Just as every car has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to establish its unique identity, every vessel has its own identification markers that serve a similar role. For undocumented recreational vessels, this identifier is the Hull Identification Number (HIN). For documented vessels, it’s the USCG Official Number. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer resources…
When vessel owners begin researching US Coast Guard documentation info, one of the first questions they ask is whether their boat needs to be documented. The answer depends on the vessel’s size, purpose, and how it will be used. At the National Documentation Portal, we help clarify these requirements and provide a secure, easy-to-use online…
Have you been looking for all of the USCG Forms that your vessel may need, but are unable to find them in one place? Are you tired of going all over the internet just to find the forms that your vessel requires? Here at the National Documentation Portal, we don’t believe that finding proper vessel…
Are you selling a jet ski and want to make the purchase legally binding? A well-drafted bill of sale for a jet ski ensures a smooth transfer, reduces disputes, and may be required for registration or titling in many states. When buying or selling a jet ski or any personal watercraft, having a legally sound…
Are you pondering the idea of officially Documenting a Vessel you Own, but are feeling uncertain about the pros and cons? It’s true that some boat owners have no choice but to document their vessels due to specific requirements. Yet, there are other boat owners who willingly choose to document their boats, and they do…
For vessel owners in Hawaii, understanding how to register and document a boat can feel complicated. Between state requirements and federal options, figuring out what applies to your vesseand what’s optional—can take time. At the National Documentation Portal, we help simplify the federal Hawaii boat registration process, especially when it comes to federally documenting eligible…
If you’re planning on selling a Coast Guard documented boat, there are certain rules and procedures that you’ll need to follow. Documented vessels fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard and are governed by federal maritime law. That means it requires the proper documentation, submitted correctly and in a timely manner. At…
May I renew a lost Certificate of Documentation?. It is the policy of the US Coast Guard Documentation not to renew lost certificate of documentation. If you lost your certificate, you could apply for a replacement. You can complete it by filling out the form at nvdcrenewal.us. Once you filled out the application for a…
Do you want to acquire a documented vessel but have no idea how to do so? If that’s the case, you’ve found the ideal article. When looking to purchase a boat, documentation may be an invaluable resource. It ensures the vessel has passed a Coast Guard inspection and is safe for passengers to ride. But…
Does vessel documentation seem far more complicated than it has any right to be? Do you have burning questions about boat documentation that seem to lack clear answers? Look no further. Our website isn’t just a platform for vessel owners to register their boats; it’s also a knowledge hub tailored to cater to all your…