You just bought a larger vessel for your fishing business. As a novice, you might be clueless about how to properly register it. Then, when your friend asked you about your boat’s documented vessel number, you were flabbergasted. What is it? Yes, you have seen it on the document. But what is it exactly?
What is a Documented Vessel Number?
It is also known as the documentation number or official number. In a way, it is a unique identifier assigned to vessels that are documented with the United States Coast Guard. It serves as a permanent reference for the boat throughout its lifetime and holds specific significance. Because it is permanent, you cannot replace it.
Key Aspects of this Number
Vessel Identification
The number is used to identify and distinguish one boat from another. It guarantees that every documented vessel has a unique identifier that can be used for tracking and referencing purposes. In a way, it is similar to the purpose of the license plate number of your car.
National Documentation
The number indicates that the vessel is part of the US Coast Guard’s national documentation system. It signifies that the vessel has met the eligibility criteria for documentation. It is based on the vessel’s size and usage.
Ownership Verification
The documented vessel number helps in verifying ownership of the vessel. By referencing the number, you can access ownership information associated with the vessel, including the registered owner’s name, address, and contact details.
Title Search and History
The number can also be used to conduct a title search and obtain historical ownership records. It helps you trace the boat’s ownership lineage because it includes past transfers of ownership. With these details, you can establish a comprehensive ownership history.
Financial Encumbrances
The number can also be used to determine whether there are any outstanding liens, mortgages, or encumbrances on the vessel. This information is crucial for assessing the boat’s financial status and any potential legal claims that may affect ownership. Word of caution: do not buy a boat that has liens if the owner did not disclose it to you.
Official Recognition
The documented vessel number signifies that the boat has been recognized and registered at the federal level under the US Coast Guard’s documentation system. It holds legal significance and provides certain privileges and protections under maritime law.
It is important to note that the number is specific to vessels that are documented with the USCG. In other words, it does not apply to smaller recreational boats that are only registered at the state level.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Documentation?
Now, if you are planning to apply for documentation, you might wonder how long it will take to obtain the necessary certificate. The time frame is a few weeks. But the final document can take up to 3 months. The truth is that the process is quicker if you use our documentation service.
If you wish to hasten the overall process of obtaining a documented vessel number and a certificate of documentation, please give us a call today.