Common questions

How do I document my vessel?

How do I document my vessel?

How do I document a vessel with the USCG? Boat owners can document their vessel or renew their Certificate of Documentation directly through the Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center. Owners will generally need to submit: An application for documentation (form CG-1258)

What vessels should be documented?

A documented vessel is one that is registered by the Federal Government through the U. S. Coast Guard, rather than titled and numbered by a state. Pleasure vessels of 5 net tons and over (26 feet in length and up) may be documented, and commercial vessels 5 net tons and over must be documented.

What does a documented vessel mean?

Documentation is a means by which a vessel becomes federally registered. A documented vessel is awarded an official number which is permanently marked into the interior of the vessel. Name and proper hailing port must also be marked on the exterior.

How do I renew my vessel documentation?

To easily renew your vessel documentation, simply go to the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center website and click on “instructions and forms.” Renewal is simple and cost $26 per year.

How do I find the owner of a documented vessel?

If the boat is documented with the Coast Guard, log online and visit the Office of Science and Technology’s copy of the Coast Guard’s database of all vessels by name. Enter the name and port of hail as prompted and the site will return the title owner’s information. Contact the relevant state agency.

Does a Coast Guard documented vessel have a title?

USCG Documented vessels can be registered for a period of 1 or 3 years but should only be titled if USCG Documentation is canceled. You may register your vessel by mail or in person at a local Wildlife Service Agent.

Do documented vessels need registered?

While federally documented vessels are not required to display state registration numbers, you may still be required to register the vessel with the state, and be required to pay any sales taxes.

How do you transfer ownership of a documented vessel?

If your vessel is USCG documented, you would only need to submit a copy of the Certificate of Documentation. It has to include the signature of the owners, and the copy must be notarized. Then, state the new name and address of the new owners.

What is a vessel certificate of Documentation?

The Certificate of Documentation issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center to a vessel serves a dual purpose. It is both a certificate of nationality and an authorization for the vessel’s use in general or specific trades. Documentation also establishes an official basis for vessel identification and control.

What do you call a ship owner?

[ ship-oh-ner ] SHOW IPA. / ˈʃɪpˌoʊ nər / PHONETIC RESPELLING. noun. a person who owns a ship or ships.

How to conduct a vessel documentation search lookup?

How to conduct a vessel documentation search lookup. Our Coast Guard vessel database search is designed as a public resource for anyone looking to view the documentation aspects of a particular vessel… and it’s completely free.

Where can I get documentation for my Boat?

If you own a boat, it needs to be documented. It’s like having a registration for your car. You can obtain your documents from the National Vessel Documentation Center. They will issue you a U.S. Coast Guard certificate of vessel documentation. This is registered at the federal level.

Why is the national Vessel Documentation Center important?

The National Vessel Documentation Center facilitates maritime commerce and the availability of financing while protecting economic privileges of United States citizens through the enforcement of regulations, and provides a register of vessels available in time of war or emergency to defend and protect the United States of America.

Why is it important to document your boat?

Documentation provides conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, provides for unhindered commerce between the states, and admits vessels to certain restricted trades, such as coastwise trade and the fisheries. Since 1920, vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels.