Vessel Documentation Forms

Renew Certificate

Renew your Certificate of Documentation for up to five years in advance. Begin Application

Change of Address

Change the physical or mailing address on your Certificate of Documentation. Begin Application

Abstract of Title

Discover more information about a vessel. Begin Application

Initial Vessel Documentation

Document your vessel with the Coast Guard. Begin Application

Transfer/Exchange

Transfer/Exchange ownership of the vessel, change the managing owner, and more. Begin Application

Reinstatement of Documentation

Reinstate a certificate that expired more than thirty days ago. Begin Application

Certified Copy of Documentation

Acquire a certified copy of the vessel’s certificate as it exists on record. Begin Application

Deletion from USCG Documentation

Delete the vessel from US Coast Guard documentation. Begin Application

Replacement of Certificate of Documentation

Replace the Certificate of Documentation if it has been lost or mutilated. Begin Application

Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port

Change the vessel’s name or its hailing port. Begin Application

Change of Endorsement/Trade Indicator

Change your vessel’s endorsement or trade indicator. Begin Application

Satisfaction/Release of Mortgage

Apply for a satisfaction of mortgage. Begin Application

Preferred Ship Mortgage

Apply for a First Preferred Ship’s Mortgage for your documented vessel. Begin Application

Notice of Claim of Lien (NCL)

Apply for a recording of a claim of lien against a documented vessel. Begin Application

Marad Small Vessel Waiver

Apply for a waiver of the US-build requirement to conduct limited passenger operations in America. Begin Application

Foreign Vessel Title Search Request

Discover more information about vessels in select foreign countries. Begin Application

Document Upload

Use this form to upload relevant information (USCG 1340 Bill of Sale, Last Will and Testament, Previous COD) to your USCG Documentation application processing. Upload Documents

Vessel Documentation Search

Conduct a vessel documentation search by Official Number and HIN. Click Here to Perform a Vessel Documentation Search
What a Preferred Ship Mortgage Offers a Lender: Federal Lien Priority & Protection
What Does a Preferred Ship Mortgage Offer a Lender?  A preferred ship mortgage offers a lender senior statutory lien priority under the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens Act (CIMLA, 46 U.S.C. Chapter 313), superior federal in rem foreclosure rights in U.S. District Court, and vessel arrest authority via the U.S.Read More
Privileges of Coast Guard Documented Vessels: Clearances, Title & Protections
What are the primary privileges of Coast Guard documented vessels? The privileges of Coast Guard documented vessels grant certain commercial, legal, and operational rights. The core privileges include: Uncontested International Clearance: Worldwide recognition under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and diplomatic protection underRead More
USCG Vessel Documentation Renewal Tips: Multi-Year Filing, Deadline Rules & Pre-Audits
What are the primary rules for renewing a USCG Certificate of Documentation? Federal renewal of a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation (COD) centers on official Form CG-1280. Recreational vessel owners can renew annually or select multi-year terms ranging from 1 to 5 years. Of all the USCGRead More

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