Before you think about where to go and how to catch fish, you should first think about how you can document your boat, since yours is more than five net tons. One of the Coast Guard boat requirements is to ensure that your vessel has the right pieces of safety equipment. Safety Coast Guard Boat…
No one wants to head out on the water worried that their vessel fails to comply with US Coast Guard boat requirements. These requirements, at times, can seem capricious, if not downright contradictory and confusing. Each moment spent worried about them or being in compliance with them is a moment not spent enjoying your boat…
The MARAD waiver is a Maritime Administration mechanism meant for foreign-built vessels. After all, the Jones Act requires that the vessels operating in coastwise commerce be built domestically whenever possible. The MARAD small vessel waiver program recognizes that foreign-built vessels can also contribute to American commerce, which is why it grants waivers to certain vessels…
The United States Coast Guard is the governmental department that regulates all of the maritime activity on federal and close international waters. They do so by issuing certificates and making sure that the boats are subject to the rules. This article will tell you what are those Coast Guard boat requirements you need to know,…
As a boat owner, you have tons of responsibilities. For instance, you need to ensure that your boat is properly documented or registered. Documentation is necessary if your boat is over five net tons and you use it commercially. If your vessel meets the Coast Guard boat requirements, you are mandated to document it. This…
With the summer in full swing, this might be your last chance to ensure that your papers are appropriate before the USCG catches you if we may say so, off guard. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the US Coast Guard boat requirements: when you need to register your vessel,…
“I just got a vessel and I’d like to get it documented. Can you help?” We are often asked some variation of this exact same question. It’s not always a good idea to answer a question with a question, but in this case, it’s valid. We often respond, “are you sure you have to get…
Buying a second hand boat can be the start of fulfilling a dream of sailing the ocean or expanding your business by shipping to nearby countries. Buying a vessel is usually uncomplicated, and the documents change hands with very little problem. However, if you want to reassure yourself that you are not wasting your money…
When you’re at the helm, you’re always on the lookout for threats. Rough seas, darkening skies, quickening wind, other boats, people in the water, and more – when you’re in control, it’s your responsibility to make sure that the vessel’s journey is safe. By staying “one step ahead of things,” by paying close attention, then…
Spring is finally here. After a seemingly endless winter, the weather is warm, the water is getting there, and the sun is bright. This is the perfect time to take your boat out on the water with family friends. If it isn’t the perfect time to do so where you are, then it’s the perfect…
If you’ve ever picked the name of a child or a pet, then you know how important it is to pick the right name. The stakes might be a bit lower for naming a boat, but you still want to get it right. You want to have a name that you’re fond of, that you…
When you go out on the water, you have a plan. You have a clear idea of where you’re going to take your vessel and when. You make sure that someone on land knows where you’re supposed to be and when you’re supposed to be there. You do this because it’s safe – it protects…
When searching for a watercraft to purchase, you must consider the prerequisites established by the U.S. Coast Guard. When operating a watercraft on public waterways, the Federal Government has several stringent guidelines that must be followed. Before purchasing a boat, you must be acquainted with these regulations. It is feasible to own a watercraft without…
Are you considering getting a Certificate of Documentation for your vessel but aren’t sure if it’s the right course of action? Do you have questions about your eligibility for a Certificate of Documentation? We designed the Maritime Documentation Center, in part, to help with those exact queries. Of all of the forms that we assist…
Before you even leave the dock, you need to ensure the safety of the people on board. Complying with the Coast Guard boat requirements is vital to avoid liabilities when something happens during your sail. What are these requirements? Ensuring Overall Vessel Safety By Complying with Coast Guard Boat Requirements These requirements are designed to…