Coast Guard Documentation Documentation is a means by which a vessel becomes federally registered. This procedure occurs under the authority of the Department of Transportation through the United States Coast Guard. A vessel may be documented only in the name(s) of the legal title holder. Completed documentation primarily establishes a vessel's chain of ownership. This information must be presented to the United States Coast Guard in a particular manner prescribed by law. A documented vessel is awarded an official number which is permanently marked into the interior of the vessel. Name and proper hailing port must also be marked on the exterior.

Preferred Ships Mortgage Recordation A preferred ships mortgage may be recorded against a documented vessel. In the event of default, the preferred mortgage has priority over most other maritime liens. For this reason, a lender will often request that the vessel be documented and its loan be secured by the filing of a Preferred Ships Mortgage.

State Title and Registration If you need to state register or state title your boat we can prepare and file the necessary paperwork.