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…
As the vessel owner, one of the essential responsibilities is ensuring that all of your USCG documentation is in order. When it comes to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), there are several different things you need to think about. You will require your formal Certificate of Documentation (CD), and that means you will also…
The USCG has certain size standards that must be met before a vessel may acquire USCG documentation. Vessels must be at least 25 feet in length and 7 feet broad to be registered by the US Coast Guard. There are, however, certain exceptions to this. For example, single-engine powerboats with a length of little more…
US Coast Guard documentation (aka USCG documentation) has many benefits. It records your ownership with the government, provides you certain protections in foreign waters, can help with financing, and much more. It’s also a vital step for commercial vessels. Once successfully filed, the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) provides a Certificate of Documentation. This gives…
You spotted that pleasure boat or luxury vessel as you drove by the marina and it immediately caught your eye. It’s beautiful and it has everything you ever wanted in a ship. And to top it off, it had a “For Sale” posted on it. You may have called the phone number or looked up…
Have you been concerned that you’ll soon be in a situation where you’ll need USCG documentation? Did you recently purchase a vessel and aren’t sure if it’s the right situation for you and your vessel? Over the years, here at the Maritime Documentation Center, we have helped so many vessel owners who are in your…
August may be upon us, Fall is right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop going out on your boat. Yes, summer is winding down, but you can go out on your boat during autumn. That’s true whether you’re on the water commercially or enjoying time with family and friends. Boat…
Did you consider USCG documentation for your vessel, yet don’t know if you qualify? Do some of the benefits feel like they could really help you and/or your vessel, but the qualifications for documentation seem a bit opaque? Those are exactly the kinds of questions that we started our Maritime Documentation Center to answer. We…
The certification of documentation issued by the USCG documentation center is a powerful document. It opens up a world of possibilities and privileges for vessel owners. Whether you navigate the open seas for leisure, engage in commercial maritime activities, or simply cherish the history of your boat, this documentation holds significant value. USCG Documentation Center…
If you’re in the market for a boat, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Do I need USCG approval for my vessel?” As you may expect, there is no easy solution to this problem. Looking through the documentation that comes with a boat, whether new or old, should be your first step. You don’t require USCG permission…
Buying a new vessel can be a big decision, and you need the right information in order to put down your money on a particular boat. To get the right information, one of the most important pieces of documentation will be the Coast Guard Abstract of Title. This can tell you lots of information about…
You’ve got a boat that you’ve enjoyed quite a bit, but it’s time to move on from it. Maybe you’re giving this vessel to someone in your family. Perhaps you’ve decided to sell it, get as much as you can for it, and then see what the future brings. No matter why you’re selling the…
There are many facets to the U.S. government, and each department and service has different roles and responsibilities. The military is no different, and the various branches of the military operate both as a unit and independently. While most people may hear about the military and immediately think of the services like the Army, Navy,…
If you are taking your first steps in the boating industry and its perks, it would probably be a good idea for you to understand everything surrounding the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Documentation. In the words of Merriam-Webster, the USCG is a branch of the US Armed Forces and an agency within the Department of…
You still have a hard time believing it is true. One day, your dreams of owning a boat are just that – dreams. The next day, you have a bill of sale in your hand, indicating you are the new owner of a vessel that you know you will love sailing as often as possible.…