A “hailing port” is undoubtedly a familiar word to boat owners, but what does it mean? When you get your boat registered and licensed, you’ll need to use a hailing port. There are times when you will need to designate a different hailing port than the one listed as your home port. While these two…
Getting started with boating is a two-way street. On one hand, if you are giving your first steps in the area, you will need to learn how to properly sail the boat. On the other hand, once those of you who have finished with that will soon have to acknowledge all of the different responsibilities…
You have just bought a boat that has been previously documented with the USCG. This means that the hailing port of the boat might not be the same as that which is listed on the documentation, and this could lead you into serious difficulties with the Coast Guard. The same can also happen if you…
Did you get your vessel and can’t wait to take it out on the water? Are you concerned that you have all of the documentation taken care of that you need before doing so? No one wants to get stopped by the authorities only to find that they don’t have the proper documentation taken care…
We always want all of our boaters to stay safe out there. That’s true at any time of the year, but especially during a global pandemic. The weather’s getting nicer, some states and countries are beginning to open up, so we’re all itching to get back out on our boats. That can be very safe,…
You might already be aware of this, but did you know there are certain ports from which vessels must hail to maintain clear communication with the other ships and the Coast Guard? Hailing ports are predetermined spots on land or water where a ship may make radio contact with another ship or the land itself….
Do you know the difference between port vs. stern? Even if you do, do you know where they come from? Every now and then, there’s nothing wrong with going over some basic boating tips. We created the National Documentation Portal to be a place where vessel owners could apply for and renew their documentation (among…
Spring brings a renewed spirit to nature, with boat enthusiasts eagerly personalizing and prepping their vessels. Amidst this excitement, one often overlooked aspect is the decision to define the hailing port of your boat. The hailing port goes beyond mere decoration; it is a vital identifier required by the federal government, holding significant importance in…
If the thought of owning a recreational vessel like a yacht or other boat is appealing to you, but you have never done anything like this before, it is always a good idea to spend some time learning as much as you can about boat ownership. You can do some research of your own to…
Have you gotten to the point of completing your initial vessel documentation where it asks you for your “hailing port?” Are you wondering exactly what is a hailing port and where should it be? You have to choose a hailing port, yes, but there are some misconceptions around the concept of a hailing port that…