Commercial vessels need to pass safety requirements and be regularly inspected in accordance with the relevant laws. The owners of personal and recreational boats have their own ways to check vessel readiness, which include special public inspections offered by the local coast guard.
However, commercial boat operators have guidelines to abide by, and these could vary by each state. Below are some tips to keep in mind when you investigate your boat and ensure you have the right commercial watercraft insurance:
- Research the proper scheduling procedure: Find out in advance what the deadline is for the inspection and how soon you can make an appointment, as these may be specific to your state. New Hampshire, for example, requires inspection appointments to be made at least a week in advance.
- Replace defunct parts regularly: PropertyCasualty360 recently featured a list of tips for boat owners to protect their own property. "For inboard-outboard powered boats, be sure to inspect sterndrive bellows on an annual basis, and replace every three to five years," their list states. Commercial boats might not use this technology but there might still be elements that need to be frequently assessed and replaced.
- Go to the authorities and take action sooner than later: Make sure you're getting the inspection that qualifies for your class and purpose. Doing this relatively soon after you acquire the vessel can help cut down on the amount of time you spend waiting to be certified.
Starting the process can set the standard cycle in motion so you are able to continue this all through the time that you own and operate your boat. There can be similar renewal timelines that apply to your boat insurance coverage.