If you own a boat, you know how vital it is to have it registered with the US Coast Guard. In the first place, then, why do we need a boat registry? A boat register is an official list of boats, ships, and vessels for business or recreational reasons. According to cornell.edu, the benefits of boating go well beyond just having a good time; it’s a terrific opportunity to get some exercise and spend time with loved ones. So, it’s no wonder that so many people in the United States own boats. If you’re a regular boater, this may work to your advantage, but things may not go so well if you’ve neglected to register your vessel. The use of registries such as these helps save lives and prevent maritime mishaps from occurring. In addition, buyers may find out about empty containers by using a register like this one.
It’s The Law
You are most likely curious about the need to maintain a yacht register. When you think about it, you don’t have to have your vehicle or your house registered, so why should you have to get your boat registry? First, it is required by law; there is a federal statute that governs boating safety, and in many regions, it is also required by state law. You must be lawfully registered with the United States Coast Guard to operate a boat on any of the waterways in the United States of America (USCG).
During registering boats, they are assigned official identifying numbers known as vessel numbers (VINs), which they are required to prominently display on both the bows and stern of their vessels at all times. A violation for failing to show a VIN is one of the most often given citations by marine police and for a good cause. It prevents other boats from stealing from you or vandalizing your property, but it also warns other boats that you are in the area.
Boat Registry Provides Proof of Ownership
When you buy a new boat, proving that you are the legitimate owner by getting it registered helps establish that. If the boat is not digitally registered on the internet, it is impossible to establish with a high degree of confidence that you are the boat owner. Let us assume that you are, in fact, the legitimate owner of the property in question but that someone else has the necessary papers for it. This might cause problems in the future when you try to sell your boat or even when you try to dock it at a marina if you decide to do so. They may ask you to give evidence of your ownership, which might take some time and waste both your time and theirs since they do not want to rent their slip to someone who cannot be validated.
It Helps Protect Against Fraud
Boating is a way of life for many of us. Boats are a great way to enjoy nature’s exceptional beauty and serenity, whether on land or the water. Yachts and other watercraft are an integral part of your daily routine, either for pleasure or business. It’s easy to take for granted. You need to ensure that you have the necessary resources to keep these items secure. You may utilize a boat registry to keep track of your vessel’s information and determine what happened to it if it is stolen or lost. Legal authorities and insurance firms may verify the identification of boat owners via the use of a boat registry. Additionally, purchasers will have confidence in the vessel’s ownership if you ever decide to sell it.
It Increases Your Boat’s Visibility
Keep your boat’s registration up-to-date with the Maritime Documentation Center to ensure that your vessel is visible to potential buyers. Your boat will be included in our database so that other boaters may look for it. If you don’t register, boaters won’t be able to locate you, and they won’t be searching for you. Without registration, your boat is effectively taken from the water and stored in an unidentified location. If someone rents a boat that has been used for smuggling in the past, they may halt it. Conversely, if you have it on file, more people may stop by to check if they may go fishing there.
Ultimately, the best reason to keep your boat registered is to protect yourself. If your vessel is not registered correctly, you run a greater risk of being unable to recover it if something happens to it. Because of this, it is in your best interest to check that the information you have provided is accurate and ensure that you renew your registration on an annual basis. For more information on the boat registry, contact the Maritime Documentation Center at 800-535-8570 as soon as possible.