Getting to Know the Vessel Abstract of Title for Commercial Fishing Boats

If you are considering making commercial fishing your career, you should be prepared for a lot of planning–and a lot of hard work. Though this can be a lucrative and rewarding profession, it also calls for long hours, and sometimes even days at sea. You also may find yourself frequently navigating treacherous conditions and choppy seas, which means you need a boat that is reliable and well-maintained. Next to your crew, your vessel is going to be the most important asset to your commercial fishing operation. With this in mind, you are going to want to have a thorough understanding of your vessel’s history, especially if it was previously owned. One helpful bit of paperwork in this area is the vessel abstract of title, which is applicable for all boats registered with the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

If you manage your own commercial fishing outfit, that means you are a business owner. Being an entrepreneurially minded individual, you understand the importance of sound record keeping. An abstract title provides detailed records for your boat, and at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we can help you request a copy of yours online. Read on to learn more about this crucial piece of documentation.

What Is a Vessel Abstract of Title?

An abstract of the title can be valuable to you in a few different scenarios, but it will primarily be of use when you are in the process of purchasing a boat. This document can tell you exactly how old a vessel is, as well as how many owners it has had over the years. This means that there is very little room for the seller to be dishonest about a boat’s history since it will be thoroughly accounted for on the abstract of the title. This document will also tell you if there are any liens against the vessel. A lien is typically enacted if the vessel’s owner is delinquent in payment for mechanical work, or if they have not paid their crew. As a general rule of thumb, you should be very wary of purchasing a boat that has a lien against it.

How Can I Obtain an Abstract of Title?

If the vessel in question is registered with the USCG, it is actually not difficult to obtain an abstract of tile. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we make it easy to complete this process online. Simply click on the “USCG Documentation” tab on our top navigation and you will be brought to a landing page. From there, you can click on “Abstract of Title”, which will bring you to our streamlined, easy-to-fill web form. With just a handful of details, you can process your request via our SSL-encrypted web portal in just a matter of minutes.

We also have a wide range of commercial fishing permits available on our website. Whether you need federal or state licenses, we can help you submit your applications online. To learn more about our services, visit our helpful Frequently Asked Questions page, or send us an email.