“How can I register a boat?” “I just bought this vessel I’d been searching for forever, now how can I register it?” Those are some of the questions that bring people to our site, however, those are just some of them. Sure, registering your vessel is one of the many important documentation tasks that you…
When it comes to boating safely this spring and summer, we’re all kind of in uncharted waters. Yes, thankfully, in so many parts of the country, it looks like the COVID-19 pandemic may be receding. More and more businesses are able to safely open up, folks are able to go outside and live their lives…
In all of our blogs, we try to give our readers something they might not have had before. We try to point out something different and new about our site or explain a form that they might not have encountered before. Many of these forms are filled with what’s colloquially referred to as “legalese.” That…
Boat documentation is one of the vital elements of boat ownership. Thus, you must know how to obtain a Certificate of Documentation from the United States Coast Guard. This is especially true if your boat weighs 5 tons or more. If you are wondering what the purpose of this certificate is, then keep reading to…
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…
Taking care of your boat registration and other maritime documents can be overwhelming when you are not super informed about the actual processes involved. If you are looking to register a boat, there are three different circumstances that you will need to consider. If you got a new vessel, you will need to register it.…
Any maritime vessel that gets documentation from the US Coast Guard has generated what is called an “Abstract of Title”, which is also called a general index. We’ll go more into depth in this article about what’s on this document, but it generally includes information about the vessel, ownership and financial history, and its current…
Being on the water offers a different kind of experience unimaginable to land travelers. The idea of eating dinner over the side of the boat or discovering hidden beaches inaccessible from land. These are just some of the benefits of owning a boat. Whether or not you will use your boat for recreational or commercial…
If it is time for you to sell your boat or purchase one, you must complete a documented vessel bill of sale document. It is a special document that includes details about the boat buyer and seller. Things to Know About Documented Vessel Bill of Sale Here are the key things you must know about…
Have you been wondering how to get a US Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation the right way? When you sit down to actually fill out the paperwork to do so, does it seem more complex than it should be? The Vessel Registrar Center is here to help. Through our site, you can find and complete…
An abstract of title is a necessity if you own a USCG vessel. When it comes to owning a USCG vessel, an abstract of title is essential. What is the title’s abstract? This paper proves that you own the boat and are protected by federal maritime law. When it comes to abstracts, do you know…
There is a lot more to owning a boat than just having it at the marina and taking it out when you want to sail or fish. Yes, regular maintenance is required to help keep your ship safe and seaworthy, but there are also laws and regulations you need to be aware of so you…
As the owner of a USCG-documented vessel, you are probably aware that there are certain rules and regulations you need to follow. One of the most important of these rules is to keep your information up to date so that the United States Coast Guard is able to contact you whenever it is needed to.…
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 ownership of a yacht that is rarely used presents unique challenges. There are a lot of expenses and duties involved in maintaining a boat, and it can be hard to tell if it’s worth it when you can only use it for a fraction of the year. When you factor in the expensive cost…