Having a commercial boating business can be a fantastic venture. You have the opportunity to be your own boss and create a purposeful work week, the best part being that you can spend some or most of that time out on the open water. Despite the excite and adventure that surrounds being your own boss…
You are probably already aware of the importance of USCG documentation for vessels that exceed 5 net weight tons: if they are used for commercial purposes, they need to get this type of registration. If their main use, on the other hand, is recreational, they have the option of getting this national form of licensing.…
If you want to start a business venture which uses a vessel, then you will need to have the right documentation before you set off. A venture which involves the use of a boat or ship faces very specific regulation that involves applying for documentation. You can use our Coast guard registration portal to apply…
Do you have your eye on purchasing a certain vessel, but just aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Does everything look good “on paper” when it comes to the vessel, yet you still want to know more before you close the deal? When it comes to your money and a potential vessel purchase, being…
A bill of sale is essential when purchasing a boat, as it serves as proof of the transaction. As a buyer or seller, you’ll want to review this boat bill of sale as an agreement to ensure that you understand all of the terms and conditions of the transaction. In a future disagreement, a bill…
We take pride in saying that the United States is a free country and the Marad Waiver is no exception. Our country has certain regulations in place that benefit domestic commerce. To prioritize American vessel-owners and home-built boats, the Maritime Administration has certain protections to regulate who has access to commerce between domestic ports. Vessel…
Of all of the questions that we get asked, this might be the most common. Knowing what to do with your vessel doesn’t necessarily correspond to knowing what to do with your maritime document. Being the best helmsman or vessel owner does not mean that you will automatically understand vessel documentation. That’s alright, though, and…
Spring is here once again, and summer is just around the corner. You have probably already spent time getting your boat ready for the warmer weather, doing annual maintenance and cleaning after storing your vessel over the winter. While you are taking care of preparing your recreational watercraft for fun and adventures, it is a…
One thing we’ve learned over the years about USCG documentation forms: they weren’t named with regular people in mind. It’s been our experience that most people who own boats would much rather be on their boats than filling out some form. These are legal forms, designed by lawyers and legislators, so they can be a…
One topic we’ve touched on from time to time in these blogs is how to register a boat with the Coast Guard. We’ve mentioned this a few times for many reasons, not the least of which is that it’s very important. This is one of the most commonly accessed forms at our site; you can…
Are you going out with family and friends on your boat for Memorial Day weekend? Now that summer is just about here, are you ready to enjoy the sun on the water? Sure, there’s always a good reason to take your boat out, even in the middle of the frigid winter. But, summer’s different. This…
The owner of a USCG vessel may be unfamiliar with the term “vessel abstract of title” and uncertain whether or not you need one. The transfer of a vessel’s ownership is recorded in an abstract title. If you plan on selling your boat, prospective purchasers will want to see an abstract of the title as…
If you have been immersed in the boating industry for a while, you must be aware by now that the United States Coast Guard is the guvernamental administration in charge of the regulation of maritime activity, particularly at a federal level. They do so with the help of the National Vessel Documentation Center, which issues…
Does it feel like it’s time to renew your vessel registration, but you aren’t sure? Have you felt like boat registration renewal is a chore that should be easier than it is? You know you have to do it every year, but, to get the most for your money, you have to renew within a…
The excitement you feel when you purchase your first yacht, or large pleasure vessel can seem immeasurable to you. You cannot wait for that first trip you take with family or friends or even just for the day when you can take the boat out for a few hours to enjoy the waters. However, before…