The Steps Involved with Vessel Documentation

That fantastic new boat you just bought is going to bring you years of fun and leisure. You, your family, and your friends can spend hours, days, or even weeks sailing all over. Enjoying different countries and islands, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, basking in the sun, and who knows what else. With all the great things that lay ahead of you as a boat owner, you want to make sure you take care of all the necessary paperwork ahead of time. So that you have no problems when it comes time to set sail for the first time. You will have the choice of registration with your state or seeking federal documentation for your vessel. If you want vessel documentation, there are specific steps that you will need to follow to accomplish the task.

The First Step in Documentation

Your first step in documentation is to gather all the necessary supporting documents and evidence you will need. One of the requirements of documentation is that the owner of the boat must be a United States citizen. You will need to provide proof of citizenship and your address, and this can include attaching a copy of your Passport I.D. or other identification. You will also need to have the bill of sale for your vessel to show that you are the rightful owner of the vessel. If you purchased the ship new, you would have this document, even if you have a mortgage for the vessel. A preowned purchase should also include a bill of sale to document the transaction.

Moving Forward with Documentation

Once you have all your supporting documents, your next step in vessel documentation is to get the appropriate application for you to fill out. While some people may turn to the Coast Guard to get their application and download it from their website, the downside of dealing directly with the Coast Guard is that all applications for documentation need to be mailed in for processing. This method can cause long delays for you, and if mistakes are made on the application, it can take even longer for you to get the paperwork back just so you can start all over again.

The Best Way to Get Documentation

The best way for you to get vessel documentation for your boat is to come to us. Our unique website offers an electronic version of the application forms that you need from the Coast Guard. So that you can fill everything out online. Our website is secure, so you have no risks. You can complete the application much more quickly and send it, along with your supporting documentation, to us. We then take the time to look everything over, checking for mistakes or omissions that might otherwise slow the process down before anything gets sent to the Coast Guard. Using our system gives you the easiest way to get your approval. Ultimately allowing you to spend more time on your ship.