Documentation Service scam

[quinsky]

This is a reminder not to use Maritime Documentation Services for renewal of your documentation unless you want to spend three times as much . I received an official looking letter from them which reminded me my renewal was soon due. This is my first year for renewal. I rapidly scanned the letter which said there was a processing fee. I went to the website to look for these fees thinking a few extra dollars might be worth it, but could not find them- just a $75 fee for renewal. They also offer multi year renewals at $75 each. Then I went to the USCG renewal site which lists the fee for $26! After re-reading the letter carefully I saw where it said "This is a solicitation ". So Its not really a scam but just a nefarious way to charge you more. I almost went for a multi-year renewal!

 

[BB marine]

That scam service letter is sent out to us every year. The first year I received it I almost went thru with it. I looked at my original paper work and it said renewal Fee was $26. I went to the original site Pay.gov -USCG Vessel Documentation Payment Form and found the correct $26. I use the scam service as my reminder to pay the fee every year.

 

[asm777]

Another thing to note is to NOT renew early. I made the mistake my 1st year... original expiration was in December... sent payment early thinking they would push expiration out by one year... NOPE! new expiration date now September!

Now, I wait till first day of September to renew to make sure I don't lose a few months each year by being diligent and renewing early!