When you own a vessel in the United States, you have two primary registration options: state registration or federal documentation through the U.S. Coast Guard. While most recreational boat owners are familiar with state registration, U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation process offers unique advantages that make it the preferred choice for many vessel owners. Our portal…
If you own a documented vessel, you already know the importance of maintaining proper ship documentation with the United States Coast Guard. But when it comes time to renew USCG documentation, many vessel owners find themselves navigating confusing requirements and deadlines. The good news? Our portal simplifies this process, ensuring you stay compliant without the…
Time is often a critical factor when dealing with vessel documentation. Whether you’ve just purchased a vessel, need to update your Certificate of Documentation before a planned voyage, or want to complete a time-sensitive ownership transfer, waiting weeks for paperwork to be processed by the U.S. Coast Guard can be frustrating. That’s why we created…
As the summer season winds down, many boaters are eager to take advantage of the remaining warm weather by heading out on the water. Whether you’re wrapping up a long boating season or just squeezing in a few late-summer trips, maintaining awareness of current marine safety alerts and preparing accordingly is crucial. At the National…
After repaying a First Preferred Ship Mortgage, the lien must be officially removed from the vessel’s Coast Guard documentation record. This is done through a Release of Mortgage form, submitted to the United States Coast Guard. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer a straightforward, user-friendly platform that helps owners file this form properly and…
Before buying a documented vessel—or even just out of curiosity—it’s normal to want to know more about its history. Has it been properly documented? What is its official service designation? When does the Certificate of Documentation expire? These are all questions you can answer quickly and easily with the right tools. If you’ve ever wondered…
When it comes to United States Coast Guard (USCG) vessel documentation, many owners know to focus on their vessel’s name, ownership, and registration status. However, another important and often overlooked element is the hail port, also known as the “hailing port.” This is the U.S. city and state listed on a documented vessel’s stern, displayed…
When a boat changes hands, the bill of sale is more than just a receipt. It’s a legal document that outlines what was sold, the conditions of the sale, and who is now responsible for the vessel and its components. For those looking to include a boat motor in a bill of sale, the stakes…
Choosing a boat name is more than formality—it reflects a vessel owner’s identity, heritage, personal story, and deep pride. But what happens when that name no longer fits? Whether rebranding, honoring change, or starting fresh, now may be the right time to change name of boat. We can help. Here at the National Documentation Portal,…
Here at the National Documentation Portal, we’re always glad to answer questions about boats, boat documentation, that kind of thing. One of the most commonly asked questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between a boat and ship?” While the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, there are specific distinctions between them—distinctions rooted…