To all Documented boat owners.

mnm99

mnm99

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2015
2,447
Long Island
Boat Info
2004 340 SeaRay Sundancer
Engines
Twin 8.1 Merc
Just a FYI....I'm sure a bunch of you know this already, so I'll just mention it to everyone else who did like i did for 3 years....duh! When you renew your documentation ONLY USE THIS SITE..
https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1175233

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organi...s-DCO-D/National-Vessel-Documentation-Center/

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/NVDC/COD RENEWAL.pdf?ver=2018-12-28-130935-400

For 3 years I renewed through sites that were 3x the cost. They are legit, but are 3rd party and you will get it, but pay more.
3rd party awareness..https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/1a25ee8
 
Yeah, received one of these 3rd party letters earlier this year saying my documentation is "set to expire"...yada, yada, yada...
 
Windjammer said:
Yeah, received one of these 3rd party letters earlier this year saying my documentation is "set to expire"...yada, yada, yada...
Click to expand...

I've seen that as well. The sites are always official looking, and while they do perform a legit service, their shady marketing should deter us from using them.
 
Besides, the 3rd party vendors, don't renew too early as the USCG will change your renewal date... Don't ask me how I know this -lol
 
Fortunately, the official instructions from the CG got to me several years ago, before the 3rd party marketers did. So we have been using the correct site all along. But thanks for posting, I'm sure it will help a lot of members.
 
The Bill Collector said:
Besides, the 3rd party vendors, don't renew too early as the USCG will change your renewal date... Don't ask me how I know this -lol
Click to expand...
I get my notification early-mid December. This year I sent it back on the 12/16 and rec'd the new certificate right after the first of the year. So far the Certificate expiration date hasn't changed.

How early have you renewed that it caused this problem?
 
Woody said:
I get my notification early-mid December. This year I sent it back on the 12/16 and rec'd the new certificate right after the first of the year. So far the Certificate expiration date hasn't changed.

How early have you renewed that it caused this problem?
Click to expand...
I renewed 5 mos early so my date was changed...
 
I documented my boat myself and while looking in to how to accomplish it I saw the legit renewal process.
Sure enough though, I got a letter from one of those third party places when it came time to renew.
Real official looking and I can see where it would be easy to fall for.
 
Renewed in November. Got one of those letters, your right, it was very official looking. Made me pause.

Then dug out the site I had used before, paid my $26 and got the new certificate in a week.
 
FootballFan said:
Renewed in November. Got one of those letters, your right, it was very official looking. Made me pause.

Then dug out the site I had used before, paid my $26 and got the new certificate in a week.
Click to expand...
I suckered for them last year - shame on me - it was just a busy time and I didn't do due diligence. Contested the charge with my CC Card Company and I got back every thing but a $26 prorated charge - they only renewed me for 9 months instead of a year and my CC gave me back all but $19...
 
Does anyone know if 2” lettering is good
For the port of call lettering on a recreational boat?
Thanks
 
Here’s my example, we want to go with
The bottom one. 6DA1DDF6-22B9-429B-94B1-AE172428CC80.jpeg
 
Bennett I think your correct. Sign guy says not. Going to make him change it.
Thanks
 
Federally Documented Vessel Requirements
boatdocumentation_boatgraphics_federal300x150.jpg

Character Requirements:
  • Can be made by the use of any means and materials which result in durable markings.
  • The application for documentation must include a name for the vessel composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals and may not exceed 33 characters. The name may not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; may not contain or be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.
  • Must not be less than four (4) inches in height (all characters).
  • Can be on the transom or either side of the vessel.
  • The vessel must have the official number permanently affixed in block-type Arabic numerals of not less than 3 inches in height, preceded by the letters “NO .” on some clearly visible interior integral structural part of the vessel.
  • The "hailing port" must include a place and a State, Territory, or possession of in the United States. The state may be abbreviated.
  • Note: There is no requirement for block letters or any other restrictions to type, font, or color for federally documented vessels.
Placement & Additional Requirements:
  • The name and hailing port of a recreational vessel must be marked together on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull.
  • Many recreational vessels will place the vessel name and hailing port on the stern, and vessel name on both sides of the bow, which is required for a commercial vessel. Although not required for a recreational vessel, this is an acceptable option.
  • The above requirement for vessel name and hailing port to be CLEARLY VISIBLE may necessitate duplicating the name and hailing port on either side of the hull.
  • When dinghy’s are stored on the swim platform or transom causing the Vessel's name and hailing port to be obscured from view, there is no Federal requirement to place the name and hailing port elsewhere. That is a Law Enforcement issue only.
  • Stenciling on the bottom of the dinghy is not considered a permanent marking.
  • Federal Vessel Documentation is a federal issue and is not open to enforcement or interpretation by the state.
For more information visit the National Vessel Documentation Center
Above reviewed by the United States Coast Guard office of Boating Safety on: 12/16/04
 
  • Like
Reactions: RBB
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,112
Messages
1,426,287
Members
61,026
Latest member
NeilS
Back
Top