After 30 days of expiration, you must apply for vessel documentation reinstatement. Bear in mind that reinstatement does not entitle a vessel to documentation. Only the current Certificate of Documentation is valid for operating a vessel. If you are looking forward to operating a ship, you must keep your documentation valid and up to date….
As a potential new boat owner, you want to make sure you do your research before you get deeply involved with any transaction you make. Buying a ship that is brand new and coming directly from the manufacturer may not require too much from you regarding research. Are you thinking of purchasing a boat from…
If you have a large vessel, it is important to understand USCG regulations regarding boating. These are the rules that you are obliged to follow when operating your vessel in US waters. If you do not comply with these rules, then you may be fined heavily, or worse. If you are just beginning ownership of…
For those who are completely inexperienced in the world of vessel ownership, it is important to understand that there is a lot of red tapes and admin that goes into making everything above board and legal. It isn’t simply a case of exchanging money for a boat and getting on with your life on the…
The boat that is being used for recreational purposes doesn’t need to be registered by the federal government. However, the boats that are intended to be used for commercial purposes need to have the vessel documentation. When a boat is properly documented, it is easier to travel in foreign countries. A certificate of Documentation is used…
The process of selling and/or buying a new boat for yourself can be a really exciting and rewarding one, but only if you make sure that you follow all rules and regulations along the way. When large pieces of ‘property’ and large sums of money are being exchanged, you literally cannot afford to make any…
Has something recently occurred in your life that you feel may negatively affect your vessel documentation situation? Does it feel as if you should respond, in some way, in terms of updating or changing your documentation yet you’re unsure exactly what that could be? These are the kinds of concerns that vessel owners face quite…
All boats must be registered with the USCG in order for them to maintain track of their fleet. You may be able to locate information about your boat’s records using a vessel documentation search by number or Hull ID Number (HIN). The Vessel Documentation Center website’s Search page makes it easy to find the information…
The vessel bill of sale in the United States can be confusing for first-time boat owners. When purchasing a recreational or commercial vessel, you will almost certainly be required to complete some bill of sale form, but understanding exactly how and where to begin can be confusing and complicated. When purchasing a boat, it is…
If you own a boat for any extended period of time, it is very likely that you are going to be stopped by the coast guard or local marine patrol at least once or twice over the course of your experience, even for something as insignificant and low scale as a routine equipment check. Though…