If owning a commercial vessel has long been a goal of yours so you can conduct business using a boat on the waters in the U.S., you will quickly find out that there are many restrictions and regulations that you must adhere to along the way. One of the most important issues for you to be aware of involves the vessel you plan to use for your business. Since commercial vessels must be documented with the Coast Guard, you must follow the restriction that your vessel be built in the United States. However, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has created exceptions to this rule that can help you, and you should learn about the MARAD Small Vessel Waiver Program to see how it can assist you.
The Basics of the Waiver Program
The basic tenets of the waiver program state that, in particular cases, a waiver can be obtained for foreign-built vessels or boats from an unknown origin that allows you to get documentation for the vessel. To be eligible for the program, your vessel needs to be three years old or more. You cannot transport more than twelve people when the vessel is in use, and the only use available for your vessel can be to transport passengers. You must also be a United States citizen to apply for the program.
Applying for the MARAD Small Vessel Waiver Program
There are steps you must follow to apply for the MARAD Small Vessel Waiver Program. You must fill out the appropriate application and supply any supporting documentation that is needed according to the application. There is a deposit of $500 that cannot be refunded for your waiver request that must be paid. You must also follow the thirty-day public notice regulation, posting how to intend to use your boat in the Federal Register.
File for the Program Here
To make things easier for you, here at Maritime Documentation Center, you can file for the MARAD Small Vessel Waiver Program. We have the application you need here on our website, and you can send everything to us electronically. Our experts will check it over for you to make sure it is correct. Then they send it on for you so that you can get your request processed and get the paperwork you need for your business. If you need to get in touch and make an inquiry, please send us your message using our contact form.