What is the minimum tonnage required for a vessel to be documented?

A vessel must have a minimum tonnage of 5 tons to be documented in the United States. This requirement establishes a baseline for vessels that intend to engage in commerce and navigate under federal laws, which include certain regulatory and safety standards. The documentation process provides vessels with a form of title and ownership, permitting them to operate more freely in various waters, including international ones. This tonnage is measured using the gross tonnage, which is a measure of the overall internal volume of the vessel.

Understanding the minimum tonnage is crucial for boat owners who are considering documentation for their vessels, as this designation confers legal recognition and essential benefits that come with being a documented vessel, such as eligibility for federal financing and protections under admiralty law.