Are you unsure which is the right endorsement for your documented vessel? Does ship documentation seem a bit confusing? We designed the National Documentation Portal to help with that among many, many other tasks.
Getting and maintaining US Coast Guard vessel documentation may seem daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. As fellow vessel owners, we understand the confusion and uncertainty that comes with documentation for your vessel. With the right endorsement for your documented vessel, you can use it how you would like.
Documentation Foundation
If your vessel is wholly owned by an American citizen, was made in America, and measures at least five net tons, you can document it with the Coast Guard.
That said, if you plan on using it for fishing or coastwise trade on American navigable waters or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, it is mandatory to document your vessel. It’s important to note that “net tons” refers to volume, not weight. Typically, a vessel that is 25 feet or longer will likely meet the five net ton requirement. Finding the necessary forms for your ship documentation is made easy on our website, ensuring a hassle-free process for vessel owners.
The Renewal Process
Once you have successfully documented your vessel, the documentation is valid for one year. After this period, you are required to renew your vessel documentation annually. While this might seem like a recurring inconvenience, we offer a convenient solution on our platform. Instead of dealing with the yearly renewal hassle, our experts can handle your vessel documentation renewal for up to five years in advance. This means you can have peace of mind, knowing your vessel documentation is in order for an extended period, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vessel without unnecessary administrative concerns.
Effortless Reinstatement
Life can get busy, and it’s easy to forget about renewing your vessel documentation until it’s too late. If you find yourself in a situation where your documentation has expired for more than 30 days, we have you covered.
Our website provides all the necessary resources for reinstating your vessel documentation promptly. This ensures you can continue using your vessel without interruption.
Understanding Endorsements
Every documented vessel serves a unique purpose, which is why there are different endorsements available for specific uses. For instance, if your vessel is intended for fishery purposes, the fishery is the right endorsement.
By that same token, if you’re going to transport people and/or merchandise, then you’re going to want a “Coastwise” endorsement. “Registry” endorsements are designed for vessels engaged in foreign trade, while the “Recreation” endorsement is for vessels used purely for recreational purposes. Navigating these endorsements can be confusing, but our platform simplifies the process.
Ship Documentation Solutions
Obtaining and maintaining US Coast Guard vessel documentation doesn’t have to be challenging. With our user-friendly platform and expert assistance, you can confidently fulfill your documentation requirements, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vessel without the worry of administrative complexities. Explore our website today to discover a seamless and stress-free way to handle your vessel documentation needs.