Documentation Endorsements

[tjr818]

I am finally getting around to having Slainte Documented However I am not sure which Endorsement(s) to apply for. Can anyone give me some idea? Recreational? Coastwise? or Registry? What do they mean?

[barfwinkle]

Hey Tim. Sandra & I hope you & yours had a wonderful Christmas

I'm not positive but I think you need to check "Recreational" (at least that's what Rhapsody's says) . Someone will chime in soon with a certain answer.

Fair winds, Happy New Year & hope to share another round this season.

[Jim Walsh]

Positively "recreation".

[Sea Hunt Video]

Tim:

I assume you are in the process of filling out the USCG document entitled "Application For Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation"; CG #1258.

At paragraph "H", Endorsements For Which Application is Made, check "RECREATIONAL". At paragraph "I", Primary Service, again check RECREATIONAL".

If you have any additional questions, etc., please do not hesitate to send me a PM, an email or call the house. My number is in the directory. If you do not have a copy of the directory, PM or email and I will provide it.

All I ask is that you not give my phone number to OJ. He was calling me at 3 or 4 in the morning asking (begging) me to take "Fifi" off his hands. It was embarrassing. I told him I changed my phone number (I did not) and he seems to believe this. No calls in 2 months.

[CD_Sailor]

... having Slainte Documented ... not sure which Endorsement(s) to apply for ... What do they mean?

Look at "FAQ Question 6" on this page:

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp#06

If you would like the "home study" version, try this:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-t ... bpartB.xml

[Larry McAnally]

Why Document? My document is expiring and the CG is now charging to renew. My state(Florida) requires state registration. I also intend to change my vessel name. What advantage is there to documenting?

[Jim Walsh]

The main benefit of documentation versus numbering, is that a documented vessel may be the subject of a Preferred Ship Mortgage under 46 United States Code Chapter 313. In practical terms, this means that lending institutions regard a documented vessel as a more secure form of collateral. For larger and more expensive boats, it may be easier to obtain bank financing if the boat is documented rather than numbered.

Another benefit is that the certificate of documentation may make customs entry and clearance easier in foreign ports. The document is treated as a form of national registration that clearly identifies the nationality of the vessel.

[CD_Sailor]

... the certificate of documentation may make customs entry and clearance easier in foreign ports. The document is treated as a form of national registration that clearly identifies the nationality of the vessel.

Having sailed foreign for just under 30 years and encountered many unusual jurisdictions and requirements, I don't recall a single instance where authorities preferentially requested a US state registration in preference to a USCG document. Obviously this is of little concern to those who sail US waters exclusively. OTOH I agree that documenting smaller vessels is sometimes an act of self-validation rather obvious utility.