Researching vessel records is a vital task for vessel owners and maritime enthusiasts. It allows you to uncover valuable information about a vessel’s history, ownership, and legal status. The Certificate of Documentation Lookup is an essential tool that simplifies the research process by providing access to official vessel records. In this article, we will guide…
As a proud owner of a vessel, ensuring its authenticity and legal status is crucial. The Certificate of Documentation Lookup is a powerful tool that can provide you with valuable information about your vessel. In this article, we will explore how the National Documentation Portal, a private agency specializing in USCG Documentation processing to NVDC,…
There’s a certain amount of superstition on the water and if you’re the proud owner of a new watercraft, you may be wondering if is it bad luck to rename a boat. Whether you simply want to give your boat a name you’ve always dreamed of or the boat comes with a name you can’t…
As a boat owner, you need to register your vessel. The manner of registration depends on the size and use of the vessel. There is state registration and USCG vessel registry (registration with the US Coast Guard). It’s important to understand which registration is either mandatory or desirable for your vessel. What is Coast Guard…
Your boat’s HIN number, or hull identification number is pretty important. It’s much like the VIN, or vehicle identification number for your car, truck, or SUV. The HIN is usually 12 to 14 digits and identifies your boat. Vessels that have been manufactured before 1973 are exempt from having a hull identification number. A prefix…
A bill of sale is essentially a record of a large (valuable) purchase, and it acts as a documented agreement between a seller and a buyer that lays out the specific details of the transaction, namely price, and conditions. It helps to eliminate the prospect of any miscommunication later down the line. When it comes…
If you are currently on the hunt for a new boat, then it is worth remembering that most of the story of any vessel can’t be told just from looking at it in its current condition. You should never buy any vessel without a thorough knowledge of it and its history. Even the best-looking vessels…
Your boat’s weight is an important aspect of Coast Guard registration. That’s because any vessel not undertaking commercial activities that is under five net tons does not need to be registered. In addition to other vital data, the weight of watercraft is vital when documenting its specs on an application or renewal. So how do…
US maritime laws are designed to protect US waterways and coastal waters and give preferred access to US-operated vessels, particularly along trade routes. Owners of vessels not built in the USA cannot get easy access to these prime routes but the US government doesn’t want to block all external trade so there are ways for foreign…
In the world of vessel ownership, a ‘Preferred Ship Mortgage’ is one the most popular ways to finance the purchase of a boat. This is typically the kind of mortgage that is approved for vessels that measure more than 26 feet in length, as for any boats smaller than that, the title and notation of…