When you own a boat, it’s important to have all of your relevant paperwork in order. This is for your own protection, as well as the protection of the other boats on the water. Proper documentation is vital, but so is US Coast Guard Boat documentation renewal. That’s right. Your paperwork will need to be renewed regularly. Doing so on time can save you loads of money on fees and penalties. Here’s what you need to know about getting your renewal done on time and what happens if you don’t.
Why is Renewal Important?
Being caught without current documentation for your boat can result in fines, penalties, and possible seizure of your vessel. Likewise, waiting too long to renew your paperwork can also result in extra costs. It’s vital that you have up-to-date documentation on your boat in case you are boarded or have an emergency on the water. Starting the renewal process well ahead of time can save you money so keep track of the documentation expiration date.
Federal Regulations
By renewing your paperwork on time, you stay compliant with federal regulations regarding boat ownership. This includes safety, pollution prevention, and other security considerations. Proper documentation is important for proving you are operating your boat safely. Failing to adhere to federal regulations can cost you money, in addition to the fees that you will incur for failing to renew on time. You may be subject to penalties that relate to the operation of your boat and failing to meet regulations set forth by the United States Coast Guard.
Value of the Boat
Your boat has a higher value when all of the documentation is current. If you ever decide to sell, this can be appealing to buyers, whereas expired documents can deter potential buyers from being interested in your vessel. To ensure that your boat retains the most value possible, be sure you adhere to documentation renewal closely and responsibly. A successful sale on your boat will be much smoother and cost you less money in fees if you make sure to renew on time, all the time.
How to Go Through the Documentation Renewal Process
Understanding the requirements and guidelines for renewal is an important part of getting it done properly and on time. Your renewal must be completed within 30 days of the expiration date that appears on your current paperwork. Failing to renew on time could result in fines and penalties but may also mean that your documentation is revoked. Getting started on renewal well ahead of expiration is recommended as a way to be sure your documentation stays current at all times. Fortunately, it’s simple to renew your documentation online and it can be done fairly quickly.
Is it time for your US Coast Guard boat documentation renewal? You’re in the right place. Not only does the US Vessel Registrar have options for filling out paperwork online, but we can also walk you through the process so it gets done correctly. Contact us today and we’ll help you get started.