Does it seem like you need US Coast Guard vessel documentation but you aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Are you concerned about doing something that you don’t have to do? Not every vessel owner must get their vessel documented. Yes, there are circumstances within which a vessel owner must document their vessel. That…
Are you unsure which USCG forms are right for your vessel? Does it feel like every year or so there’s another form of documentation you have to get for your boat and you aren’t sure what it is? That’s not just you. The truth is that vessel documentation can seem confusing and opaque even to…
US Coast Guard documentation (aka USCG documentation) has many benefits. It records your ownership with the government, provides you certain protections in foreign waters, can help with financing, and much more. It’s also a vital step for commercial vessels. Once successfully filed, the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) provides a Certificate of Documentation. This gives…
Are you filling out your initial Coast Guard documentation and are stumped by section “J,” “Endorsements for Which Application is Made?” Do you feel unsure about which of those is right for your vessel and your needs? “Endorsements” are an important part of your documentation. In a very real way, they let the powers that…
August may be upon us, Fall is right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop going out on your boat. Yes, summer is winding down, but you can go out on your boat during autumn. That’s true whether you’re on the water commercially or enjoying time with family and friends. Boat…
Buying a yacht or recreational vehicle can be a big thrill for you and gives you the chance to achieve a lifelong dream of yours to own a boat like this. Many people find that purchasing a boat on the secondary market from a private seller or broker is the best way to get the…
Have grown concerned that certain life changes have made it so that you won’t be able to stay on the Coast Guard boat registration database? Does it seem like the rules are arbitrary about what does and does not have to be given to the powers that be? Here at the Maritime Documentation Center, we…
Buying a vessel, boat or even a yacht is a massive undertaking; it is a thoughtful financial obligation that requires long-term maintenance for as long as you will own it. To make sure you are investing your money intelligently, ensure that you do your homework before you finalize any deal. To get all the compulsory…
Do you need to take out a loan before you can afford to buy a vessel? If so, then you might want to think about taking out a particular type of mortgage known as a preferred ship mortgage. This is a great way to protect your vessel and make sure that you can get the…
You’ve got a boat that you’ve enjoyed quite a bit, but it’s time to move on from it. Maybe you’re giving this vessel to someone in your family. Perhaps you’ve decided to sell it, get as much as you can for it, and then see what the future brings. No matter why you’re selling the…
There are many facets to the U.S. government, and each department and service has different roles and responsibilities. The military is no different, and the various branches of the military operate both as a unit and independently. While most people may hear about the military and immediately think of the services like the Army, Navy,…
Buying a boat like a yacht or other large recreational vessel is a huge step for you. It represents a serious financial commitment on your part for the sale and the upkeep, maintenance, and care for the boat as long as you are the owner. Naturally, you want to take your time to make sure…
You still have a hard time believing it is true. One day, your dreams of owning a boat are just that – dreams. The next day, you have a bill of sale in your hand, indicating you are the new owner of a vessel that you know you will love sailing as often as possible.…
When you are the brand-new owner of a vessel, you will have two choices about how you record your boat in the eyes of the law. Firstly, you can document the boat with the state, which will ensure that you are taxed properly for use and ownership of the vessel, or you could submit an…
Are you the owner of a vessel? If so, have you been keeping up with the ever-changing documentation laws and regulations? Recently, there have been some significant updates concerning the boat documentation cost. At the Maritime Documentation Center, we want to make sure that you know these changes and what they could mean for you.…