The criteria for vessels specified by the federal government are critical for vessel owners to understand. Maintaining your USCG documentation is subject to strict rules and regulations that must be adhered to. This section will provide a high-level summary of the most significant criteria you should be aware of. Suppose you aren’t acquainted with the term. In that case, Federally documented vessels are vessels that come under the authority of the United States Coast Guard and are subject to more strict safety standards than boats that are registered with a state government. Several requirements must be followed to keep your vessel’s federal paperwork up to date, which we’ll go over in more detail below. Failing to comply with the rules and regulations might result in your yacht being categorized as state-registered, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting yourself into.
All Vessels Must Have a Hull Identification Number (HIN)
Any ship documented with an identifying number (hull identification number, or HIN) must have that number issued by the Secretary of the Interior before it may be recorded with that number. The HIN is a unique number granted to vessels by the United States Coast Guard that is never changed (USCG). Under federal law, codified at 46 United States Code 7502, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is required to assign a unique alphanumeric identifier to each vessel built-in or imported into the United States to identify such vessels under section 332 of title 46, United States Code, which authorizes the USCG to issue certificates of documentation for vessels. The HIN is written on every vessel to be legible when floating under normal circumstances. It is typically inscribed on a data plate fastened within 7 feet (2 m) of either bow.
Your Vessel Must Be Registered with The US Coast Guard
According to mass.gov, your ship must be registered with the United States Coast Guard to operate lawfully in the US waters and with the authorities (USCG). In order to stay in compliance with marine regulations and protect the safety of your vessel, you must have federal paperwork. Federally documented vessels are those that are owned and operated by US citizens. As with registering your automobile with the state or county, “documented” indicates that it has been registered with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Although it appears to be a difficult task, it is quite simple. In addition, you should record your boat so that you may get the insurance money if anything happens to it. It’s a terrific resource for individuals who wish to learn more about the legal process of registering their yacht.
Your Boat Must Carry Certain Safety Equipment as One of The USCG Documentation Requirements
It’s no surprise that you own a boat since sailing is a terrific way to have a good time. On the other hand, if you’re like many recreational boaters, your boat is more than simply a place to store a couple of canoes. In reality, if your vessel is 20 feet or greater in length and designed for usage by more than one person at a time, you must comply with several safety equipment requirements as outlined by federal regulations. Although many boats are designed and bought with sufficient safety equipment for everyone aboard, others may not be equipped with all you may need. Although your vessel may satisfy these requirements, it’s crucial to be aware of them since they’re in a place to help assure your safety and the safety of everyone on board — no matter how well-stocked your vessel may be with provisions.
Your Boat Must Meet Certain Size and Weight Restrictions
If you own a recreational vessel that contains sleeping accommodations, a galley, and is more than 10 meters in length or 100 gross tons in weight, you must get a federal document to operate it. Our yacht must adhere to certain dimensions and weight constraints. Ensure that you are covered by insurance at all times. An official Certificate of Documentation is required. Ensure to have a valid hailing port recognized on your vehicle.
To guarantee that you get the assistance and support you need from a qualified workforce, our first concern is documentation. We collaborate closely with the owner on every project, and we never forget that we are here to serve you. And because of our extensive knowledge in this area, we’ve been able to assist boat owners all around the United States for many years. To learn more about owning a documented boat, contact one of our knowledgeable brokers or fill out and return the form for USCG documentation on this page. Request a free consultation or give us a call at (800)-535-8570 to learn more about federal documents!