What is a Vessel Name Change, and Why Do You Need One?

Do you have access to a boat? If that’s the case, have you ever considered doing a vessel name change listed on your boat registration? Perhaps you have just relocated to a different state and need to update all of your documentation. Or you may be sick of the previous moniker and want to give your boat a new identity. Changing the name of your vessel is not very difficult; nonetheless, you must understand why you want a name change in the first place. In this article, we will explain what a vessel name change is and then take you step-by-step through the process of the vessel name change. Even though there are a lot of different reasons why anyone would decide to do this, here are some of the most typical ones:

To Honor a Loved One Who Has Passed Away

The state requires a vessel name to register the hull of a boat, and buyers are often required to provide one at the time of purchase. However, if you decide that you don’t like the original name or if you want to commemorate someone by naming your boat after them, whether it be someone who has died away or who is still a part of your life but is unable to be on the boat with you, you have the option to alter it. 

A few approaches may be taken, but one thing consistent across all of them is the need to submit papers to the state department in charge of registrations. Because the standards change based on where you reside, you should check with the organization that serves your area for specifics. In certain areas, a vessel name change may also be subject to fees, which might range greatly depending on the state.

To Use a More Personalized or Unique Name for Their Boat

A boat’s formal or vessel name serves as a permanent identity for that specific boat. This is a common practice to tell your boat apart from others with the same or similar names. Register it as a vessel if you want to give your boat a permanent, distinctive name. It has been said that a boat’s name may be altered by simply painting or staining the hull with a new name. While this strategy might be fruitful in some circumstances, it could pose problems if you decide to sell your vehicle or move your registration to another state. 

This strategy may be effective in certain circumstances, but it might pose problems if you want to sell your registration or transfer it to another state. While each state has regulations regarding boat names, changing one requires a request from the various agencies responsible for issuing boat registrations. You must submit vessel name change paperwork to the Coast Guard and your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

As part of a Rebranding or Marketing Strategy 

The following is to develop a brand persona maintained across the organization’s platforms, including social media. Changing your company’s name may be a practical approach to demonstrate to prospective and existing clients that you take your work seriously and want to be treated seriously as a business owner. A new beginning is also provided for your brand in the eyes of prospective clients as a result of this action. 

The third reason your firm may want to change its name is that it has grown beyond what it once was, and the old name no longer applies. Many businesses start by providing a product or service that can be quickly promoted or explained using just one or two words. However, the fact that they are growing increases the likelihood that they will broaden the scope of their products to include more items that need further clarification, which may render the previous moniker less effective.

What is a Vessel Name Change, and Why Do You Need One

You May Do a Vessel Name Change to Celebrate a Special Occasion or Event

When the ownership of a boat is transferred from one person to another, the new owner will often decide to rename the vessel. Think of it as the equivalent of changing your last name after you get married; even though it may seem a little matter, it might end up being a significant one. When something significant occurs in a person’s life while they reside on a vessel, they may choose to rename it to mark the occasion. 

For example, if the vessel was named after a loved one who has since passed away, the new owner may wish to pay tribute to the deceased by giving the vessel a new moniker. It’s possible they’ve entered a new phase of life and feel the need to start over with a new identity. Whatever the reason, renaming your yacht as part of coming to terms with the fact that you are no longer living aboard may be an essential step.

Vessel name changes involve the changing of a vessel’s name. Vessels may have to be rename if they change ownership, or their names might be against the law. The Maritime Documentation Center deals with vessel name change requests, and you can contact them at (800)-535-8570 today to learn more.