If you are reading this, it is likely because you have already decided that you will be required to bring USCG documentation on your yacht. That is an excellent way to get started, but remember that this is only the first stage in the process.
If you ask someone who has been in your shoes before, they will tell you that just because you decide to get a license does not mean you will automatically know what steps you should take next. The most important thing you can do to ensure that the process goes efficiently for you is to ensure you have all of the necessary information before deciding when to get your certification.
There is the sensible and the foolish method to go about it, as with most things in life. Here are some helpful hints for determining if and when you will require USCG documentation:
You Want To Protect Your Vessels from Theft and Accidents
As a yacht proprietor, you are well aware of the significance of USCG documentation. A USCG Certificate of Inspection is needed if your craft is not recorded. A USCG Certificate of Identity and Security is essential for sailors and maritime businesses.
This document attests to the fact that your watercraft or vehicle meets all federal and local requirements for safety. A thorough vessel examination is required to issue a USCG Certificate of study.
Everything from the ship’s lights and engines to lifeboats and radios is subject to this comprehensive check. The boat’s superstructure and body should be checked for signs of harm or wear and tear. The examination is performed to ensure that your watercraft has been constructed following both national and local regulations.
You Need A USCG Documentation When You Have a Large Portfolio of Boats and Ships
You’ll need USCG documentation if you own a lot of vessels and ships; that’s what Section 2101 of Title 46 of the United States Code requires. Registering more than five boats with the US Coast Guard can be a logistical headache. Each craft must have its Form CG-1270 submitted to the National Art Documentation Center and a separate Form CG-1275 filed with the US Coast Guard if its gross tonnage is ten or more. (Your main point of contact for all things USCG related). Suppose you’re lucky enough to own 25 ships and boats. In that case, a maritime compliance firm can help you stay following government regulations, and they may even take care of the registration and inspection processes on your behalf.
Know the Laws That Apply To Your Vessel
While each state has its own set of rules regarding boats, the US Coast Guard is in charge of vehicles that travel between states. The United States Coast Guard has authority over all oceans, harbors, and lakes in the country. Knowing the precise requirements of the US Coast Guard is essential if you intend to transport your boat out of state or if you reside near a body of water that is accessible by bigger vessels.
To travel from the Chesapeake Bay to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you will need USCG documentation, such as a Certificate of paperwork or a recorded Vessel Endorsement. Visit the US Coast Guard website and look for “vessel documentation” or “documented vessel” to see if your vessel needs any paperwork before setting sail on a voyage like this. The United States Coast Guard does not mandate paperwork for boats their owners use exclusively within the Chesapeake Bay.
Familiarize Yourself with the Requirements for Each Type of Boat
As a first step in determining whether or not you need USCG paperwork, you should identify the sort of watercraft you have. There are two distinct kinds of work in the United States: leisure and industrial. Commercial vessels, such as fishing boats, transports, tugboats, and others, are differentiated from recreational vessels by their intended use.
While recreational vessels must comply with all state regulations, a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI) is only needed if certain conditions are met. For instance, ships more significant than 16 feet must have a USCG Certificate of Inspection to carry paying people or function on international waters.
The US Coast Guard does mandate that pleasure vessels always have paperwork on board. While it’s true that leisure boats don’t need a COI, that doesn’t mean their proprietors don’t have to fork over cash for taxation.
The Maritime Documentation Center handles both documented and undocumented vessels. Contact us today to discuss your vessel’s situation and determine whether you need USCG documentation.