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…
Are you in the process of completing your initial vessel documentation and aren’t sure which endorsement to put? Does it seem a bit more confusing than it should be, even though you know exactly how you plan on using your vessel? Picking the right endorsement for your vessel is crucial to maintaining compliance with Coast…
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…
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…
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…
It’s possible that a lot of people who own boats aren’t familiar with the US Coast Guard boat registry or the advantages of being listed on it. The United States Coast Guard maintains a database of all boats in the country that are registered with them as part of the USCG’s boat registry. The United…
Owning a boat means understanding the importance of having the appropriate US Coast Guard Documentation. Many forms of mortgages for boats demand that you have a boat insurance policy in place. How might US Coast Guard documents help you get finance for your vessel? A crucial factor to consider when buying a new or old…
“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…