US Coast Guard documentation (aka USCG documentation) has many benefits. It records your ownership with the government, provides you certain protections in foreign waters, can help with financing, and much more. It’s also a vital step for commercial vessels. Once successfully filed, the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) provides a Certificate of Documentation. This gives…
The US Coast Guard takes its duty to protect Americans very seriously. Here at the Maritime Documentation Center, we talk often about the international protection provided by United States Coast Guard documentation. However, we also are inspired to share the Coast Guard’s tips for safe boating. One service administered by the Coast Guard is the…
Many commercial vessels are required to have US Coast Guard boat documentation. Typically, these are vessels measuring over 5 tons that deal in commerce or trade on the US coasts, the Great Lakes, US Fisheries, or other American or Exclusive Economic Zone navigable waters. However, plenty of other commercial, recreational, and pleasure vessels qualify but…
Commercial vessels and recreational boats that plan to engage in commercial activities are required to obtain Coast Guard documentation. It’s optional (though often beneficial) for non-commercial recreational vessels to also seek USCG documentation. This legal documentation keeps track of certain important information about maritime vessels, including ownership and financial history. Another facet of a vessel’s…
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…
Have you had your eye on a particular vessel but aren’t sure if it’s a good idea to buy it? Did you do your research on a vessel yet don’t know if you can trust what you’ve found? These are concerns that potential vessel owners have had seemingly forever. Before you purchase a vessel, you…
Have you looked at our service and wondered if maybe it’s something of a “scam?” Do you see many other places online to take care of your vessel documentation and aren’t sure if they’re a waste of money? The truth is when it comes to your money, your vessel, and your registration, you can’t be…
Have you been looking for more information about a vessel but aren’t sure where to turn? Has an internet search come up empty in terms of the data you need? When it comes to researching vessels, you want to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Here at the Maritime Documentation…
Do you have an eye on a vessel that you’d like to buy, but you aren’t sure if you’ll be able to afford it? Would you like to get financing for a vessel that you plan on documenting with the Coast Guard? If you’re going to get your vessel documented, you may be eligible for…
Did you recently come into possession of a vessel that you aren’t sure what to do with? Do you have a small, foreign-built vessel (or vessel of unknown origin) that you’d like to use for some commercial activity? As you probably know, American law (specifically, the Jones Act) basically does everything possible to make sure…
IMPORTANT LINKS: FOIA | USA.gov | U.S. Department of Homeland Security | DHS Office of Inspector General | WhiteHouse.gov | MHS Notice of Privacy Practices
