Vessel verification process

All vessels on Here2Fish must be verified before they can accept bookings. This guide explains the verification process, required documents, and what to expect during review.

Overview

Why Verification is Required

Here2Fish requires vessel verification to ensure:

• Safety: All vessels meet safety and seaworthiness standards
• Legitimacy: Vessel ownership and registration are verified
• Trust: Fishers can book with confidence
• Compliance: Vessels meet legal and regulatory requirements

Benefits of Verification

• ✅ Verified Badge: Displayed on your vessel listing
• ✅ Accept Bookings: Only verified vessels can receive bookings
• ✅ Trust & Credibility: Builds confidence with potential customers
• ✅ Higher Visibility: Verified vessels may receive priority in search results
• ✅ All Star Eligibility: Required for All Star Owner status

Verification Statuses

Your vessel will go through different verification statuses:

Unverified

• Initial status when a vessel is first registered
• Vessel cannot accept bookings
• Documents may not be uploaded yet

Pending

• Verification request has been submitted
• Documents are under review by Here2Fish staff
• Vessel still cannot accept bookings
• Review typically takes 2-5 business days

Verified

• ✅ Verification approved
• ✅ Vessel can accept bookings
• ✅ Verified badge displayed
• ✅ Full platform access

Rejected

• Verification request was not approved
• Reasons for rejection are provided
• Vessel cannot accept bookings
• Documents can be resubmitted after addressing issues

Step-by-Step Verification Process

Step 1: Register Your Vessel

Before verification, you must complete vessel registration:

1. Navigate to Vessel Registration:
   • Go to Profile > Vessel Owner
   • Select “Add a Vessel”
   • Complete all vessel information fields
2. Provide Vessel Details:
   • Vessel name and specifications
   • Photos (at least one required)
   • Location and operating area
   • Booking mode settings and pricing
3. Submit Registration:
   • Review all information
   • Submit for initial registration
   • Vessel will be created with “Unverified” status

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

After registering your vessel, upload verification documents:

1. Access Document Management:
   • Go to Vessel Owner > Document Management
   • Or select a vessel and choose “Manage Documents”
   • You’ll see a list of required and optional documents
2. Upload Each Required Document:
   • Tap on a document type
   • Select “Upload Document”
   • Choose from camera or photo library
   • Ensure document is clear and readable
   • Submit the upload
3. Verify Document Status:
   • Each document will show status: Missing, Pending, Approved, or Rejected
   • Required documents must all be uploaded before submission
   • Optional documents can help expedite verification

Step 3: Request Verification

Once all required documents are uploaded:

1. Review Document Checklist:
   • ✅ Proof of Ownership
   • ✅ Vessel Registration
   • ✅ Insurance Document
   • ✅ (Optional) Identity Document
2. Submit Verification Request:
   • Tap “Request Verification” button
   • Confirm submission
   • Status changes to “Pending”
3. Await Review:
   • Here2Fish staff will review your documents
   • Review typically takes 2-5 business days
   • You’ll receive notifications of status changes

Required Documents

1. Proof of Ownership

What it is:
Documentation proving you own the vessel

Acceptable Documents:

• Title: Vessel title in your name
• Bill of Sale: Original bill of sale showing transfer of ownership
• Deed of Sale: Legal document showing purchase
• Registration Certificate: Showing you as the registered owner

Document Requirements:

• Must be clear and readable
• Must show your name matching your Here2Fish account
• Must include vessel identification (HIN, registration number, etc.)
• Must be current (not expired)

Tips:

• Take clear photos or scans
• Ensure all text is legible
• Include the full document (don’t crop important information)
• If name doesn’t match exactly, include explanation or additional documentation

2. Vessel Registration

What it is:
Official vessel registration with state or federal authority

Acceptable Documents:

• State Registration: Current state registration certificate
• USCG Documentation: U.S. Coast Guard certificate of documentation
• Federal Registration: For federally documented vessels

Document Requirements:

• Must be current (not expired)
• Must show vessel identification number
• Must match the vessel details in your registration
• Must show your name as registered owner

Tips:

• Check expiration date before uploading
• Ensure registration number matches your vessel details
• If registration is pending renewal, upload current valid registration first
• Include both sides if applicable

3. Insurance Document

What it is:
Proof of vessel insurance coverage

Acceptable Documents:

• Insurance Policy: Current insurance policy document
• Certificate of Insurance: Provided by insurance company
• Insurance Card: Showing policy number and coverage dates

Document Requirements:

• Must show current coverage dates
• Must include policy number
• Must show coverage type and limits
• Must be issued by a licensed insurance provider

Minimum Coverage Requirements:

• Liability coverage for vessel operations
• Coverage appropriate for commercial use (if applicable)
• Coverage that protects both owner and passengers

Tips:

• Contact your insurance provider if you need a certificate
• Ensure coverage dates are current and extend beyond your first booking
• Some states require specific minimum coverage amounts
• Keep insurance active and renew before expiration

Optional Documents (Recommended)

These documents are not required but can help expedite verification and build trust:

4. Identity Document

What it is:
Government-issued photo ID

Acceptable Documents:

• Driver’s license
• State ID card
• Passport

Benefits:

• Helps verify your identity matches ownership documents
• May expedite verification process
• Builds additional trust with platform

Tips:

• Use current, valid ID
• Ensure photo is clear
• Black out sensitive information like SSN if visible (usually not required)

5. Maintenance Records

What it is:
Documentation of vessel maintenance and upkeep

Acceptable Documents:

• Service records
• Inspection reports
• Maintenance logs
• Safety inspection certificates

Benefits:

• Demonstrates vessel seaworthiness
• Shows commitment to safety
• May expedite verification
• Builds confidence with customers

Tips:

• Include recent maintenance records (last 12 months)
• Highlight safety-related maintenance
• Show regular upkeep schedule

6. USCG Captain Certification

What it is:
U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license or certification

Acceptable Documents:

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
• Captain’s license
• Master’s license
• Charter captain certification

Benefits:

• Required for certain vessel operations
• Demonstrates professional competency
• May qualify for premium features
• Builds trust with customers

Note: Required for commercial charter operations in many jurisdictions

Document Upload Guidelines

General Requirements

File Formats:

• Photos: JPEG, PNG
• Documents: PDF, JPEG, PNG
• Maximum file size: 10MB per document

Photo Quality:

• Clear, in-focus images
• Good lighting (avoid shadows or glare)
• Full document visible
• Text legible and readable

Best Practices:

• Use natural lighting when possible
• Place document on flat surface
• Avoid fingers covering information
• Take multiple photos if document has multiple pages
• Review photo before submitting

Common Upload Mistakes

❌ Don’t:

• Upload blurry or out-of-focus photos
• Crop important information
• Upload expired documents
• Submit documents for wrong vessel
• Upload illegible or unclear images

✅ Do:

• Take clear, well-lit photos
• Include entire document
• Ensure documents are current
• Double-check vessel matches
• Review before submitting

Verification Review Process

What Happens During Review

1. Initial Review (Day 1-2):
   • Here2Fish staff checks document completeness
   • Verifies all required documents are present
   • Checks document clarity and readability
2. Document Verification (Day 2-4):
   • Cross-references documents with vessel registration
   • Verifies ownership information
   • Checks insurance coverage validity
   • Validates registration status
3. Vessel Assessment (Day 3-5):
   • Reviews vessel specifications
   • Checks safety requirements
   • Validates booking information
   • Ensures compliance with policies
4. Decision (Day 2-5):
   • Approved: Vessel status changes to “Verified”
   • Rejected: Reasons provided, status changes to “Rejected”

Review Timeline

• Typical Timeline: 2-5 business days
• Rush Processing: Not available (all verifications reviewed in order)
• Peak Times: May take longer during high-volume periods
• Incomplete Documents: Delays review until corrected

Notifications

You’ll receive notifications for:

• ✅ Verification request submitted
• ✅ Status changes (pending → verified/rejected)
• ✅ Document approval/rejection
• ✅ Review completion

After Verification

Approved (Verified Status)

When your vessel is verified:

1. Status Update:
   • Vessel status changes to “Verified”
   • Verified badge appears on your listing
   • Vessel becomes active and searchable
2. Booking Capabilities:
   • Vessel can receive booking requests
   • Vessel appears in search results
   • Full platform features unlocked
3. Next Steps:
   • Set your availability calendar
   • Configure booking preferences
   • Start accepting bookings
   • Share your vessel listing

Rejected Status

If verification is rejected:

1. Review Rejection Reasons:
   • Check notification for specific reasons
   • Common issues:
     • Missing or unclear documents
     • Expired registration or insurance
     • Name mismatch on documents
     • Insufficient insurance coverage
     • Vessel doesn’t meet safety requirements
2. Address Issues:
   • Upload missing documents
   • Replace rejected documents with corrected versions
   • Update vessel information if needed
   • Contact support if unclear on requirements
3. Resubmit Verification:
   • Fix all identified issues
   • Upload corrected/updated documents
   • Request verification again
   • Await review (2-5 business days)

Appealing Rejection

If you believe your verification was incorrectly rejected:

1. Review Rejection Reasons:
   • Understand why verification was rejected
   • Check all requirements carefully
2. Gather Additional Documentation:
   • Prepare supporting documents
   • Explain any discrepancies
   • Provide clarification on issues
3. Contact Support:
   • Reach out to Here2Fish support
   • Explain your situation
   • Provide additional context
   • Submit appeal request
4. Resubmit:
   • Upload all corrected documents
   • Include any additional documentation
   • Request re-verification

Re-Verification

Verification is not permanent. Re-verification may be required:

When Re-Verification is Required

• Insurance Expiration: When insurance policy expires
• Registration Renewal: When vessel registration expires
• Ownership Changes: If vessel ownership changes
• Policy Updates: If Here2Fish verification policies change
• Periodic Review: Annual or periodic re-verification

Re-Verification Process

1. Notification: You’ll be notified when re-verification is needed
2. Update Documents: Upload current documents
3. Submit: Request re-verification
4. Review: Same review process as initial verification

Maintaining Verification

To maintain verified status:

• ✅ Keep insurance current
• ✅ Renew registration before expiration
• ✅ Update documents promptly when they expire
• ✅ Respond to verification requests quickly

Document Expiration Management

Tracking Expiration Dates

Keep track of when documents expire:

• Insurance policies (usually annual)
• Vessel registration (varies by state)
• Other certifications

Renewal Reminders

Here2Fish may send reminders for:

• Insurance renewal dates
• Registration expiration
• Required document updates

Updating Expired Documents

When documents expire:

1. Renew Document: Obtain updated document from provider
2. Upload New Document: Replace expired document in system
3. Verify Status: Check that verification remains active
4. Re-Verification: May be required if verification expired

Troubleshooting

“Document upload failed”

Solution:

• Check file size (must be under 10MB)
• Verify file format (JPEG, PNG, PDF)
• Check internet connection
• Try different file or format

“Document rejected – unclear”

Solution:

• Retake photo with better lighting
• Ensure document is flat and fully visible
• Check that text is legible
• Upload higher resolution image

“Name mismatch”

Solution:

• Verify name on document matches your account
• If different, provide explanation and supporting docs
• Update account name if necessary
• Contact support for guidance

“Insurance insufficient”

Solution:

• Check minimum coverage requirements
• Contact insurance provider to increase coverage
• Verify coverage type includes commercial use if needed
• Upload updated policy

“Verification taking longer than expected”

Solution:

• Check notification for any pending actions
• Verify all documents are approved
• Contact support if beyond 5 business days
• Be patient during peak periods

Tips for Successful Verification

Before Submission

• ✅ Complete all vessel information accurately
• ✅ Gather all required documents beforehand
• ✅ Ensure documents are current and valid
• ✅ Take clear, high-quality photos
• ✅ Double-check name matches on all documents

During Review

• ✅ Respond promptly to any requests
• ✅ Check notifications regularly
• ✅ Be patient during review process
• ✅ Contact support if you have questions

After Verification

• ✅ Keep documents current
• ✅ Set up calendar availability
• ✅ Prepare for bookings
• ✅ Maintain vessel in good condition

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does verification take?

Typically 2-5 business days. Complex cases may take longer.

Can I accept bookings while pending?

No. Only verified vessels can accept bookings.

What if my name is slightly different on documents?

Minor differences (middle initial, etc.) are usually fine. Significant differences may require additional documentation or explanation.

Do I need insurance before verification?

Yes. Proof of insurance is a required document.

Can I submit documents for multiple vessels?

Yes. Each vessel requires its own set of documents. You can manage documents for all your vessels.

What happens if my insurance expires?

You’ll be notified to update your insurance. Re-verification may be required.

Can I appeal a rejection?

Yes. Review the rejection reasons, address issues, and resubmit. Contact support if you need clarification.

Is verification permanent?

No. Re-verification may be required when documents expire or policies change.