast Guard more difficult. It is in your best interest to have a trained expert lead you through the process of registering your boat if the vessel in question is particularly complicated. There is no need for concern on your part if you are uncertain whether or not the vessel in question is eligible for registration. We have got you covered. At a minimum, your vessel has to be 26 feet long according to wi.gov. If it is much less than that, then it does not qualify. If your vessel is a sailboat, it has to be able to sail at least 5 knots and have at least two sails (one jib and one mainsail). This implies that you will need two distinct halyards leading back to the cockpit to raise and lower the sails.
Width
If you are unsure whether your boat is eligible for Coast Guard documentation, there are a few simple principles that may help you determine whether or not you are in the clear. If the width of your boat is less than 8 feet, it does not meet the requirements to be a documented vessel. It is qualified if it has a propulsion power of 10 horsepower or more and is more than 8 feet wide but less than 79 feet long. The length requirement remains at 79 feet. Boats broader than 79 feet in length and have a propulsion capacity of 20 horsepower, or more are also eligible for the race.
Capacity
Your boat must have the ability to carry at least 3,000 pounds or 15 persons at a minimum. This does not imply that you cannot get paperwork for a vessel with a capacity of fewer than 15 persons or 3,000 pounds. It simply implies that the capacity of your vessel must be sufficient to accommodate this quantity. For instance, a vessel with a capacity of 2,400 pounds that can accommodate 12 people may still qualify if you were certain it could securely carry an extra 600 pounds. This would be particularly true if the vessel were exclusively used for fishing or other recreational activities.
Inspections
Suppose your boat is recorded with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). In that case, it indicates that the Coast Guard will do routine inspections on the vessel to ensure it complies with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. This is an essential consideration if you want to maintain your sailboat on public seas. If you don’t have these inspections, there’s nothing stopping others from taking out their own boats without having them registered or inspected, which might lead to major safety dangers and penalties if they infringe rules that you previously complied with. Routine inspections guarantee that safety regulations are met. Still, they also provide you and anybody else who may use your vessel in the future with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that regulations have been met.
Reasons Why It’s Important For Boat Owners to Have Coast Guard Documentation
It Ensures Your Boat Is Registered With the Coast Guard
It is common knowledge that boat owners are responsible for adhering to the regulations imposed by their respective municipal and state authorities; yet, a surprising number of individuals are unaware that they must also register their vessels with the Coast Guard. The fact that you won’t be allowed to transport your boat across federal or international seas because you don’t have the proper U.S. Coast Guard documentation is not something to be taken lightly. If you like traveling and reside in a location with a lot of water, or if you have plans to travel to other countries, this may be inconvenient for you. To your good fortune, getting the Coast Guard to record your boat makes it possible to operate it in a wider variety of waters than simply those immediately next to your property.
It Shows Proof of Ownership and Vessel Registration
Documentation issued by the USCG demonstrates your vessel’s ownership and confirms that it is registered. This is essential if your boat has to be replaced or repaired after an accident or another emergency (for example, if you are served with a lawsuit) since the need may arise. If you do not have this Coast Guard documentation in order, it may raise huge red flags and create issues with paying out any insurance claims that you may have. Suppose someone were to sue you and you didn’t have documentation of registration or ownership, for instance. In that case, the person who brought the suit may argue that your boat wasn’t your property and thus wasn’t protected by your insurance policy since you didn’t register it properly or prove that you owned it.
It Proves That Your Boat Is Seaworthy and Meets Safety Requirements
When you own a boat, you must ensure that it is seaworthy and capable of preventing accidents on the water. If you do not keep your boat in ship-shape condition, you are putting the lives of everyone on board in jeopardy. Getting your boat documented by the United States Coast Guard is a crucial step in ensuring that it is in a safe condition to be used on the water (USCG). Documented boats have been inspected and found to be up to the required level of safety, making them eligible for use in U.S. waters. If your boat is documented, not only will you be able to avoid fines and potentially dangerous situations, but you will also have an easier time getting your boat insured.
Contact the U.S. Vessel Documentation Center today at (800) 340-7580 for more information about obtaining documentation for your vessel or to begin the application process. You can also visit their website to download the application form, print out a reference sheet on required forms and fees, or check the status of an existing application.
