Coast Guard Documentation
Documentation is a means by which a vessel becomes federally
registered. This procedure occurs under the authority of the
Department of Transportation through the United States Coast
Guard. A vessel may be documented only in the name(s) of the
legal title holder. Completed documentation primarily
establishes a vessel's chain of ownership. This information must
be presented to the United States Coast Guard in a particular
manner prescribed by law. A documented vessel is awarded an
official number which is permanently marked into the interior of
the vessel. Name and proper hailing port must also be marked on
the exterior.
Two Basic Qualifications
Documentation is available only to those owners who are citzens
of the United States. The vessel in question must be at least 5
net tons as determined by Coast Guard formula based on length,
breadth and depth. This tonnage requirement does not refer to
displacement but rather to volume capacity. Vessels of 25 feet
or more in length generally qualify for documentation.
Why Document? Facilities Financing
If you finance the purchase of your boat, the financial
institution may require that the boat be federally documented.
Documentation is generally a requirement of such financing
because it is only on a U.S. documented vessel that a lender can
adequately perfect its security interest in a vessel. A mortage
is recorded against the vessel, once it is documented. Federal
documentation makes a lender more secure in financing your boat.
Better Than State Registration
Although a documented vessel may still have to comply with state
boating safety and tax laws, the vessel is exempt from the state
titling process once it is documented in your name with the
Coast Guard. Until the vessel is documented in your name, you
may still be required to state register.
Resale of Your Boat
Your small investment will certainly pay off at the time you put
your boat on the market. Because the Coast Guard keeps a
vessel's history on record, including mortgage information, you
can offer the prospective purchaser the assurance of being able
to confirm your ownership.
Internationally Recognized Ship's Papers
You can cruise into foreign waters with the security of being a
U.S. documented vessel. The vessel's documet will assist with
customs clearance upon entrance into foreign parts.
New England Marine
Our fee schedule is quite reasonable and well worth the
investment. All paperwork, forms, Coast Guard user fees and
recording fees are included in our charges. Our relationship
with the major lending institutions in the boating industry
means that we can record a preferred ship's mortgage if your
loan agreement requires it. Please call for a more detailed
discussion... every vessel is unique.