How to determine the collateral value of a ship for the purpose of receiving a credit? This is not a simple question, both for domestic and foreign commercial banks. However, such assessment activity is conducted and the author is aware of all the details of this procedure. The article analyzes the reasons for transferring sea vessels in the collateral, risks inherent in the given subject of pledge, and their influence on the rate of collateral value. What measures could improve the competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding? These issues are discussed in the article.