Did you know that you must apply for a vessel documentation change of address whenever you move? If not, you’re likely in for a surprise the next time you try using your boat. Instead, ensure to pick it up as soon as possible (you may miss your deadline). Ask anyone who might be sending you…
USCG News
What are the Challenges in Searching for USCG Name Search?
Coast Guard documentation is a vital document. It is a form of owner registration. It also provides lien protection. Not all boats can be documented. If you are eyeing a certain boat but you are not sure whether or not it has liens or encumbrances, then you might want to conduct a USCG name search.…
Demystifying USCG Form 1258 – Transfer of Ownership
Paperwork is part of the process when you transfer ownership of your boat. While they can be overwhelming and frustrating, it’s important to fill out your USCG form 1258 properly to avoid lengthy processing times and possible penalties. Just like when you buy a car, buying a boat means documentation that is required to finalize…
USCG Vessel Lookup Through HIN and Official Number
Is your ship recognized by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in its documentation and registration? If not, now is the time to start doing so! Through our website, you will have the ability to conduct a USCG vessel lookup for your Hull Number and register your boat to the registration with ease. The United…
US Coast Guard Vessel Renewal for New Vessel Owners
It is common knowledge that boats degrade with time and need regular maintenance to remain seaworthy. Regrettably, many boat owners are unaware of the US Coast Guard vessel renewal program, which, when it comes time for renewal, provides participants with a choice of advantageous options. This blog post aims to provide new USCG boat owners…
What is USCG Documentation? And Other Questions Answered
“So what is USCG documentation? Do I really need it for my vessel?” Of all the questions we’re asked by prospective customers at the Maritime Documentation Center, some version of those might be the most common that we’re asked. For one, it’s important to define what this documentation is not. It’s not registration for your…
Comprehensive Boat Documentation Services
At the Maritime Documentation Center, we endeavor to be everything that our name implies: the one place where you can find comprehensive boat documentation service for everything having to do with your vessels. At our site, you can find a long list of forms easily. Then, you can fill them out even easier. After that,…
Can a Bill of Sale for a Boat Be Handwritten? And Other Boating Selling Qs
“I can’t find a ‘bill of sale for a boat’ form online, can I just write it up by hand?” “Can I really use that bill to sell my documented vessel?” Selling your vessel can be an exciting time. You’ve found someone who’s willing to buy your vessel at your price. But, before you complete…
How to Draw Up a Bill of Sale for a Vessel Trailer
A bill of sale is a piece of paperwork that documents the sale of a large and valuable item, in this case, a boat trailer. It’s an agreement between the buyer and the seller of the item that details the transaction, which usually includes details about the item in question, including price and specs. The…
A Beginner’s Guide on Vessels’ Abstract of Title
You finally were able to purchase the boat of your dreams. With current inflation and all of the different regulations instaurated, keeping your vessel up to date is not as simple as it used to be. Find out about the necessary documentation, in particular about the vessels’ abstract of title in this beginner’s guide. Abstract…
Things Owners Should Do Before the USCG Inspection
United States Coast Guard (USCG) flagged boats must undergo a mandated examination every two years also known as the USCG inspection. Any vessel used for profit falls under this category, whether a commercial fishing boat, a tow boat, a passenger ship, or anything else. Everything from the ship’s safety gear to its structural soundness is…
Is Coast Guard Certification Applicable to Recreational Boats?
Coast Guard boat certification is a crucial aspect of maritime safety. However, it is primarily associated with commercial vessels. But can you still document your recreational boat with the USCG? The Purpose of Coast Guard Boat Certification The USCG only issues this certificate to boats that meet certain safety and construction standards. It is mandatory…
When You Buy Your First U.S. Vessel
You have been searching around for the perfect boat for quite a while now, and you think you have finally found the one that you really want. It has all the features you are looking for, both inside and out, and is right at the ideal price point for you. It looks like the sale…
Why Do You Need to Use a Documentation Service to Request a Boat Bill of Sale?
When you buy or sell your boat, you would want the transaction to be smooth and legal. One vital document in this process is the boat bill of sale. It serves as proof of ownership transfer and records the key details of the traction. Can You Create a Boat Bill of Sale Independently? Yes, it…
Our National Vessel Documentation Center: Simplicity and Security
Have you been searching online for a National Vessel Documentation Center that actually makes the documentation process easier, yet you haven’t found anything that you like? Does it seem like each site that says they’ll “simplify the process” actually ends up making it more complicated and complex? As vessel owners ourselves, that’s what we found…