The Process of Performing a Documented Vessel Search On Your Ship

How to Perform a Documented Vessel Search Purchasing a pleasure boat or commercial boat is a big investment for you, and you want to give careful consideration regarding any boat you may like before you move ahead and finalize your deal. Without the proper investigation on your part, you could end up buying a boat…

Understanding Documentation of Your Vessel

Congratulations! You finally have found the boat of your dreams and you are ready to make your purchase. Your next course of action should be centered on ensuring you have the proper documentation moving forward. It’s not enough to hand over the money and call the boat yours. It can be a confusing, long and…

Who and What Owners Qualify for USCG Documentation

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 Role of the MARAD Waiver in Placing Foreign Ships in the US

The Maritime Administration grants ships manufactured in other countries a specific concession known as the MARAD waiver. Occasionally, these ships can transport goods from one port to the next. According to epa.gov, only certain types of boats are eligible for this waiver, and only under certain circumstances.  As part of the Maritime Administration’s efforts to…