So you finally found the right boat and you already know what kind of fishery will you pursue. What know? Commercial fishing, as well as many other revenue water activities, requires that your vessel be documented by the United States Coast Guard registry.

It’s important to comply with the proper paperwork so you can only worry about dropping the net at the right place. Better to avoid any type of problems with the authorities, since fishing without documentation is illegal and you could face severe fines. Read along to be a responsible fisherman and learn all about USCG documentation.

What Is USCG Documentation?

USCG documentation, or vessel documentation, is the registration of a vessel at a federal level. It’s one of the oldest forms of documentation as it traces back to the 11th Act of the First Congress. It provides legitimacy over the vessel’s nationality as well as its ownership.

Read more about Commercial fishing at Commercial Fishing Permits Center.