“How do I obtain an abstract of title for my vessel online?” is a question we frequently receive here at the Maritime Documentation Center. First and foremost, you must understand what an abstract title is. An Abstract of Title for a vessel is a legal document that proves that you are the legal owner of…
If you are the owner of a USCG vehicle, you may be wondering how I get an abstract of title. Prospective purchasers sometimes want an essence of title to finalize a sale of a vessel since it documents your vessel’s ownership history. You need to know this if you’re trying to sell your USCG boat…
Boat Licenses, state registration numbers, official numbers, documented vessels, unregistered boats, USCG, NVDC… if you don’t know what these words mean we have got you covered. We will tell you everything about them so you are able to process your initial vessel documentation by yourself and you know what you are doing. But that’s not…
It can be easy to get confused about what responsibilities fall under different government agencies and departments. Sometimes it can seem like there is more red tape than is necessary, and departments exist without anyone knowing what they actually do each day. As a boat owner, you are probably aware that the United States Coast…
Are you in the market for a new boat? If so, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the bill of sale boat process. Buying a boat can be as exciting as it is expensive. While the initial purchase price of your new watercraft weighed heavily on your mind at the time of your purchase, you…
“I know I have to get my boat registration done, but I can do it later.” If you’re like so many vessel owners, you’ve probably had that thought. In fact, you’ve probably had it multiple times in a day. That’s perfectly understandable, as there’s nothing exactly fun, glamorous or exciting about filling out your boat…
Weekly, one of the most common questions we receive is related to the USCG Satisfaction of mortgage. As such, the Maritime Documentation Center has decided to create this article to explain to you everything that has to do with it. When purchasing a boat with the help of a loan, a particular type of them…
The United States Coast Guard has a program called Vessel documentation Reinstatement that enables boat owners to maintain their current documentation even if they do not use their vessel annually. It could be challenging to keep the active status of your documents if you own a vessel you do not use regularly. To maintain your…
When you are purchasing a ship from a private seller, you might want to know its details as complete as they can be. Our website provides direct access to the United States Coast Guard list of documented vessels for you to find the one you are looking for. Looking up a boat’s history can reveal…
You’ll need a bill of sale if you plan to sell your boat. This document is required to establish the validity and completion of the transaction. A bill of sale is a document that proves the legality and ownership of a boat. Before putting any effort into selling your vessel, you must create the document for…
Unfortunately, selling a boat nowadays isn’t as simple as just shaking someone’s hand, taking the money, and handing over the ship. The days we are living to tell us you can never be too careful, and therefore you need to write a boat bill of sale to make the exchange official and even protect yourself…
As a boat owner, it is important that you have access to information that is necessary to you as the owner of a recreational or commercial vessel. While you may not think you ever have a need to contact the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for anything, the truth is the information provided by the…
Are you planning on taking your beloved out on the water this Valentine’s Day? Maybe there’s an unseasonably warm and pleasant day in your neck of the woods, and you want to get out on your vessel while it lasts? If you have a boat, you want to be out on it. That’s true whether…
When you’re at the helm, you’re always on the lookout for threats. Rough seas, darkening skies, quickening wind, other boats, people in the water, and more – when you’re in control, it’s your responsibility to make sure that the vessel’s journey is safe. By staying “one step ahead of things,” by paying close attention, then…
As August turns to September and summer becomes fall, have you been trying to get out on your vessel for one last summer party with family and friends? Do you want to have a good time on the water before the leaves fall and the air grows cold? Now is the time of year when…