For many people, the dream of one day becoming a boat owner is something that serves as a goal to work towards, but it might be fair to assume that when you think about finally being able to afford a vessel, you are only thinking about the initial lump sum that it might take to…
Coast Guard registration isn’t just a local requirement—it’s a cornerstone of international maritime law. In this article, the National Documentation Portal navigates the intricate relationship between USCG registration and the broader framework of international maritime law. Understanding Coast Guard Registration Before delving into its international implications, it’s crucial to grasp the essence of USCG registration….
When you begin filling out your vessel documentation, does it feel like the process wasn’t made for vessel owners, but instead for the convenience of those who collect the forms? Are you looking for a process that makes it easier on vessel owners? We designed our NVDC for vessel owners, to make it easier on…
The Maritime Administration of the United States (Marad) grants waivers of the existing regulations only when your intended purpose doesn’t cause “undue adverse effect” on other operators or shipbuilders. A Marad waiver exempts provisions that may occur under one particular set of circumstances. Primarily, it depends on the use to which you intend to use…
Do you keep up with Coast Guard safety alerts? Do you check them every now and then before you go out on the water? It’s entirely likely that you don’t. That said, it can be worth it to check in with them from time to time. These alerts provide pertinent information that may not be…
If you are the owner of a large pleasure vessel like a yacht or the owner of a commercial vessel for your business, getting documentation for your boat is important to you. The documentation is required by law for all commercial vessels, and for large pleasure boats, it can be an important component for you…
Once you have your craft and your certification or license the next thing to think about is safety. It is a good idea to think of your boat as a vehicle, which in fact it is. It moves like any other type of vehicle, whether powered by muscle, wind, or motor. The only difference is…
Do You Need To Take Out A Preferred Ship Mortgage? Spending money on your first vessel can be a big investment, and many new boat owners choose to opt for a mortgage on their boat in order to afford the cost. Going to a bank or lending society and requesting money in order to purchase…
When you decide to buy a boat, you will need to supply the proper paperwork. In order to register with the U.S. Coast Guard. One such document is a boat bill of sale, which legitimizes the seller and proves that they made the purchase. Completing this essential piece of paperwork is important for both buyer…
Has the weather gotten so nice in your area that you feel like you just have to take your vessel out on the water? More and more places all over America are feeling that spring has finally sprung and summer is soon to follow. If your vessel has spent all winter in storage, now may…