You do if it measures five net tons or more and you’re using it on coastwise trade (transporting merchandise or passengers) in the navigable waters of the United States or the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). You also have to document it if you’re using it in fishing activities in those areas. Dredges that operate in the EEZ and US must be documented, as towboats in those areas must as well.
I Can Document My Vessel, Do I Have To?
