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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:	SAILING
Notice:	Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:	UNIFIX::BERENS

Created:	Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:	Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2299
Total number of notes:	20724

1079.0. "Documentation Blues" by TUNER::THUET () Tue Dec 27 1988 11:05

    In the spring, I wrote to all of you regarding my trials surrounding
    the self-inflicted documentation of my Ketch "North Wind."  See
    note #793.
    
    I HAVE STILL NOT RECEIVED MY PAPERS TO DATE!!!!!  (Yes, I'm shouting!)
    
    A phone call to the U.S.C.G. Documentation Office in Boston last
    week, brought little satisfaction.  After being handled off a few
    times, I finally spoke with Capt. Folsom, in charge of Vessel Safety,
    the office that administers the documentation of both commercial
    and recreational vessels.
    
    It seems that Boston has approx. a 10 month backlog in the recreational
    category and is currently working on applications submitted in 
    March 1988.  There's only three people who work 'docs' and priority
    is given to commercial applications.  Low priority is given to recrea-
    tional vessels because "we can get state registration numbers for
    our boats."  (They don't appear to sympathize with the plight of
    plastering those tacky numbers all over our hulls.)
    
    After they cashed my check in late August, I mistakenly thought
    I would see some progress. But NOOOOOO, the good Captain explained,
    "they cashed my check before the time limit expired and then moved
    my application to the 'paid' basket."
    
    What if I wanted to transfer the vessel to another owner?  "Gee,
    that would be a problem" was the reply.
    
    Under-funding, under-staffing, a new computer system that everyone
    had to learn, the list of excuses goes on and on.  But don't worry,
    (I always worry when someone in the government tells me that!!)
    I should have my papers in another month.
    
    Pissed-off, pissed-on, and writing to the new Sec. of Transportation...
    
    Bob

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1079.1	You can push a rope.	CDR::SPENCER	John Spencer	`Tue Dec 27 1988 15:15`	25
	Well, I went almost two years getting documentation renewed when we switched the hailing port from Rockport, ME to Gloucester, MA, and that was when there was a documentation office right here in Gloucester! You can't push a rope. Unless you are struggling because you want/need to sell your boat, do what I did: Paint your boat's name and hailing port on the transom as required, and just sail. I never had a problem. One friend who didn't have his documentation papers aboard when he was recipient of a "courtesy inspection" (remember when they did those?), told the boarding officer that his documentation was stuck in the local office being processed for renewal; they said OK, and he never heard another word. If you don't yet have numbers on your "main beam", however, they might not buy that as readily. But I still suggest you sail and not spend energy worrying about it. There is nothing you can do to speed up the process. And those bureaucrats have their own reasons either for not wanting their workload to look too reasonable, or for choosing to pass on some of the pain they get on their end. If you can, let go; it can only frustrate further and consume you! J.
1079.2	Depends on the rope, I s'pose.	CDR::SPENCER	John Spencer	`Tue Dec 27 1988 15:17`	11
	RE: -.1 title, My modem zipped when it should have blipped: You can't push a rope! ;-), J.
1079.3	Don't Worry !?!?	MERIDN::PASCUCCI		`Wed Dec 28 1988 11:43`	18
	I have recently had TWO communications with the Documentation Office. I closed on a new boat December 23, 1987. Two weeks ago the documentaion company (required by the bank) sent me a copy of the First Ships Preferred Mortgage to be signed and notarized so documentation proceedings could continue! Almost a year later and they still are not complete. They also sent me a copy of the incomplete document, so I do have a number anyhow. The second blow was from the Coast Guard Documentation Office. It indicated that I could be subject to a $500/day fine for not renewing the document on the boat I sold (back in December 1987). It went on to say if the boat had been sold, sunk or whatever that I must surrender the doument to the CG. I DID THAT LAST JANUARY! Still waiting FP
1079.4	Leave a paper trail.	CDR::SPENCER	John Spencer	`Wed Dec 28 1988 14:50`	15
	>>> It went on to say if the boat had been sold, sunk or whatever that >>> I must surrender the doument to the CG. I DID THAT LAST JANUARY! By registered mail, I hope. If so, relax. I got hauled in several times by the USCG doc office and the city for various things. It took time, but the paper trail was there. At the price of a couple in-person visits and dozens of photocopies and first-class stamps, they finally just stopped sending me all those silly threats. Maybe they saw the light, or maybe they just got tired. Or maybe my file got so fat, they decided to pick on someone with a thinner one. ;-), J.
1079.5	Hi tech at USCG Boston	SSVAX::SAVIERS		`Thu Jan 05 1989 22:46`	12
	Remember the yearly postcard renewal forms? Last year they burst the printer run so my address card was attached to the next guys renewal form. I called: answer: "oh yeah, just cross out the boat name and put in yours." I'm still waiting for my 1988 sticker. Probably about only another 4000 people in that box of paper! I haven't seen the 1989 form yet. Somehow I don't think the Coast Guard is so good with "high tech." Don't worry, be happy!
1079.6	Almost there....	BUFFER::FLEISCHMANN		`Fri Jan 06 1989 17:40`	14
	A call to my documentation service today revealed that: 1. new system install at CG caused a 3 month virtual standstill 2. CG currently processing 1st week of Mar88 applications. 3. Mine should come up soon (2nd week MAR88) and even tho there's a final step involving mortgage papers(?), service will send me a copy of documents before that which they claim are legal. Claim I'll be in good shape for 'this boating season'.