"Fake" vessel documentation request

[Pau Hana]

It's that time of year- just received our annual "fake" documentation renewal.

Be sure to read your renewal form- the official one comes from the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) in Falling Waters, WV, and should cost $26 annually.

 

[Group9]

Probably from the same bunch that charges you $20 to change your address with the Post Office, and tries to look like the Post Office site, when the Post Office does it for nothing.

 

[twistedtree]

Well, if you read it, they are at least clear that it's a "solicitation" and that they are a "private firm".

 

[oscar]

Well, if you read it, they are at least clear that it's a "solicitation" and that they are a "private firm".

Yup. They are pushing the limit with their formatting, but a half an ounce of reading comprehension sends it to the recycling bin......

 

[Group9]

Just like with the Nigerian scammers, if 1 in a 1000 bite, it's worth it to them to try.

 

[Pau Hana]

The problem is that too many will simply see this and process their renewal- because they don’t know any better. The disclaimer verbiage is there, but it’s vague at best...

 

[Donna]

Just got mine too! Lol!

 

[CaptTom]

The problem is that too many will simply see this and process their renewal- because they don’t know any better. The disclaimer verbiage is there, but it’s vague at best...

I think there's another angle. There are boaters, and I've met a few, who would much rather boast that "I pay a guy to do that for me" than to spend a few moments doing it themselves on line.

I happen to live in a town with more than its share of this type of person. Conspicuous consumption, arrogance, whatever you call it.

I don't understand that attitude, but I do understand why someone would take advantage of it. All the contractors, retailers and just about anyone offering services around here do. Oh, you live in Xxxx? Yeah, I'll be right over to give you a quote. Can I interest you in this exclusive line of Yyyy? We have a special service for high net worth people like you...

I hate the scammers, too. But sometimes you have to give them credit for finding a sucker.

 

[sbu22]

Just did my renewal on line. $26 out the door - no "convenience" fee. Took maybe 5 minutes.

 

[Chuck34]

I just got my letter today, but from a company I've never heard of before, Vessel Documentation Portal.
Obviously, I will not be using them.

 

[Group9]

We got our real renewal notice in last week. One of the fake ones came in about six weeks ago, and my wife fell for it, but I didn't! And, luckily, she handed it to me to pay instead of doing it herself.

 

[boatpoker]

PT Barnum said ..........

 

[RT Firefly]

...and W. C. Fields wrote...

 

[markpierce]

Regardless, don't renew too soon. Last time I lost two months: was to expire in December, but the renewal was just through October. Renewals are handled quickly. Don't renew before five weeks from expiration. And always deal directly with the USCG.

 

[OldDan1943]

I cannot confirm until I return to the boat but, I think "they" have decided to issue 5 year documentation certificates.
Let's face it, a yearly renews was costing them big bucks.

I had a Folbot.... 17ft long and each year the state would send me a tax bill for less than $10. Finally I called them and suggested the cost of sending me the bill for taxes exceeded the cost of sending me the bill, if they included all their personnel costs etc.
I suggested, if they never sent me another tax bill, they would be better off. He did not agree but, I never got another bill. LOL

 

[SteveK]

May I ask what this is for.
Being outside of US I do not know, nor do we have anything similar.

 

[ctjstr]

I cannot confirm until I return to the boat but, I think "they" have decided to issue 5 year documentation certificates.
Let's face it, a yearly renews was costing them big bucks.

I had a Folbot.... 17ft long and each year the state would send me a tax bill for less than $10. Finally I called them and suggested the cost of sending me the bill for taxes exceeded the cost of sending me the bill, if they included all their personnel costs etc.
I suggested, if they never sent me another tax bill, they would be better off. He did not agree but, I never got another bill. LOL

that's correct. I just transferred the documentation and renewed it for Satisfaction. Had the option for up to five years.
toni

 

[boatpoker]

May I ask what this is for.
Being outside of US I do not know, nor do we have anything similar.

Actually we do have something almost identical. In Canada we have "Registered Vessels" which are the equivalent of US "Documented Vessels". Our registration is issued by Transport Canada for 3 yrs. at a time but without a fee.

PS. I just looked up SOO VALLEY in the Transport Canada Ships Registry and have your full name and address in Delta, BC. Your registry number is 372674 and expires on 2022-10-31

 

[SteveK]

Actually we do have something almost identical. In Canada we have "registered vessels" which are almost the same thing as US Documented vessels.
Our registry is issued by Transport Canada for 3 yrs. but without a fee.

OK, I know that one.