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The U.S. Coast Guard Documentation and the State title/registration process can be complex and time consuming. The departments and agencies that process these applications have a strict set of guidelines and are very particular with respect to the forms and procedures required. Hiring a documentation service with the knowledge and expertise to handle the services quickly and efficiently will take the guess work out of the process.
Coast Guard Documentation is the process in which a vessel becomes federally registered.
USCG documentation has several benefits,
1) When selling a documented vessel, the owner can provide the buyer with a precise record of the vessel ownership history, proof of satisfaction of any prior claims of lien, as well as universally recognized manner in which to transfer ownership.
2) A documented vessel does not have to display state registration numbers on its bow.
3) Documented vessels are afforded certain protections by the US government while in international waters.
4) A documented vessel will help facilitate a smooth entry and exit from a foreign port.
Documentation can be required in a few different circumstances. If the vessel meets the five net ton requirement, the vessel’s lienholder may require the owner to document the boat, so they can file a Preferred Ships mortgage on the vessel protecting their interest. In addition, certain activities like Commercial Fishing or Coastwise Trade require Coast Guard Documentation.
No, boats must meet a minimum threshold of five net tons in order to qualify for USCG documentation. Typically, a vessel 26 feet in length or larger can be documented.
The requirement to register in addition to coast guard documentation varies by state, but in most cases, yes, state registration is required.
Yes, you should renew your USCG document annually. The process is simple and can be done directly on the coast guard website. You do not need to hire a service to renew your document for you.
The documentation process has several variables that affect the duration of the process, like the seasonality of the applications received by the coast guard, initial application for documentation vs. transfer of ownership, recreation vs commercial use, etc. But the Coast Guard generally reviews applications and issues original coast guard documents within 2-4 months of receipt of the application and supporting documentation.
The official number is a number issued to a vessel the first time an application for documentation is submitted to the Coast Guard. Once issued the official number stays with the boat throughout its existence. The official number is generally a series of 6 or 7 numeric characters.
The hull identification number (HIN) is a unique set of numbers and letters assigned to a boat by the manufacturer, similar to a VIN on motor vehicle. Boat manufacturers are required to assign a 12-character HIN on all boats they produce.
The HIN is generally located at the stern of the boat on the starboard side of the transom somewhere above the water line. The HIN is typically etched into the fiberglass or permanently affixed to the hull via a metal or plastic plate.
Yes, the official number must be permanently affixed to some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The official number must be proceeded the abbreviation “NO” and must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals not less than three inches in height. The number needs to be fastened to the boat in way that it would be noticeable if the number were ever altered or removed.
