Just as is the case when you own a car, there are rules and regulations that you have to follow when you own a boat. The rules go beyond what safety steps you must follow on the ship or when you are on the water. Like you need to have a license plate on your…
In addition to posting access to USCG forms, we try to help our readers with different boating tips, too. You know to wear a personal flotation device and to have one (that fits) for everyone on board. You also know to have a boating plan, which you give to someone on land. That way, should…
Are you in the process of selling your documented vessel? Or, are you bringing someone else onto the ownership team? Alternatively, is it time for someone to move on from co-owning the vessel with you? Vessel documentation can be a complex web of paperwork and legalities. In response to frequent inquiries from our valued customers,…
If you’re a US vessel owner, you know it’s essential to file a Notice of Claim of Lien (NOCL) whenever work is done on your boat. The boat owner is usually responsible for paying for necessary repairs or replacement of any equipment on board in case of an accident or casualty. If the vessel is…
Are you thinking of buying a boat? If so, it’s essential to do your homework first. Boat ownership can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a big responsibility. Size, boat type, and intended use are just a few factors to consider before making such a significant investment. You should also factor in the…
So what is a preferred ship mortgage? It is a type of mortgage that protects you as the lender. Maritime liens other than preferred Maritime Liens do not prioritize First Preferred Ship’s Mortgages, which are lodged against vessels registered with the United States Coast Guard. A First Preferred Ship’s Mortgage is a mortgage recorded against…
Maritime heritage is a tapestry woven with the threads of history, culture, and human ingenuity. At the heart of preserving this heritage lies the National Vessel Documentation Center. As a pivotal authority overseeing documented vessels in the United States, the NVDC plays an often-overlooked yet vital role in safeguarding the legacy of our maritime past….
Do you have a vessel that was foreign-built and you’re not sure what you can do with it? Did you recently come into possession of a vessel with no documentation and want to see what all of your options are moving forward? For many vessel owners, the answer to both of these questions is: “the…
Has something gone awry and you aren’t sure which form of vessel documentation you need to help make it right? Does it seem like you need a vessel documentation form, right now, but you don’t know where to find it (or even which ones to complete?) We designed our site around many ideas, not the…
The ancient poem goes: “red sky at night, sailor’s delight.” The idea is that if the sky is particularly red as evening becomes nighttime, then presumably the weather on the water will not be so bad. At our Vessel Documentation Online site, we always want there to be as “smooth of sailing,” so to speak,…