As usual I got a letter saying it's time to renew, curiously over two months before my Documentation expiration date. Usually I get the letter about 45 days before the expiration date. I was about to online renew, when I smelled something bad. They wanted $75USD for what costs $26USD when dealing directly with the USCG National Documentation Center website. They're running a scam, and apparently other companies are doing the same. DO NOT GET RIPPED OFF; only deal with the official NVDC website. From the Better Business Bureau:
On May 9, 2019, BBB recognized a pattern of complaints concerning "maritimedocumentation.us" from consumers regarding advertising, billing and refund issues. Consumers allege that they are misled to believe they are on the U.S Coastguard’s website and are charged excessive fees to submit their vessel documentation. Consumers also allege that if they cancel their order, they do not receive a refund, nor do they receive the certificate.
On May 9, 2019, BBB recognized a pattern of complaints concerning "maritimedocumentation.us" from consumers regarding advertising, billing and refund issues. Consumers allege that they are misled to believe they are on the U.S Coastguard’s website and are charged excessive fees to submit their vessel documentation. Consumers also allege that if they cancel their order, they do not receive a refund, nor do they receive the certificate.