Are you a boat owner curious about the difference between Coast Guard registration vs. state registration?? If this is the case, this blog is a perfect fit for your needs. States have their kind of voluntary boat registry that must be opted into to use the advantages of the Coast Guard’s mandated registration. Boat owners want to get the most for their money and avoid unnecessary difficulties when it comes to getting their vessels registered with the government.
Unfortunately, finding out which government body is in charge of boat registration and if they can help you is not always that simple. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and each state have boat registration regulations that influence boats to varying degrees. Boat owners should exercise caution to avoid paying more for fewer powers than are offered via another government agency. Our goal is to help you understand the distinctions between Coast Guard boat registration vs. state registration to make an informed choice about which is suitable for you and your boat.
Boats Above 26 Feet in Length Must Be Registered with The Coast Guard. This Size Boat Does Not Need State Registration.
If your boat is longer than 26 feet, you must register it with the Coast Guard. If your boat is less than 26 feet long, you may or may not be required to register with the USCG, depending on your state or area. This might be a little hard, depending on where you are. In the US, there are 50 states and a plethora of local governments. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be required to register your boat with the Coast Guard, according to state.gov.
However, we’ll go into more detail about the various sorts of USCG registrations later on. When deciding whether or not to register your boat with the Coast Guard, don’t listen to what other people have to say. The answer to this question has nothing to do with how much money you spent on your boat, whether or not you live near the water, or even whether you have enough boating expertise to operate your vessel on your own in poor weather. Your vessel type, USCG registration location, and the jurisdiction of the rivers in which your boat will be operating all play a role.
When Operating a Coast Guard-Registered Boat, You Must Also Have Flares and Lifejackets on Board. Unlike State Registration.
It is a protective instrument that employs a vessel identifying number (VIN) and a system to mobilize resources for the benefit of seafarers, known as Title 46 Registration. When a boat is registered with the Coast Guard, distress calls are swiftly responded to, boosting the odds of survival. Owners of ships profit significantly from the US Coast Guard’s services.
There are no boat registration forms to fill out or fees to pay. Your personal information will be kept private, and there is no sales tax on boats. Alternatively, you may transfer your ownership without alerting the USCG by retaining legal possession of the vessel. When operating boats on public waterways, the Coast Guard registration program provides rules for mariners to follow. Additionally, when using the vessel, extra safety gear is essential to safeguard your safety and the protection of others around you.
Coast Guard Boat Registration Vs. State Registration: Coast Guard Boat Registration Is Valid Nationwide, While State Registration Is Only Valid in That Particular State.
Both the Coast Guard and the state have their ways of registering a boat. Rules, benefits, and costs are unique to each one. Information on the Coast Guard’s rules and regulations may be found on their website. Skip to the bottom if you already know what I recommend for those who aren’t. It is not possible to register a vehicle in every state, but it can be done in most. If your vessel is registered in the county or parish where it is located, some states do not require you to register it elsewhere.
Compared to other jurisdictions, you don’t have to register your vessel in every county or parish where it’s used. The advantages and disadvantages of every system can’t be overestimated. It is better to have a Coast Guard boat registration vs. state registration because it covers you in every state (excluding coastal states). If something goes wrong with your boat, you’ll have access to experienced crew members who can guide you through the process.
In such a case, which one should you go with?” The final say rests with you. As a starting point, here are some of the most important considerations. On the other hand, state registration may be a better option if your primary goal is liability protection or the prosecution of maritime crimes. In contrast, Coast Guard benefits and safeguards may be best served by registering with the Coast Guard rather than a private registry.
For complete security, every vessel should have two sets of documentation. Regardless of which path you choose, we encourage you to call us at 1-800-535-8570 if you have any questions.