Here we’ve gathered most of the common questions people have about vessel documentation.
If these don’t answer your question, please don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll be glad to help.
Vessel documentation is the federal registration of commercial and recreational vessels with the Coast Guard and is only available to United States citizens. Documentation establishes an internationally recognized maritime title for the vessel and acts as the vessel’s passport in foreign waters. It also establishes an official basis for vessel identification and control.
Documentation is required for the operation of vessels in certain trades and serves as evidence of vessel nationality.
With certain exceptions, any vessel of at least 5 net tons which engages in the commercial trade (usually 25 feet or more) qualify for documentation. (volume measurement).
Consider the following reasons in deciding whether to use this service: