On January 5, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard carried out a high-risk rescue in the Bering Sea, saving nine people from a grounded fishing vessel near St. George Island, Alaska. For those of us who work every day with U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation, this incident reinforces something we see repeatedly: documentation is not an…
When the call came in from nearly 100 miles offshore, every second mattered. A 61-year-old passenger aboard the 857-foot Pacific World required immediate medical evacuation, far beyond the range of routine coastal response. In moments like this, coordination, accuracy, and verified information become lifesaving tools. Stories like this highlight how the US Coast Guard boat…
When you own a boat, having the right federal paperwork can be as important as keeping it in good working order. At the National Documentation E-Portal, we simplify the process of obtaining and managing your Coast Guard paperwork so you can focus on enjoying the water. A key part of this process is securing a…
Purchasing a documented vessel represents a significant investment that demands careful research and due diligence. Smart buyers understand that conducting a comprehensive vessel registration search before making any purchase decision can reveal critical information about their potential investment. The National Documentation Portal provides an essential tool that empowers prospective boat buyers with instant access to…
Maintaining proper United States Coast Guard documentation is a legal requirement for eligible vessels, yet many boat owners unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to fines, delays, or even loss of documentation status. While the National Documentation Portal exists to simplify the process, certain errors continue to plague applicants. This guide highlights seven less-discussed—but equally…
Although the Coast Guard does have specific documentation standards, it is up to each Coast Guard district to choose which ones apply in their region. You may need additional Coast Guard documentation depending on where you want to sail and what activities you intend to carry out while at sea. Having your boat registered with…
Embarking on a maritime adventure requires adherence to USCG boat registration requirements. Join the National Documentation Portal as we simplify the intricate process, offering clarity and expert insights to ensure your journey into compliance is smooth and stress-free. 1. The Foundation: Understanding USCG Boat Registration Before setting sail, it’s crucial to understand the foundation of…
If a ship has been registered with the United States Coast Guard, it is a documented vessel (USCG). The documentation program assigns a unique official number to the boat, subsequently permanently inscribed into the ship’s interior by the documentation team. The vessel has satisfied all relevant U.S. Coast Guard rules, and criteria are shown by…
Have you felt like documenting your vessel might be the right course of action, but you aren’t 100% sure? Are you in the process of making up your mind and just want to know the specifics? As vessel owners ourselves, we’ve found that there is quite a bit of misinformation out there in regards to…
A “hailing port” is undoubtedly a familiar word to boat owners, but what does it mean? When you get your boat registered and licensed, you’ll need to use a hailing port. There are times when you will need to designate a different hailing port than the one listed as your home port. While these two…