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 Frequently
Asked Questions
What is Federal Documentation?
Federal documentation is a National form of registry which dates
back to the Act of the First Congress and is one of the oldest functions
of the US Government.
A Federally Documented boat provides conclusive evidence of the
Vessel’s Nationality, as well as clearly identifying the Name,
Hailing port, Measurements and Ownership Information.
Federal Documentation is recognized worldwide, while State Titles
are not.
It is required by most Lenders.
What are the Benefits of Federal Documentation?
There are several benefits of Federal Documentation
A. Although your Certificate of Documentation
expires annually, there is no fee to renew. The US Coast Guard
will mail a renewal postcard to you approximately 1 month prior
to expiration you will then receive a new Certificate of Documentation
once they have received the completed signed postcard from you.
B. Because the Certification of Documentation
is recognized Worldwide, Documented Vessels can easily clear various
ports, Foreign and Domestic.
C. Your vessel is marked with the Name and the
Hailing Port on the back of the stern, while your Official Number
is marked on the inside of the hull, which ensures privacy (Rather
than having FL or other State Numbers displayed on the outside
of the Hull).
D. A Documented Vessel is easier to buy, finance
and sell because its entire history (from the Builders Certificate
to present, showing all previous Owners and Mortgages) is Officially
Recorded on it’s Abstract of Title. For this is the reason
why “Documented” appears in used boat ads as one of
the most important attributes of the vessel offered for sale.
E. Documentation elevates your yacht to the status
of a US Flagged Vessel, placing it under the purview of the United
State Admiralty Law, which is why most lenders require Federal
Documentation. More than simply a system of registry, it is a
prestigious Maritime Tradition which comes down to us virtually
unchanged since the day of the Republic.
 Does
my Vessel qualify for Federal Documentation?
A vessel must measure at least 5 net tons or more in order to qualify
for Federal Documentation. (This is a High Volume measurement computed
by the United States Coast Guard) The general rule of thumb is;
Power vessels 25 feet or more in length and sailing vessels 27 feet
or more in length are eligible for Documentation. The vessel Owner
must also be a US Citizen. If the vessel is owned by a Corporation,
75% of the shareholders must be US Citizens. Any COMMERCIAL Vessel
measuring over 5 net tons MUST be documented in order to operate.
Does my Vessel need to be Registered with the state?
Some States (such as Florida) do require that a Federally Documented
Vessel also have a State Registration and Decal. You must follow
the Laws of the State of your Principal Use.
Do I need to Title my Vessel?
Some States do require that a Federally Documented Boat also have
a Title, while in others it is illegal to have both, again you must
follow the laws of the State of your Principal Use.
Why you should hire Domestic Vessel Documentation, Inc.?
*We are open 7 days a week.
* We have over 10 years of experience handling closings to include
Federal Documentation, State Titling and Registrations of new
and pre-owned vessels.
* We have the resources and expertise to handle all aspects
of your transaction from start to finish.
* We’ll work directly with the Seller, Buyer, Broker and
Lending Institution to guarantee a fast, accurate and smooth closing.
* Your confidentiality and privacy are always assured and of
the up most importance to us.
* We can email or fax closing documents within minutes.
Please contact us:
We
are open 7 days a week.
Via Phone: 954-929-0181
Via Fax: 954-922-1656
Via Email: domesticvessel@bellsouth.net
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