USCG News

Protect Yourself from Post-Sale Liability with the Right Indemnification Language in a Boat Bill of Sale

Selling a boat can be an exciting milestone, but it also comes with responsibilities—not just transferring ownership, but protecting yourself from potential future disputes. Whether you’re selling your boat “as-is” or with specific conditions, including proper indemnification language in your bill of sale is crucial for minimizing liability after the sale is complete. Let’s walk…

Can You Transfer USCG Documentation When Buying a Boat? Here’s How

Purchasing a boat is an exciting milestone, whether you’re embarking on your first maritime adventure or expanding your existing fleet. But along with the thrill of owning a vessel comes a considerable amount of paperwork, including transferring USCG documentation. If you’re wondering how the process works and why it matters, you’re in the right place. …

How to Perform a Free Vessel Documentation Lookup and When to Pay for It

If you own a vessel or are considering buying one, understanding its documentation is crucial. A vessel documentation lookup helps you confirm ownership, compliance, and registration details. This can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you’re adhering to maritime laws. While there are free tools available to conduct a vessel documentation lookup, you might find yourself…

Boat Registration vs Boat Insurance in the USA

Owning a boat offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration, from weekend fishing trips to extended coastal adventures. But with this privilege comes responsibility, including ensuring your vessel complies with federal and state regulations. Two of the most common requirements boat owners encounter are boat registration and boat insurance. While they serve different purposes, they’re…

Boat Registration vs Boat Insurance in the USA

Owning a boat offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration, from weekend fishing trips to extended coastal adventures. But with this privilege comes responsibility, including ensuring your vessel complies with federal and state regulations. Two of the most common requirements boat owners encounter are boat registration and boat insurance. While they serve different purposes, they’re…

Acquiring a Coast Guard Documentation Number Simply and Easily

Are you in the process of figuring out whether or not you want to get a Coast Guard documentation number? Have you looked into it and are still on the fence? The truth is that documenting a vessel isn’t an option for every vessel. Indeed, some don’t qualify. By that same token, there are those…

Application For Initial Exchange or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation

Are you looking forward to the application for initial exchange or replacement of certificate of documentation? If so, you should know that certain vital documents and paperwork must be filled out to complete the procedure. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to paperwork. In order to transfer ownership of an already-documented boat, the…

Things to Know Before You Buy a Preferred Ship Mortgage

Most individuals interested in purchasing a property will almost certainly go with the option of getting a preferred ship mortgage loan. When it comes to boats, there are a few things that need to be taken into account to get a favored ship mortgage. Before purchasing this kind, read this article. Here we will review…

Boat Registration Renewal: Getting It Done When You Have To

“You mean I have to do this again?” That may not be how every vessel owner reaches when they find out that they have to renew their vessel registration, but we’ve heard similar versions of this sentiment for many years. Yes, it’s true. You do have to renew your vessel registration. In fact, you have…

USCG Documentation Renewal: A Step-by-Step Guide for Vessel Owners

Keeping your vessel’s USCG documentation current is crucial for compliance, legal operation, and maintaining your maritime privileges. The USCG documentation renewal process can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s straightforward. Whether you’re a first-time renewer or a seasoned vessel owner, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process efficiently. Why Renewing Your…

USCG Documentation for Commercial Vessels: What You Need to Know

For commercial vessel owners, maintaining proper documentation with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is not just a legal requirement—it’s a crucial step in ensuring smooth operations. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or new to the industry, understanding USCG documentation and compliance can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches. At Vessel Registrar Center, we…

USCG Bill of Sale

What is the USCG Bill of Sale and Its Benefits When Not Purchasing a Boat?

The freedom to go anywhere is one of the benefits of owning a boat. You can literally go anywhere in the world, as long as your boat is legally documented. Furthermore, it must have life jackets and anchors. But before you sail, there is one thing that you might want to procure — the USCG…

Coast Guard Portal

Coast Guard Portal: Your Gateway to Maritime History and Seamless Documentation

Maritime enthusiasts and history buffs, are you fascinated by the grandeur of historic vessels and captivated by seafaring tales? Whether you’re exploring maritime museums or navigating vessel documentation, the key is smooth sailing. Introducing the Coast Guard Portal – your gateway to discovering maritime wonders and simplifying vessel paperwork at usvesselregistrar.us. Discover Maritime Museums with…

renew boat registration

Do You Need to Renew Your Registration for a Non-Motorized Boat?

Owning a boat, whether motorized or non-motorized, is a ticket to countless memorable days on the water. But as much as taking the boat out is fun, it also comes with its responsibilities—including making sure your registration is current. Many boat owners ask this question, “Do I need to renew my registration for a non-motorized…

How to Avoid Late Fees & Penalties When Renewing Your Boat Registration

Owning a boat is often associated with freedom, adventure, and relaxation on the water. However, managing the paperwork that comes with boat ownership—such as renewing your boat registration—can sometimes feel time-consuming or confusing. Missing a deadline or skipping a renewal can lead to costly late fees, penalties, or even restrictions on using your vessel. Fortunately,…