For Recreational vessels, the name and hailing port both must be marked together on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull. For Commercial vessels, the vessel name must also be marked on the port and starboard bow and the vessel name and hailing port must also be marked on the stern. All markings may be made by the use of any means and materials that result in durable markings. Letters must be at least four inches in height, made in clearly legible letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals. The state may be abbreviated.
Some vessels have more than one owner.
To make sure that the correct person receives the mail in reference to the vessel, one must be designated as the managing owner. A preferred mortgage is a mortgage which is given status as a maritime lien. As such it enjoys a certain priority in the event of default. In addition, the owner of the vessel is prohibited from making certain changes in documentation including, but not limited to, change of vessel ownership, name, and hailing port without consent of the mortgagee. For this reason many financial institutions require vessels which are eligible for documentation to be documented and to have preferred mortgages recorded against them.