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…
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…
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…
Does it feel like you’re never quite sure when you have to renew your vessel’s documentation? Has it seemed as if it’s getting harder and harder to remember when your vessel has to be documented? We don’t believe this is the kind of thing that’s supposed to cause stress or concern. Here at the National…
Have you been trying to find out more about a certain vessel but it doesn’t seem like there are any sources of information you can trust? Does it seem like there’s just no way to find out what you need to know before purchasing a vessel? When it comes to researching a vessel for a…
Do you plan on buying a used boat to sail US waters this new season? This task can be an exciting adventure, but going into it with your eyes wide open is essential. You can perform a USCG PSIX vessel search at our website in an easy, safe way. Our website is SSL encrypted, so…
The National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) serves as the primary authority for vessel documentation in the United States. Understanding the inner workings of the NVDC can be the key to ensuring smooth and efficient documentation processing for vessel owners. As a private agency specializing in USCG Documentation processing to NVDC, the National Documentation Portal is…
Do you find yourself worrying about the impending expiration of your vessel documentation? Is the uncertainty surrounding Coast Guard boat documentation renewal causing you sleepless nights? These are concerns that have plagued vessel owners for over a century. Since the early days of the United States, maintaining proper documentation for documented vessels has been a…