Is It Better To Register A Boat With The Coast Guard Or State?

Owning a boat is exciting, whether you’re new to it or you are buying your next new boat. Much like a car, truck, or SUV, it’s necessary to register your vessel and document it properly. That raises the question of whether it’s better to register a boat with Coast Guard or state documentation. The short answer is that it’s always best to register with the United States Coast Guard but you can also do both. However, knowing more about the topic can help you make the right choice, so keep reading to learn what you need to know.

Documentation Basics
When you register your boat, you get an official number and can use that, along with the boat’s name, to identify your craft. When it is issued, it’s important to keep your Certificate of Documentation somewhere on board your boat. If your boat is eligible for documentation with the United States Coast Guard, this is always your best choice.

U.S. Coast Guard Eligibility
So that brings up the question of what makes your vessel eligible for Coast Guard documentation. The biggest thing to keep in mind when determining eligibility is that your vessel must weigh at least five net tons. Any boat under that is not eligible. Some watercraft are required to be registered with the Coast Guard. That includes commercial fishing boats and those used for coastwide trade. You can assume your boat is five net tons if it’s 26 feet or longer. However, it’s always a good idea to check to be sure.

Benefits of Coast Guard Documentation
You might be wondering what’s so great about registering your boat with the United States Coast Guard. One benefit is that you will be able to use your vessel for commerce in certain restricted trades if your boat is used to make a living. The documentation also proves the boat’s origin, your nationality, and proof that you own it. Some places will take state documentation, but many foreign countries require U.S. Coast Guard documents. It’s also easier to buy and/or sell a boat if it’s documented with the Coast Guard. Finally, your documentation offers protection from the U.S. military.

State Registration
The U.S. Coast Guard documentation process is overseen by the federal government. Each state has its own set of guidelines for boat registration that you need to be familiar with. Most states require boat registration, even if your vessel is already documented by the Coast Guard. State documentation covers your boat if it’s too small to register with the Coast Guard and still offers legal protection, should you need it. This registration is also necessary to buy or sell a boat so it’s important to keep it handy.

Whether you want to register a boat with Coast Guard or state documentation or both, the US Vessel Documentation Center can help. Our experts know the ins and outs and our online portal makes the entire process quick and painless with easy-to-complete forms. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you get started.

What Is A Preferred Ship Mortgage?

When you complete the documentation necessary to register your boat with the United States Coast Guard, you may be able to finance the vessel with a preferred ship mortgage. Much like the mortgage on your house, this allows you to make payments on your boat, which can make it a more achievable option for many people. Whether your boat is for leisure or is how you make a living, it’s best to know what you’re getting into before you opt for a mortgage. This article provides all the information you need to know.

What is a Preferred Ship Mortgage?
For use under the United States Ship’s Mortgage Act of 1920, a preferred ship mortgage is recorded for a specific vessel and is superior to any other liens on the watercraft. Like buying a house or car, the owner works with a lender, usually a bank, to secure the funds for the boat. Then, the owner makes a payment each month, with interest, until the load is paid back. Remember, that you must have your boat registered with the United States Coast Guard to be eligible for a preferred ship mortgage. State documentation isn’t enough to secure a loan in this way.

Financing a Boat
The process of securing a mortgage for your boat is much like when you purchase a car, truck, or SUV. Based on the cost of the vessel, you’ll secure the money for a certain term, then pay it back monthly with interest. Because boats cost more than a car, the length of the loan is likely to be longer. Your credit score, the terms of the loan, the amount of your down payment, and the type of loan you choose all play a role in the length of the loan and monthly payments. In general, a credit score of at least 700 gives you the best odds of getting a boat loan. The average interest rate hovers between four and five percent.

When is a Mortgage Necessary?
If you cannot pay cash for a boat, then a loan is an alternative. The average boat loan lasts for 8 to 12 years and can help you purchase a vessel if you otherwise couldn’t afford to. Some people mortgage a boat for leisure activities, while others do so to obtain a boat for their livelihood, such as tour guides or commercial fishermen.

Maritime Lien Status
A preferred ship mortgage has a maritime lien status. This plays a role in how you are able to secure a loan for the boat. The lien protects the lender, should the owner of the boat stop making payments toward the mortgage. The preferred ship mortgage takes precedence over any other kind of lien on the boat and will be the first to get funds.

A preferred ship mortgage is a good idea for anyone who can get a loan and make the required payments on it. It’s a nice alternative to coming up with the cash to pay for a boat all at once. If you need help documenting your boat with the United States Coast Guard so you can secure a loan, US Vessel Documentation Online has all that you need.

What Are The Weight Requirements For Us Documented Vessels?

Did you know that there are weight requirements for US-documented vessels? To be documented by the United States Coast Guard, your boat has to meet these weight requirements. If they are below the necessary weight, your vessel can still be registered, but will need to be done at the state level, rather than with the U.S. Coast Guard. Understanding the weight requirements is an important part of being a responsible boat owner so use this handy article as your guide.

What is the Weight Requirement?
The most important thing to know is how much your boat needs to weigh to be eligible for documentation with the U.S. Coast Guard. The short answer is 5 net tons. However, there are several factors that play a role in the net tonnage of your vessel, which we will look at in more detail later in the article. Understanding how to get an accurate measure is vital for documentation purposes.

How is a Boat Measured?
Net tonnage is different from the actual weight of your boat. It’s a measurement of volume, rather than weight. It aims to assess the vessel’s useful capacity, which means that areas of your boat that don’t hold cargo are not used to measure net tonnage. This would include spaces like the crew’s quarters, etc. Typically, if a boat is at least 26 feet long, it will meet the 5 net tons weight requirement.

How is Volume Determined?
Rather than driving your boat onto a giant scale, you will determine its net tonnage based on volume. Volume is measured from the vessel’s bow to its stern, as well as from the funnel to the keel. There are formulas available that help simplify volume measurements. If your boat is under 79 feet, you can add the hull’s volume to the deckhouse volume and divide that number by 100. This formula works for single-hull boats.

For certain boats, S, or shape, factor comes into play. This takes into account the shape of different watercraft. For example, a box-shaped hull is measured differently than a powerboat or sailing vessel. Boats with more than one hull have their own formulas to calculate the gross tonnage. Other factors include the keel and machinery.

Moving Ahead with Documentation
Once you have an accurate picture of what your boat weighs, you can move ahead with documentation. As mentioned above, your boat must have a net tonnage weight of 5 tons to be eligible for registration with the United States Coast Guard. If it doesn’t meet the weight requirement, you can register at the state level. It’s vital to have your boat properly and legally registered so that you are covered in cases like theft or a collision with another boat. Proper paperwork is also necessary if you ever decide to sell your boat.

If your boat meets the requirements, completing the paperwork for registering it as a US-documented vessel is important. It doesn’t have to be a difficult process, however. Contact the US Vessel Documentation Center today and you can access the documents you need and assist you with getting them filled out correctly and efficiently.

Are You Compliant With U.S. Coast Guard Requirements If You Get Boarded?

Understanding the U.S. Coast Guard requirements and staying familiar with them is an important part of owning a boat. If you happen to get stopped while out on the water, which is usually a routine check, you will be required to produce documentation for your vessel, much like you do when pulled over on the road in your vehicle. That means knowing what information the Coast Guard is looking for so you have it readily available if you are stopped for any reason. Keep reading to find out what information you should keep handy.

Registration and Numbers
Each boat is given its own unique number, much like cars, trucks, and SUVs have a license plate that denotes who the vehicle belongs to. You must have your vessel’s certificate of number, or registration, on board the boat at all times. Your boat’s number must also be displayed on the front of the vessel, both on the starboard side and the port side. The numbers should be in block format and be at least three inches high. They must also be in a visible color. Spaces can be left where necessary, or the use of dashes can replace the space. You’ll also need to affix your current registration sticker next to the boat’s number.

Hull Identification Number (HIN)
Any boat produced after 1972 is required to have a hull identification number, which you can liken to the vehicle identification number, or VIN, located on your car, truck, or SUV. This number identifies the boat and is required for identification. It must be displayed on the upper right portion of the transom and cannot be altered in any way. Your boat’s HIN will be on most of its documentation as well.

Boat Specific Documents
As mentioned above, if you are boarded by the United States Coast Guard, you will need to be able to produce your vessel’s registration, but it’s also a good idea to keep all documents pertaining to your boat close at hand. You will need your documents if you plan to take your boat overseas, but even locally they are important for providing ownership of the watercraft. Even if the boat is registered on the federal level, it may also need to be registered with your state. If that’s the case, keep both sets of registration paperwork where you can get to them easily.

The use of your boat is restricted in some cases. For example, if you register the boat for recreational use, it cannot be used for commercial use. Your documentation will denote what the purpose of the boat is and you could face a fine if you’re using it incorrectly. Keep in mind that your boat must weigh at least 5 net tons to be eligible for registration with the United States Coast Guard. However, all documentation should be where you can readily access it, should the need arise.

When you need to submit paperwork to comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements, visit the US vessel Documentation Center.

Do I Have To Register My Vessel On The Boat Name Database?

Most boats have a name and if you’re not familiar with the boat name database, this article can help. If you register your boat with the United States Coast Guard, the vessel’s name and hailing port will be used on your registration documentation. If you are naming a new boat or changing the name of your current boat, the database can help you see which names are already used, which is especially important if they have a trademark that restricts the usage of all or part of the name. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about naming your boat.

Registering Your Boat’s Name
The specific document is called the CG-1270 Certificate of Documentation and is something you should have a copy of in a safe place on your boat. If you register your boat at the state level, you are not required to register the name. However, it’s still important to keep the registration documentation close at hand on your vessel, should you be boarded and need to produce proof of ownership.

Displaying Your Boat’s Name
Your boat’s name will be on your United States Coast Guard registration paperwork, but it’s also important to display your boat’s name somewhere visible on the vessel itself. Your boat’s hull identification number is also required to be visible on the boat itself. The name should appear on the port and starboard bow, as well as the stern. The name must be large enough to see and contrast with the color of the boat. If you have a square bow, the name must be located somewhere it can be easily seen. For recreational vessels, the name must be clearly visible somewhere on the hull of the boat.

Choosing a Name for Your Boat
Your boat’s name is a fun way to display your personality or interests but can also be a good way to add some humor to your time on the water. Many people choose to call their vessel a water-related pun, while others name their boat after a person or place. You spent a lot of money on your boat so it makes sense that you want to choose the perfect moniker for it. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something, use the following tips to help you.

Simple & Unique – You want your boat’s name to be something unique, but not so complicated that you can’t remember it or that others can’t pronounce it. Keep it short and catchy.

Clean & Appropriate – Think about first impressions here. Choose a name that is classy that won’t be offensive to other boaters, especially those with children.

Have Fun – One of the best things about naming your boat is that you can have fun with it. Think of a good pun or use a play on words that speaks to your personality and hobbies.

Naming your boat isn’t something you should take lightly. When you have a moniker picked out, it’s time to use the US Vessel Documentation Center to get your paperwork completed and filed. Proper registration on the boat name database is important and when the time comes, call us and we’ll help you get started.

What Is A Hailing Port And Why Is It Significant?

Whether you’re a seasoned boat owner or you’re buying your first watercraft, you are probably aware that there are quite a bit of rules and regulations that go along with owning a boat. Understanding them and being able to follow them is part of your responsibility, both on the water and when your boat is docked. One thing to keep in mind is that you must claim a hailing port for your vessel. What is it and why is it important? Keep reading to find out.

What is a Hailing Port?
The short answer is that a hailing port is where you register and claim your point of origin for your boat. You can choose this location, but it must be part of the documentation when you register your boat. A hailing port can be on the water or the land and is important for recreational boat use, as well as if you plan to live on your vessel.

Choosing a Hailing Port
Your hailing port is part of your registration but does not have to be the same location in which you register. However, the hailing port you choose must be in the United States and listed in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC. The hailing port has to include the territory, state, and/or possession in which it is located. Once chosen, your hailing port is not permanent, but you must fill out documentation if you want to change it.

Marking Your Hailing Port
You must mark your hailing port on your boat, using sturdy and durable materials that won’t fade or wash off in the water. The letters must be at least 4 inches in height and must be legible to other boaters. Place your hailing port information somewhere on the stern of the vessel. Remember that there are strict guidelines about displaying your hull identification number so make sure that your hailing port isn’t going to interfere with the placement of that information. You want this to be done correctly to avoid fees or fines if you are boarded by the authorities for any reason. It also protects you in case of an accident or theft involving your vessel.

Registering Your Boat
Documentation regarding your watercraft is an important part of owning it. If your boat meets weight requirements you will register with the United States Coast Guard. If not, you will register with your state. Either way, it’s vital to do this properly so that your boat is correctly registered in case of emergency, you are boarded by authorities or you decide to sell it. At the same time, registering your hailing port means that your boat can be located if it’s lost or stolen. Failing to register properly can lead to fines and other costly situations that you’d likely rather avoid.

The US Vessel Documentation Center provides everything for all your registration and documentation needs. Whether you own a new boat, are changing your hailing port, or are trying to register your boat, we can assist you with the paperwork. Contact us today and we’ll help you every step of the way.

How To Apply For A Marad Waiver

If you have a foreign vessel and want to use it in the United States, either for recreational or commercial use, you will need to apply for a MARAD waiver. That’s because the United States has protections that control access to business between domestic ports. Ships that were built outside of the country must have permission to use these trade routes. If you want to conduct business in the United States, but your boat is registered outside the country, this article can help you become familiar with the MARAD waiver process so that you can carry out your commerce legally.

Why Does the MARAD Waiver Exist?
In 1920, the United States passed a legislature called the Merchant Marine Act. The law was created to control commerce on the seas in American waters and between ports that belong to the country. The act was created to promote healthy maritime commerce for Americans, but also to provide protections and rights for seamen. The act plays a role in national security and the building of ships for use in the United States.

Section 27 – The Jones Act
Within the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 is one especially relevant section, entitled the Jones Act. It requires that any goods transported among American ports be moved from place to place on ships built in the country, as well as being required to be owned by a United States citizen and operated by a crew made up of United States citizens. Due to the restrictive nature of these guidelines, there are waivers that allow foreign vessels without compromising domestic commerce. The Passenger Vessel Services Act allows foreign vessels to perform commercial services in American ports in some circumstances.

Who is Eligible for the MARAD Waiver?
There are several requirements that a vessel must meet to apply for the MARAD waiver, as set forth by the Maritime Administration of the United States Department of Transportation. They include the following:

The boat must be owned by a citizen of the United States or an organization that is a citizen of the United States
The boat must be at least three years old
The boat’s purpose is only to carry passengers
The boat has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers when in service
Must meet all separate United States Coast Guard regulations

How to Apply for the MARAD Waiver
The first step is to apply for the waiver. This can be done online or via traditional mail services. Next, the MARAD will publish a public record in the Federal Registry for a period of 30 days that proclaims the vessel and its intended use. Then, MARAD officials investigate whether approval will damage current domestic commerce, and next, if approved, the waiver is issued. The final step is to add the waiver to the vessel’s official documentation, which is important legal information that must be kept in a safe location onboard the boat.

Do you want to see if you qualify for the MARAD waiver? Do you need assistance to navigate the process? It’s time to visit the US Vessel Documentation Center. You’ll find the paperwork and info you need to make the application.

Can You Change The Name Of A Boat And How To Do It?

The name of a boat says a lot about the owner. If you’ve purchased or otherwise own a boat that already has a name, you may want to switch it up and change the name of the boat to something that is more fitting to your style. There is a process and steps you need to take to do this properly, but it’s possible. Use this handy article, filled with tips, to help you get from start to finish in no time.

Choose a Boat Name
Before you spend the time to fill out a boat name change document, decide on the new name. You will need this to file the paperwork so it makes sense to choose a moniker before you get started on the process. You can check the current registry to ensure that the name you are considering isn’t already taken. It’s also a good idea to examine the list for boat names or other phrases that are trademarked, as you won’t be able to use them for your own vessel.

Boat Name Guidelines
There are several factors to keep in mind when you choose a name for your boat. Choose something that is catchy, but simple so it’s easy to remember. Stay away from innuendos or inappropriate names that could offend other boats, especially those with children on board. In addition to these basic suggestions, your boat name must contain Latin or Arabic letters or Roman numerals, or a combination of them. It cannot be longer than 33 characters, letters and numbers included. Your boat’s name cannot be the same as any term that is used to ask for help on the water and cannot contain any racial slurs or profane language.

What Forms are Required?
According to Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, you will need to complete the appropriate forms before a name change can be carried out. These forms are used to update the National Vessel Documentation Center’s database. The old boat name will be removed and the new one will be entered into the system. Keep in mind that if there is a current mortgage existing for the boat, you will need permission from the mortgage holder if you want to change the name of the boat.

What Information is Needed?
In addition to the new name of the boat, you will need some other data to complete the process. When you fill out the form, you will need to provide the current vessel name and official number, as well as information about the owner. The hailing port, hull identification number and contact information for the managing owner are also necessary in some cases. Incomplete information can delay the name change approval process so be sure you have all of the necessary data when you submit the name change form.

Are you ready to change the name of a boat? Visit US Vessel Documentation Center to use our online forms. It’s as easy as working through each step in the process. Our helpful staff can get you from start to finish in no time and you’ll be out on the water with your newly named vessel in no time at all.