FAQs

Dense legal jargon, confusing government regulations and bureaucratic protocol, complex circumstances… Documenting a boat is stressful and tedious.
We speak the language. We know how it works. Let us get you on the water fast. We work with people every day who have lost months of time they could have been spending enjoying their boat, if they had filed their documents correctly the first time.
Call us.
Call us.
Call us.
Yes. Our staff specializes in international registration.
This is a complicated scenario, and can depend on many factors.
Glossary

Certificate of Documentation (COD) – a USCG issued document that is internationally recognized as proof of ownership and proof of national origin of the vessel
Hull Identification Number (HIN) – issued by vessel or boat manufacturer, permanently affixed to the hull
Official Number – coast guard issued, linked to HIN and stays with the vessel
Preferred Ship’s Mortgage (PSM) – puts the lender first in line of the creditors in the event of a default or bankruptcy. If the owner of the boat goes bankrupt, there is a list of creditors against the bankruptcy case, the PSM prefers the lenders note to be first in line to be paid
Abstract of Title (A/T) – when a boat is documented with the USCG a permanent file is created. This file records the chain of ownerships, mortgages, satisfactions and liens. The abstract is only as good as the information that has been filed with the USCG
Builders Certificate – a document issued by the manufacturer that contains specifications proving that the vessel is compliant with federal regulations and safety standards
Bill of Sale – purchase agreement
State Title – an ownership document
Registration – license to use
Transfer of Title – transfer of ownership via bill of sale, death, gift of deed or estate
Title Assurance – title assurance refers to the written proof of ownership for example an Abstract of Title or Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) search
State Title Searches – Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) search
Title Research – a deep dive detective search to confirm ownership
Claim of Lien – when you don’t pay a bill for a marine service (repair, storage, etc.). We file lien claims and clear them