Did you know there is a link between boat safety

and coast guard vessel documentation

Recreational boating can be fun and exciting, while commercial boating can be a
lucrative way to make a living. In their case, there are guidelines that you must follow as
a responsible boat owner, as well as safety considerations to keep in mind anytime you
hit the water, inland, and on the ocean. Your Coast Guard vessel documentation
provides a link to the safety of the vessel. How? Keep reading to find out.
Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Aids in Safety
You might be surprised that a pile of papers ensures your safety on the water, but that’s
just what they do. Your boat’s documentation is designed to prove compliance with
maritime rules and regulations, including those that are directly associated with safety.
The variety of forms you will be responsible for submitting starts with the original
registration and also encompasses all renewals and transfers.
Safety Compliance
When you own a boat, you will find that there is a list of safety regulations that you must
adhere to. By having the right documentation, you prove that you are following such
rules by providing essential information that pertains to your vessel. This includes up-
to-date information about your safety equipment and practices, as well as data about
the boat’s construction and its crew members and passengers.
It’s a Legal Requirement
It’s legally required, as a boat owner, to keep your vessel documentation current and
accurate at all times. In fact, without the proper paperwork, you cannot legally operate
your boat. If you do so anyway and are caught, you could face a loss of your permit, as
well as other legal fines and penalties. Staying safe and legal means paying attention to
all documentation requirements.
Transfer of Ownership
If you buy or sell a boat, it’s imperative to legally transfer ownership by submitting the
appropriate paperwork right away. Having current ownership records is vital,
especially in instances where a boat is lost or stolen or faces an emergency on the water
that requires Coast Guard assistance. It also places safety regulations for the boat into
the right hands. To expedite search and rescue operations, proper documentation is
important and can save lives.
Renewals
It’s also legally required that you renew your boat documentation according to the
appropriate schedule for your vessel. This is part of ensuring that your paperwork is
valid and up to date. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties that are easily
avoided.
Historical Records
Your documentation acts as a historical record and creates a timeline of your maritime
activity. Not only does this create a story of your boat’s voyages and past owners, but it
also creates a record for historians and maritime enthusiasts. Studying this
documentation can help enhance safety and other lessons from past boating incidents,
which increases safety now and in the future.
If you need more good reasons to keep your Coast Guard vessel documentation current
and free of errors, we can give them to you. Contact the US Vessel Documentation
Center today.