Our Services

US COAST GUARD

DOCUMENTATION

for recreational and commercial vessels.

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.

Why choose us?

New England Marine Documentation provides a cost effective fee schedule, which is well worth the investment.

All paperwork including forms, Coast Guard user and recording fees are included in our rates. Our relationship with the major lending institutions in the boating industry means that we can record a preferred ship’s mortgage if your loan agreement requires it.

Please call for a more detailed discussion since every vessel is unique.

Why document?

Facilitates Financing

If you finance the purchase of your boat, the financial institution may require that the boat be federally documented. Documentation is generally a requirement of financing a boat because it is only on a U.S. documented vessel that a lender can adequately protect its security interest in a vessel. A mortgage is recorded against the vessel, once it is documented. Federal documentation makes a lender more secure in financing your boat.

Resale of Your Boat

Your small investment will be rewarded at the time you put your boat on the market. Since the Coast Guard keeps a vessel’s history on record, including mortgage information, you can offer the prospective purchaser the assurance of being able to confirm your ownership.

Better Than State Regulation

Although a documented vessel may still have to comply with state boating safety and tax laws, the vessel is exempt from the state titling process once it is documented in your name with the U.S. Coast Guard. Until the vessel is documented in your name, state registration may still be required.                                                 

Internationally Recognized Ship’s Papers

You can cruise into foreign waters with the security of being a U.S. documented vessel. The vessel’s document will assist with Customs clearance upon entrance into foreign parts.                     

in all 50 States.

Each state has different requirements and procedures for title and registration.

New England Marine Documentation is familiar with the specific procedures in all 50 states, and will expedite the process of registering and titling your vessel.

Click the map to view the State Titling & Registration Requirements by State.

STATE TITLING

AND REGISTRATION

NASBLA Title & Registration Map

FOREIGN

REGISTRY

global expertise.

Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced in the complex process of foreign vessel registry. 

We are currently able to register vessels in the following countries and foreign localities:

  • Canada

  • British Virgin Isles

  • Bermuda

  • Cayman Islands

  • St Vincent & the Grenadines

  • United Kingdom & beyond

MORTGAGE

RECORDATION

with the US Coast Guard or the appropriate State agency.

A preferred Ships Mortgage may be recorded against a documented vessel. In the event of a default, the preferred mortgage has a 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.

  • First Preferred Ship's Mortgage

  • Satisfaction Mortgages