Boat Documentation

[Steelhead]

FYI. Below is some information for everyone that is trying to get there boat documented in Michigan.

Dear NACO member,

Phone conference with Commander Reinemann and Mark Bobal February 25, 2008

Up until this year the state of Michigan handled all vessel inspections and enforced all Michigan state laws. State law does not require documentation for vessels over 5 net tons; however federal law does have that requirement. Because the state handled the inspections the USCG did not attempt to handle inspections, however the Michigan state budget was cut this year and the USCG has taken over inspection of vessels, thus the requirement to have all vessels over 5 net tons documented.

The USCG will not be issuing violations for the 2008 season as long as you are showing a good faith effort to comply with the documentation requirement. They assured us they are going to work with the industry through this transition.

The major problem appears to be the required builder certificate, which is required as evidence that the vessel was built in the U.S. and is required for all fishery and coastwise vessels. Some manufacturers have gone out of business, however the Commander suggested that vessel owners take a picture of the manufacturers plaque and/or a rubbing and submit it as proof of being built in the U.S. Headquarters has a list of some boat manufacturing companies that have gone out of business and they may be able to confirm the manufacturer of your vessel.

The form needed for initial documentation is CG-1258. The website to access this form and all others is listed below.

The Commander recommended at the very least each vessel should fill out form

CG-5397: Application for Simplified Measurement and mail. Completed by owner when Builder's Certification, CG-1261, is not provided. He also suggested you make a copy of this and keep it on your vessel to show good faith effort of getting the process started.