Your fishing boat’s name is part of its identification and often, is something meaningful to you. However, there are some instances when you might want to change the name of a USCG vessel. There are a variety of reasons for this, but regardless of why, there is a process you must follow to get the…
If you’re wondering if your boat requires a vessel certificate of documentation, you are in the right place. In general, any boat with a volume weight of over 5 tons should be documented with the United States Coast Guard. But is that true for smaller vessels? Use this guide to find the answers you are…
There are several reasons to conduct a USCG vessel search, particularly if you are in the market to buy a fishing boat. Buying or selling a fishing boat can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process, but the vessel search tool is designed to help you find the details you need to make the transaction smooth…
As you can imagine a fishing permit is issued to allow you to commercially fish in the United States. This is the industry that catches and sells sea creatures, including fish, shrimp, lobster, and mollusks, among others. When you have a commercial fishing permit, the purpose is to conduct a fishing business, rather than fishing…
When you hold a federal fisheries permit, you must adhere to the regulations that go with it. This ensures your safety and the safety of the other boaters and species that live in the water. A float plan is one of the commitments you hold when you have a fishing permit. So, it makes sense…
Boat numbering is a system used in the United States as a way to identify a vessel, ensure safety measures are being followed, and that boats are complying with all federal regulations. If you own or operate a boat, knowing your boat’s number is helpful for documentation and identification purposes. Use this guide to what…
It can be quite exciting to become the owner of a fishing boat, especially if it is your first boat or you are going into business but don’t let your excitement keep you from taking care of the legalities, which includes Coast Guard registration for many fishing vessels. It’s required to register your fishing boat…
Understanding what is involved with Caribbean federal commercial fishing, including regional considerations, species, and regulations, is important if you plan to make a living working on the waters in the area. Within the Caribbean are several smaller areas, each of which has its own set of rules and laws. For that reason, it’s best to…
When you apply for a fishing license, you will need to make sure you do so in the correct region. Atlantic commercial fishing permits apply to a specific area of the Atlantic Ocean and allow you to commercially fish in that region only. You will need additional permits if you plan to fish in other…
If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you want to know more about a US Coast Guard preferred ship mortgage. If you’re new to the maritime industry, in any capacity, there’s a lot of jargon that you may be unfamiliar with. As a responsible boat owner, it’s up to you to learn the language…