A Coast Guard rule change allows those who federally document their boats to complete the process once every five years, rather than annually.
A Certificate of Documentation is internationally recognized and expedites checking in and out of foreign ports. It also means boaters must not display state registration numbers. However, documented boats are subject to specific lettering requirements.
In addition, if the boat is financed, the lender may require the paperwork. Documented vessels must be a minimum of 5 net tons.
“The change to a five-year documentation period will be a time-saver,” BoatUS manager of government affairs David Kennedy said in a statement.
Owners of documented boats previously could choose a one-year, $26 fee or a multiyear payment of up to five years. The new five-year documentation cost is $130, and a refund will not be made if the boat is sold during the period.
Click here for more about Coast Guard vessel documentation.
