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
Coast Guard Documentation Transfer Form: What Vessel Owners Must Know
The proper documentation and accuracy are essential to transferring a federal vessel’s ownership. A Coast Guard documentation transfer form is essentially what permits official records to be updated upon a vessel’s change in ownership. No matter if the transfer occurs by way of sale, inheritance or group reorganization, correct filingRead More
Lessons from the Coast Guard: NVDC Renewal for Offshore Safety
Operating a documented vessel offshore requires preparation, awareness, and reliable records. Maritime emergencies can unfold rapidly, especially in cold water or changing weather conditions. In those moments, the information available to search-and-rescue teams can affect how quickly they respond and how effectively they coordinate help. Maintaining an accurate NVDC renewalRead More
How to Change Vessel Documentation Status USCG Without Delays
Documented vessel owners must understand the proper procedures to change vessel documentation status in USCG records. Federal documentation is the official maritime record of an owner’s title, endorsements, and eligibility. When information changes, they must be filed accurately and promptly. Not doing that may cause processing delays, compliance issues, orRead More

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