Well, I’m spending this week getting paperwork done for commissioning the Pretty Gee. USCG documentation, boat insurance, FCC ship’s station license, FCC restricted radio operator license, MMSI, EPIRB registration, trailer registration and insurance are all part of the required paperwork for getting her ready.
USCG Documentation
I’ve decided to apply for USCG documentation rather than just state registration, as it has some distinct benefits over state registration, especially when in foreign waters. Some of the more common benefits are:
Title Assurance US Coast Guard documented boats have more stringent chain of title requirements than most states. A documented vessel has the complete history of the vessel is available on the Abstract of Title.
Foreign Travel If you sail in foreign waters, your certificate of Documentation eases clearance with foreign governments and gives you the status and protection of a U.S. flag vessel. Documenting a boat with the Coast Guard is a national form of registry that makes your vessel a “vessel of the United States.” Establishing a vessel’s nationality is useful to long distance cruisers in dealing with foreign authorities. In some countries, not having it precludes getting a foreign cruising permit and forces boaters to check in and clear customs in every port they enter, which can get expensive.
Financing Most lenders require documentation so that their lien on the boat is recorded by the Coast Guard as part of a marine mortgage, which is more secure than a regular boat loan.
Lower Long-term Costs USCG documentation requires a one-time fee of $300. State registration for Massachusetts costs $80 every two years… so after eight years, the USCG documentation is less expensive. The state title costs $25.
Aesthetics In Massachusetts, USCG documented boats don’t have to be state registered or have the state registration numbers and decal put on the boat. I think both are rather unsightly, and I prefer to keep the boat’s topsides less cluttered.
Boat Insurance
I’m exploring various options for the insurance policy. This is really a necessity, especially given how reckless PWC operators can be. I’m waiting for several companies to get back to me.
FCC Licenses
A FCC Ship’s station license and restricted radio operator’s license are required for international operation, which includes the Bahamas, Canada and Mexico. It is also required for an SSB radio. The MMSI (maritime mobile service identifier) is required for DSC radio operation as well as for operating an EPIRB. I’ve applied for all three. The FCC allows applying for all three online, which is very convenient. The ship’s license costs $155, which is good for ten years. The restricted radio operator’s license costs $55 and is good for my lifetime.
Trailer Registration and Licensing
The trailer will have to be registered and licensed with the state. It will also have to be insured. This will all have to wait until April.