Certified Copy (COD)

Certified Copy of Documentation

Are you the owner of a USCG vessel? If so, you may wonder what the Deal is with a certified copy of the documentation. Have you ever been in a scenario where you needed to provide certified copies of specific papers but needed clarification on what that term meant? A certification of anything, from the ownership of your yacht to its insurance policy, may be considered documentation. For these papers to be regarded as having obtained official certification, an authorized person must either stamp them or sign them with their signature. This article will offer a concise summary of the certification procedure and an explanation of who is qualified to provide it.

Certified Copy of Documentation

What is a Certified Copy of Documentation?

A certified copy is a copy of an original document confirmed and verified as an exact replica by a notary public. An apostille or legalization is not necessary, but it is nonetheless a technique to verify the legitimacy of a document issued by a foreign authority. Let’s assume you wish to request a copy of your birth certificate, which is a just cause.

You will want a certified copy, which indicates that someone has formally confirmed that it is accurate or warranted and has signed an affidavit or certificate indicating so. Employees must certify their names, job titles, companies, and dates. Any official document (such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or driver’s license) that you want to use in a formal setting (such as probate court or to apply for an international visa) may first need authentication. This implies that someone will look at the original document in person and verify that it is accurate and unaffected.

What Kind Of Documents Does a Public Office Certify?

There are specific general rules that may be followed to determine which kind of documents should be certified. However, it is possible to make a certified copy of documentation of any document. The original document’s primary need is to describe some aspect of official government business. For instance, if you want a copy of your birth certificate that is officially certified, you must go via the Vital Records section of the Health Department in your state. You will need to collaborate with the county government responsible for issuing your marriage license to have one prepared for it. The final rule states that corrections may only be made to previously filed documents with the appropriate government body.

What Information Must A Certified Copy Of Documentation Have?

These documents can then be used in legal proceedings as evidence or as proof to back up information. There are several reasons boat owners should receive a certified copy of their vessel’s paperwork, including the possibility that doing so may help them get a mortgage or that doing so will satisfy the requirements of their insurance provider. It is an official record issued by the United States Coast Guard. It contains information such as the following:

  • Name of the vessel
  • Official number from the U.S. Coast Guard
  • Type of vessel
  • Date of issue and expiration
  • In the absence of a title, the applicant’s name and address and the owner’s name and address must be provided.
  • Classification society identification number, if applicable

How Do I Get a Certified Copy Of the Documentation?

The U.S. Coast Guard issues a Certificate of Documentation upon boat registration (also known as a Certificate of Number or C of N). You need this certificate to operate your watercraft on any U.S. waters lawfully. The Coast Guard can place a lien on your vessel for the sum of their towing and storage costs if your boat is ever seized for illegal operation and no Certificate of Documentation is on board. 

When you wish to sell your boat, you’ll need to show the original Certificate of Documentation together with a completed Bill of Sale and Bill of Lading form (Form CG-1261) from the buyer to obtain money from an insurance company if there’s an accident involving your vessel. The same applies if your boat is stolen or lost at sea—you’ll need a valid Certificate of Documentation to recover any money from an insurance claim.

What Happens If I Need to Have My Documentation Certified?

It’s common for boat owners to forget to update their paperwork before relocating their vessel, but it should be fine as long as they remember as soon as possible. Let’s say someone has to tell the state of Florida that they’ve moved inside the state from one part of Florida to another. In that case, when state authorities seek to verify the location of their registration information, it will appear as “unknown.” In most cases, this is not a concern; nonetheless, the owner will need to take additional precautions.

The Maritime Documentation Center can assist you with all your marine documentation needs. Our professional and efficient staff always uses state-of-the-art equipment and software to ensure that your documents are handled quickly and accurately so that you can get back to your busy schedule. Whether you need a surety bond, a COD transcript, or other supporting documentation, call the Maritime Documentation Center at (800)-535-8570 today!