The global effort to stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing has entered a more aggressive phase, and the United States Coast Guard is at the center of it. At the heart of this shift is something that often seems routine to American boat owners but carries international weight: Coast Guard boat registration. As enforcement expands,…
The recent Coast Guard rescue off Cape Hatteras, where two people, a cat, and a dog were saved from a disabled vessel, is a powerful reminder that preparation at sea goes far beyond weather checks and safety gear. That preparation often begins with vessel documentation that is accurate, current, and immediately accessible when a distress…
The recent interdiction and offload of more than $203 million worth of cocaine in San Diego is a powerful reminder of how maritime law enforcement, safety, and accountability intersect on the water. For vessel owners, operators, lenders, and maritime professionals, this operation underscores how Coast Guard documentation is closely tied to enforcement authority, lawful commerce,…
The recent rescue near Molokaʻi, where two men were saved from a life raft after their vessel began taking on water, offers a powerful reminder of how quickly routine outings can become emergencies. Stories like this underscore why proper preparation matters long before a distress call is made, including maintaining accurate records through the US…
The United States Coast Guard recently released its 2025 Holiday Resilience Guide. This comprehensive document serves as a vital resource for maritime personnel. It focuses on maintaining mental and operational readiness during the festive season. At the National Documentation E-Portal, we believe these values extend to every boat owner. Our US Boat Registry provides the…
Project Viper drew national attention because of what unfolded on the open ocean. The Coast Guard intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific. Shots were fired. Crews found large quantities of drugs after boarding. This shows the high stakes behind every interdiction. It also shows why strong maritime oversight matters. One part of…
The recent seizure of a vessel carrying about $28 million in cocaine off Miami Beach offers powerful proof of the Coast Guard’s heroism. Additionally, it also shows how tracking and Coast Guard documentation matter. According to Fox LA, on December 2, 2025, a joint law-enforcement operation intercepted a suspected smuggling boat just two miles east…
When it comes to boating safety and legality, having proper Coast Guard documentation is not just bureaucratic red tape — it is a crucial safeguard. At the National Documentation E-Portal, we make it easy to apply for and renew your USCG documentation through our online portal. With the right documentation in place, vessel operators…
Looking for an easier way of going about documenting your boat? Does the process of registering a vessel seem like it should be more straightforward? These are the kinds of concerns that inspired us to initially create our portal. We wanted to offer a platform where vessel owners could quickly and conveniently register their boats. …
USCG Documentation with a Fishery Endorsement
For commercial fishing within the United States or the EEZ, vessels that meet the criteria—measuring at least five net tons in volume and fully U.S.-owned—should be documented with a “Fishery” endorsement. This can be selected when completing the U.S. Coast Guard documentation form.
Click here to apply for initial USCG documentation.
If your vessel is already documented and you need to add a Fishery endorsement, use this link for a Change of Endorsement/Trade Indicator.