Are you in the process of figuring out whether or not you want to get a Coast Guard documentation number? Have you looked into it and are still on the fence? The truth is that documenting a vessel isn’t an option for every vessel. Indeed, some don’t qualify. By that same token, there are those who don’t have to get their vessel documented but decide to do so anyway. Here at the Maritime Documentation Center, we can make the documentation process that much simpler.
Qualifying for a Coast Guard Documentation Number
If you’re a citizen of the United States and your vessel measures at least five net tons, then you can get your vessel documented. Bear in mind: five net tons is a measurement of volume. It is not a measurement of weight (which is what may come to mind when you hear of “volume.”) While you can get your vessel’s volume measured, many vessel owners instead just measure the length of the vessel. Should it be longer than 25 feet, it almost assuredly has a volume of at least five net tons.
Getting Started at the Maritime Documentation Center
At our site, you’ll find “Initial” on the left side of the home page. That will take you to the form you need to get your Certificate of Registration and number. That said, you can do the same by clicking on “Initial” on the home page, too. We made sure to optimize our site for mobile devices. This means that you can fill out these forms from just about anywhere you might be. You can be out running chores, checking the mail, or even going for a run – if you’re on the internet, you can send in your Coast Guard documentation.
Renewing Your Form Easily for Years to Come
Once you’ve received your Certificate of Registration, you’ll probably feel a sense of accomplishment. This is warranted, but keep in mind: you do have to renew it. In fact, you have to do so every year. But, as we’re all so busy, it can be difficult to keep track of it from year to year. To make it easier on vessel owners, at our site, you can decide to renew the documentation for up to five years in advance. That way, you won’t have to worry about falling out of compliance for not missing the renewal deadline.
All the Coast Guard Documentation You’ll Need
For many vessel owners, filling out the “Initial” form is just the beginning of the Coast Guard documentation they get from our site. We have all of the forms you’ll need to be in compliance with the authorities in regards to a Preferred Ship’s Mortgage (in addition to the forms you’ll need once you pay it off). Our document processors can find any typos in your forms and fix them so that you get your forms back quickly. To see everything that we have, go to our site or call us at (800) 535-8570.