Do you wish to apply for Coast Guard documentation? If so, the Maritime Documentation Center is the right place for you. The government is interested in knowing about each boat purchase, no matter how modest or extravagant the vessel may be. This includes fishing boats as well as luxury yachts. Because of this requirement, all vessels above a particular size must obtain documentation from the Coast Guard.
Continue reading if you are unsure what it is or whether or not your boat has one installed. If your boat does not already have Coast Guard Documentation, you will learn all you need to know about obtaining one and how to do so in the next section. Certification from the Coast Guard for your yacht might provide you with various advantages. The following are some of the reasons you should consider acquiring documentation:
Proof of Ownership and Registration
The registration process ensures that the device is safe and that the government can monitor its usage. The ability to prove boat ownership is essential. You can’t have your boat registered in your name if you can’t prove that you own it. While it’s true that only big yachts must be registered with the Coast Guard, you’ll still need some papers to show ownership of any vessel, no matter how tiny.
If you’re renting a home on a lake and want to bring your little weekend boat over for an afternoon of fun, you’ll need to provide documentation that you own the vessel before launching it. It’s expected that some individuals would forget to save their title documents. No one would intentionally steal a boat, but it’s still good to be aware of the market value of watercraft. One may get financial security by purchasing a boat. They’re expensive, and you must keep up with their regular maintenance if you want to keep using them.
Easier Processing Through Customs
Registering your yacht in the United States is no legal necessity, but doing so may provide you with several benefits. It is considerably more likely that a boat that has proper documentation will pass through customs. At customs, you’ll be asked to complete a form detailing who you are, what boat you’re traveling on, and how long you plan to remain in the United States. You can prove your identity and citizenship using your passport.
When you’re out on the water, you’ll need to fill out a form with specifics about your boat, such as its make, model, length, propulsion system, etc. The benefit is that you won’t have to contact the coast guard every time you move or take your boat overseas; instead, they can search up your Coast Guard documentation in their database. If you want to take it abroad, you should consider having your boat documented. Custom is a breeze when you’re prepared with the proper registrations and papers.
Reduced Chance of Boarding/Seizure
The Coast Guard produces paperwork to guarantee that vessels entering U.S. ports from abroad do not endanger U.S. citizens or the environment. Boats that have been documented have passed an inspection by a marine surveyor recognized by the United States Coast Guard and have been deemed suitable for recreational boating and fishing.
This paperwork does not guarantee the ship is seaworthy or has enough navigational safety equipment, but it helps facilitate a more rapid entrance into U.S. waters. However, all boats are susceptible to search and boarding while on the waterways, and possessing this certificate will enable you to transport more people and goods than you would be permitted without it. The paperwork requirements vary with the vessel’s tonnage according to state.gov.
Having Coast Guard documentation might be complex because of the many regulations governing anything from life vests to lights. But with study and planning, documentation of your yacht shouldn’t be too difficult, and the added tranquility it brings is well worth the effort.
Having a Coast Guard Documentation Guarantees You a Peace of Mind
Having some peace of mind, even if it’s only a little bit, might come from knowing that the United States Coast Guard records your vessel. Knowing that your boat is eligible for some safeguards against loss or damage should be of assistance to you, although it will not shield you from every possible scenario. If you’re at a protected port when an emergency is declared and your boat is damaged, the Coast Guard may pay for some of the repairs or condemn it. There are other safeguards at your disposal, and these will vary according to the Coast Guard documentation you get.
A Coast Guard Documentation is an essential tool for captains seeking their license to become a Merchant Mariner. It’s also crucial for those looking into the profession and wanting to learn more about it. For those in the Seattle area, contact the Maritime Documentation Center today at 800-535-8570 to learn more.