Coastal Documentation of Spruce Head, Maine Coastal Documentation is a service designed to assist owners of commercial or pleasure boats in registering their vessels with the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Documentation is a one time process.
Your official documentation number becomes an integral, permanent part of your boat. Why Document Your Boat For commercial-use boats, documentation is required to avoid fines. Many lending companies and individuals require documentation as a condition for financing boat purchases because documented boats are eligible for a First Preferred Ships Mortgage, the safest form of security a lender can have on a boat. Bills of Sale, Mortgages and other instruments of title are recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center. When cruising in foreign territory or U.S. waters, it gives undisputed identity.