Minimum Size Required for A Boat to Get USCG Documentation

The USCG has certain size standards that must be met before a vessel may acquire USCG documentation. Vessels must be at least 25 feet in length and 7 feet broad to be registered by the US Coast Guard. There are, however, certain exceptions to this. For example, single-engine powerboats with a length of little more…

Your Abstract of Title is Important

When you are preparing to purchase a boat from an owner or a broker you want to ensure that you do all that you can to have a smooth transaction. This means having all the information on hand that you’ll need regarding the vessel to make sure you are buying a good, working boat. Buying…

Ship Documentation and Endorsements: Using Your Vessel How You Want

Do you know how you want to use your vessel but aren’t sure about the corresponding form of ship documentation? Are you filling your initial documentation application and have made it to Section J that asks for “Endorsements for Which Application is Made?” When you get your vessel documented, you have to pick an endorsement.…

Coast Guard Renewal Documentation: Your COD, Your Way

Does it feel like it’s time to file Coast Guard renewal documentation, but you aren’t sure? Have you felt like it sneaks up on you, and you’re worried that one of these years, you’re going to miss the deadline? Firstly, even if you miss the renewal deadline, all is not lost. That said, it’s far…

Safe and Secure with the Help of the USCG Registry

Safe boating is fun boating. When you do everything you can to make your trip as safe as possible for everyone on board, it’s easy to relax. You can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared for every eventuality, which means you can kick back and just take it all in.…

Using a Coast Guard Abstract of Title Before Buying a Ship

You spotted that pleasure boat or luxury vessel as you drove by the marina and it immediately caught your eye. It’s beautiful and it has everything you ever wanted in a ship. And to top it off, it had a “For Sale” posted on it. You may have called the phone number or looked up…

When is USCG Documentation Required? (And Why You May Want it Anyway)

Have you been concerned that you’ll soon be in a situation where you’ll need USCG documentation? Did you recently purchase a vessel and aren’t sure if it’s the right situation for you and your vessel? Over the years, here at the Maritime Documentation Center, we have helped so many vessel owners who are in your…

The Difference Between Vessel Documentation Reinstatement and Renewal

All USCG-affiliated boat owners must have a boat registered with the USCG. You may not be aware of the distinction between a vessel documentation reinstatement and renewal. Ensure you put together your renewal packet to begin the process. You must request it at least six weeks before your current registration expires. Send the form to…

Vessel Tracking by Vessel Name for Information

Do you see boat ownership as part of your future? You want more than just a small boat that you and a buddy can go out on the lake with. What you are looking for has all the bells and whistles, creature comforts, and looks majestic on the water. Of course, a boat like this…

What Information is Available Through the Coast Guard Documentation Search?

Some of us have the privilege of having family and friends that own a yacht or boat. It means spending hours out on the water in the spring and summer (sometimes year round depending on where you reside). Spending time on a boat may have made you want to purchase one yourself and having friends…

Some Reasons Folks Document Their Vessel Through Our USCG Portal

“I guess vessel documentation is a good idea, but what are the real benefits to it if I don’t have to document my vessel?” At this point, you probably know that if your vessel measures five net tons or more and you’re using it for fishing and coastwise activities on navigable American waters or those…

How to Get Information with a Documented Vessel Search

When you are considering buying a new boat or yacht, you need to know as much as possible about the vessel before you hand over any money. In order to ensure that the vessel you are buying is legal in the US, and can be bought without any consequences, you need to perform a documented…

Which Owners and Vessels Qualify for USCG Documentation

Did you consider USCG documentation for your vessel, yet don’t know if you qualify? Do some of the benefits feel like they could really help you and/or your vessel, but the qualifications for documentation seem a bit opaque? Those are exactly the kinds of questions that we started our Maritime Documentation Center to answer. We…

How to Change Vessel Name and Hailing Port

If you’re the owner of a new vessel, you may be interested to know how to change vessel name and hailing port. Although you will be strongly advised against doing so by the superstitious sailor community, who tell you changing a boat’s name is bad luck, you are set on your ways. What are the steps…

Watercraft Registration and Safety on the Water this Summer

Here at the Maritime Documentation Center, our focus is on watercraft registration and documentation. Our site was built specifically to make it easier for you to take care of all of your watercraft document needs in a single place. We want you to be as safe as possible when you get out on the water.…