Boats do not use a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), unlike cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Rather, boats are tracked using a Hull Identification Number (HIN) issued by the state. Now, if you found a boat on your property and it is abandoned, you would want to know who the owner is using a boat name…
One of the questions we get asked more often at the Maritime Documentation Center is what is US Coast Guard Documentation? For that reason, we have decided to create this article, to further explain what that means. Basically, a boat that was registered with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is referred to as a…
When you are the brand-new owner of a vessel, you will have two choices about how you record your boat in the eyes of the law. Firstly, you can document the boat with the state, which will ensure that you are taxed properly for use and ownership of the vessel, or you could submit an…
It is once again that time of year when boat owners get their boats ready for the enjoyment that can be had on the water during the summer months. When getting your boat ready to go out on the water, don’t forget to register it with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the state…
How an Abstract is Different from a Vessel Documentation Site “But wait,” you might be saying at this point, “do I really need to apply for an abstract through your site? I can see you have a link for a ‘vessel documentation search.” Our vessel documentation search can be very helpful indeed. But, crucially, it…
You may be new to boating and vessel ownership so understand the terminologies involved comes with a learning curve. Vessel ownership also involves a bit of paperwork filing and ensure that you are going about things in the proper legal manner. One of the first things to note is that if you own a vessel…
Are you the owner of a vessel? If so, have you been keeping up with the ever-changing documentation laws and regulations? Recently, there have been some significant updates concerning the boat documentation cost. At the Maritime Documentation Center, we want to make sure that you know these changes and what they could mean for you.…
Are you using your boat for commercial fishing? How about for research? If you answer yes to these questions, then your boat is eligible for the NOAA boat registry. However, not all boats are qualified for this type of registration. Eligibility Requirements for NOAA Boat Registry The registry is a comprehensive database. It includes information…
It is essential to keep valuable materials such as vessel documentation, a seaman’s book, and an engineer’s license up to date. It is critical for individuals who work on board, particularly those responsible for the vessel’s technical components, to have accurate paperwork on hand. For vessel owners, it is critical to make sure that their…
Of all of the different forms on our vessel documentation services site, the MARAD Waiver, or the MARAD Small Vessel Waiver Program, specifically, is one that we get the most questions about. To be clear, this is not a kind of vessel documentation that will apply to all that many boat owners. That being said,…
Have you been researching a vessel that you’re interested in, yet you don’t feel like you can trust any of the information sources you’ve come across? Does it seem like there’s no way to find out exactly what the real history of a vessel is? When considering buying a vessel, you need to know absolutely…
Do you have an interest in purchasing a recreational boat like a yacht for personal pleasure, or do you need a commercial vessel for your business? Buying a boat brand new off the showroom floor or right from the manufacturer is something that few people can afford to do when they get their first boat.…
All of the terms and circumstances of a boat’s sale are laid out in a bill of sale, a legal document. This document protects both parties involved in the transaction. You must be aware of your legal rights as a buyer and the responsibilities that are placed on you once you have made payment for…
There are several advantages to owning a Coast Guard-documented vessel, including lower liability and traveling more easily internationally. The question is, what does Coast Guard documented vessel mean?” As part of this essay, we’ll go through the fundamentals of USCG paperwork and explain how it may be beneficial to you and your vessel. If you’re…
Summer is here, and there may not be a better time for you to get your boat out on the water. Whether it is to take a day trip out for fishing or swimming, or to spend a few days sailing the seas and enjoying the weather as well as the sights, you need to…