MMSI number registration question

[boaterjoe]

I recently bought a C-28 and changed the registration of the MMSI number on the boat to me via Boat US. Does anyone know how long it takes to show up on the nationwide registry?
thanks
Joe Dunstan
Flying Turtle C-28
Bainbridge Island, Wa.

 

[baz]

If you intend to travel international waters you should not use BoatUS to obtain MMSI. You should create a USCG/Homeland Security certificate of documentation (COD) which will assign an MMSI as part of the documentation.

 

[knotflying]

If you intend to travel international waters you should not use BoatUS to obtain MMSI. You should create a USCG/Homeland Security certificate of documentation (COD) which will assign an MMSI as part of the documentation.

Interesting, I do not see an MMSI number on my COD. Where would one find the number issued via the COD?

 

[scross]

I've never heard of a COD. I received my MMSI through the FCC. Since we are in Canadian waters almost as much as we are in US waters I wanted to be sure my MMSI was good in Canada too. If you cross the border the FCC requires the ship's radio to be licensed.

 

[baz]

Hmmmm..... I apologize. (Mike.... Sorry for the confusion).

If you do intend to cruise international water you do need the FCC Ship Station License and this process will assign the MMSI. This allows your distress signal (that contains the MMSI) when in international waters to interrogate the international data base containing the boat's information for the local authorities.

The Certificate Of Documentation (COD) which is obtained via the USCG & Homeland Security assigns a different number that has to be permanently affixed to the boat's inside along with the boat's name made visible on the hull. If a boat has a COD it's not required to have a states registration number visible on its hull.

The only issue I have with the COD is that the fee charged is rather excessive IMO.

I'm also told that in time of war the COD allows the Govt. to assess the boat's configuration and would/will commandeer it if it was deemed to aid in the war effort. 😱

Ref: http://blog.boattrader.com/2012/09/boat-registration-vs-documentation.html

So why would you want to document your boat?

If you travel to foreign waters, the Certificate of Documentation facilitates clearance with foreign governments and provides certain protection by the U.S. flag.

It may be easier to get a bank loan to finance your vessel if it is documented. The bank is interested in recording a “First Preferred Ships Mortgage” to perfect their lien. This document is enforceable throughout the U.S., its territories, and some foreign countries.

There may be some tax savings. Check with your state concerning preferred tax status for documented vessels.

It is much easier to track stolen vessels across state lines with the federally documented “chain of ownership.”

Most states allow boats registered in other states to “visit” their waters for a period of up to 60 days without obtaining registration in the visited state, but after that you’ll have to apply to the state you’re visiting.

BoatUS and other agencies can help with documentation. Your broker may also help facilitate documentation or the transfer of documentation to the new owner. However, doing this by yourself is no more difficult than state registration.

Once documented, it stays documented for the life of the vessel. This means that if you sell the vessel the new owner simply needs to update the documentation information (along with a fee). The vessel’s documentation ID number, which needs to be affixed to the interior, stays the same. There is an annual documentation update form required by the Coast Guard, but this is automatically sent out to you 45 days in advance of annual expiration, and there are no further fees involved.

Federal documentation adds those advantages, but doesn’t mean exemption from state registration and taxation.

For more information on documenting your boat contact the http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organiz...s-DCO-D/National-Vessel-Documentation-Center/

 

[knotflying]

Documentation is also a form of title. When I got my boat documented I had to return my state issued title document back to the state.