As technology advances, knowledgeable vendors are finding faster and easier means of obtaining information.
The Coast Guard publishes the multi-volume List of Vessels periodically. This book contains information on the ownership of vessels obtained from the U.S. vessel documentation files. Unfortunately it does not seem to be a big priority of the Coast Guard so years pass before an updated issue is published.
Those who have a need for such information will be pleased to learn it is now available on a CD-ROM. Not only is the documentation information of U.S. vessels contained on it, but also included are: the list of Manufacturers’ Identification Code (MIC) for 11,000 boat manufacturers; Coast Guard recreational boating accident records for the past 20 years; and, Manufacturers’ Defect Notification (1972-1992).
Those who deal with vessels and boats can access this wealth of information faster and easier than any other method I know. Searches can be done on any number of fields allowing the user to find, for instance, all boats of particular manufacturer which have been involved in fires.
Updating of the information is being done as this article is written and should be available on a new version of the CD-ROM, you need the following system equipment: IBM compatible computer with a 386SX or higher processor; 2 MB of memory, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or better, and a CD drive.
The CD can be obtained from Maritime Information Systems, 2390 Shelter Island DR, Ste 220, San Diego, CA 92106, phone (619) 223-8947. Currently they are offering their product at a reduced price so those that are interested should not procrastinate or they may pay considerably more.
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