The commercial fishing industry is highly regulated. Regardless of the state you’re in, certain rules and regulations must be followed to safeguard the environment, promote healthy competition, and safeguard the consumer. In order to operate your commercial or industrial fishing business legally and sustainably, obtaining the proper licenses and permits is crucial. So, before you load your boat and cast your nets into the water, you will need to have the proper USCG vessel documentation as well as the required forms completed and processed.
The USCG’s Role in the Regulation of Commercial Fishing
If you have spent significant time in ocean waters, you have likely seen at least one Coast Guard vessel. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces that was established in 1915 and is responsible for law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime security. One of the many jobs of ocean management is to make sure that commercial fishing rules are followed.
Additionally, there is a division within the Coast Guard known as the Office of Fishing Vessel Safety. Their goal is to improve safety while reducing fatalities and protecting the environment from pollution. Along with the USCG, these agencies make and enforce policies and laws for the commercial fishing vessel industry.
Commercial License For Different States In the U.S.
Learning more about USCG documentation is a good starting point. However, depending on the scenario, you will also require permits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and your local and state agencies. Knowing what this paperwork is and how to get it is a good first step for anyone who wants to start a career in commercial or industrial fishing.
Meeting the Appropriate Requirements
When must a commercial fishing vessel be documented with the United States Coast Guard? That is a reasonable question, and if your operation consists of only you or a very small team, you may wonder if it is even necessary. If you engage in commercial activities on the ocean, the Great Lakes, or Washington’s Puget Sound, your vessel must be registered with the Coast Guard and pass a mandatory safety exam. In fact, federal law requires all commercial vessels to always carry USCG documentation on board.
East Coast Regulations
Anglers need to have a valid fishing license from Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, or Connecticut in order to fish in the waters of Connecticut. The cost of a license to fish in freshwater for an entire year varies for residents of the state, while the fee is $45 for non-residents. Permits to fish in all waters, as well as stamps to fish for trout and salmon in designated areas, are both available for purchase with the government.
When registering with the marine fishing registry, anglers aged 16 and older do not have to pay a fee in the state of New York. The National Marine Fishing Service keeps a database that includes the marine waters of the state of New York. This makes it easier for people who have already registered to get permits.
There is also the option of purchasing a freshwater license valid for the entire year, and license holders in the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island are eligible for registration. Uncertain of where to begin or what permits you must acquire? Please feel free to contact one of our helpful customer service representatives, as we will gladly answer any questions you may have.
How to Acquire USCG Paperwork
Now that you have committed to commercial or industrial fishing as a business plan, it is time to acquire the necessary paperwork, registrations, and licenses. USCG vessel documentation can be obtained directly from the government. This can be accomplished by accessing the USCG’s website and locating Form CG-1258, also known as an Application for Documentation.
After you have printed and signed this form, you will need to collect additional documentation. The Coast Guard will require proof of ownership, such as a state registration or title, a builder’s certificate, or a bill of sale. If your boat has never been documented, you must also send in Form CG-5397, an application for simplified measurement.
Safe and Quick Online Application for Documentation
At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we understand that as a business owner, chances are you don’t have enough time to navigate government websites, identify the correct forms, print them out, sign them, and rush to the post office before it closes for the day. Fortunately, there exists a private service that can assist you in applying online for your USCG documentation and NOAA permits.
If you need to apply for initial Coast Guard documentation, renewal, reinstatement, or a replacement copy to replace a lost document, our user-friendly, centralized website can assist you. You can find applications for nearly every type of commercial or industrial fishing permit, organized by regional jurisdictions and different states. We provide simple, user-friendly online forms for these and other Coast Guard documentation needs. We send your information through a secure, SSL-encrypted web portal, so you can rest easy knowing that your personal information is in good hands.
We also provide online applications for NOAA commercial fishing permits. Please take a few moments to explore our website. Get your Coast Guard paperwork and fishing permits in order so you can return to the water and increase your catch.
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