What is Documentation?
Vessel documentation is a one time process whereby official
papers are issued by the U. S. Coast Guard. These need to
be renewed annually and the USCG send you notification of
when this renewal is due. Once you pay the fee, the USCG
will send you a decal for the current year.
The Certificate of Documentation provides conclusive evidence
of nationality for international purposes and becomes eligible
for First Preferred Ships Mortgage, an internationally recognized
maritime lien and required by most banks and lending institutions.
To qualify a vessel must measure at least 5 net tons and must
be wholly owned by a citizen of the U.S. Vessels of five net tons
or more used in Commercial fishing or Coastwise trade must be
documented.
Documented Recreational Vessels do not display their official
numbers on the outside of the hull, but are identified by the
name and hailing port.
States may require documented vessels to be registered (but
not numbered) and to display state decals showing that they
have complied with state requirements.
Maritime Vessel Surveying, Inc. can accomplish the title search,
documentation and mortgaging of your vessel without you
having to spend your time and aggravation. We will obtain all the
necessary instruments of title, prepare the application and handle
the documentation process with the United States Coast Guard.
The Fee for Documentation ranges from $300.00 and up and includes
Federal application charges.
If you are interested in Documentation service, fill out the following
information sheet below and we will contact you.
Documentation Services