Vessel 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.