Documentation Renewal

[Dog Islander]

I received a letter in the mail today from Specialized Yacht Services notifying me my certificate of documentation was expiring shortly. They are offering to handle the renewal for a $75.00 service fee. As I understand, renewal is free if I do it directly through the USCG. Should I be expecting the renewal notice from USCG soon as my document expires in April? Can I access this renewal process on-line?

Ray
Nudibranch

 

[DonGeorge]

Hi Ray,

the official notice should arrive a few weeks before the certificate expires, renewal is free and it is as easy as sending the signed notice back by mail or fax. The company you mentions accesses the public records to offer its renewal service which I believe is morally questionable (and yet legal :-()

Jorge

 

[baz]

Ray: This doc renewal is a DIY effort and is free. Don't be taken in by that offer.

 

[Dog Islander]

Thanks guys. My first quick read of the solicitation made me feel like I had better get my paperwork going. My Certificate of Documentation expires at the end of April so I'll look for the CG to send me a form after the beginning of April.

Ray

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Ray: Like you I received the documentation renewal notice from "Specialized Yacht Service" to renew with them for $75 and today my "Official" U.S. Coast Guard no cost DIY paper work came in the mail. Unless your address has changed it is a simple sign, date and return by your expire date, in my case (like yours) it is by April 30th. Note that there is a 30 day late window option to renew with a $5.00 late fee charge. One of the beauties of this forum is the self education we all provide each other and in this case not spending money on the "Specialized Yacht Service" offer, which I think is akin to a scam.

Jim F

 

[Stella Maris]

We too have renewed ours using the "official" documentation. I'm currently thinking of starting a business where I will offer the service to renew for say...... $25.00..... If these others get enough to support them at $75.00, imagine how many more would jump at the idea of having it done for 1/3 the cost! Could pay for a tank of fuel!

 

[Dog Islander]

Jim, I received my renewal in the mail today as well. They estimate that it takes 5 minutes to complete the form. I'm planning on faxing it off tomorrow before I forget. Now that I know what to expect, let's hope they don't change their ways in the coming years.

Lets go boating!
Ray