Are you considering registering your vessel but aren’t sure if it’s the right course of action? Do you feel “on the fence” about whether or not you should get your ship registered? Ship registration is an important decision. Not every ship has to be registered, but there are vessels that must be registered. Moreover, there are vessels that don’t have to be registered but would best be served by doing so. If you need to register your vessel or renew your registration, you can do so at our site. 

How to Tell if Your Vessel is Eligible for Ship Registration

If your vessel measures five net tons and is owned by a citizen of the United States, then your vessel is eligible for vessel registration. “Net tons” is not a measurement of the weight of your vessel, but rather, a measurement of its volume. If you do not want to have your vessel’s volume measured, there is a shorthand method. If your vessel is 25 feet long or longer, then it almost assuredly measures five net tons. Bear in mind: if your vessel meets this standard, it can be registered, but it does not necessarily have to be. 

Registered Vessels for Commerce 

Your vessel does have to be registered if you’re going to use it for fishing activities on the navigable waters of the United States or in what’s called the “Exclusive Economic Zone” (or “EEZ.”) Alternatively, you do have to register your vessel if it’s going to transport people or goods in those same waters. Should you decide to use your vessel for commerce or travel to other countries, you may also choose to register it. There are different, corresponding registration endorsements to meet each of these activities. 

Registered Vessels for Fun  

The above having been said, a majority of the registered vessels aren’t used for commerce, they’re used exclusively for recreation. However, their vessel owners registered them because they wanted to avail themselves of a “Preferred Ship Mortgage.” It’s highly unlikely (if not downright impossible) that a lender will loan you money for a vessel if your vessel isn’t registered. 

Renewal and More 

As you might imagine from a site that has the word “renewal” in its URL, it’s possible to renew your registration here at our site. Since our site is optimized for mobile devices, you’ll be able to use our site anywhere you would like. To see all of the ways that our site can help, click here.