An Empowering Vessel Registration Search Before You Buy a Boat

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…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 27, 2025

7 Common Errors Boaters Make With United States Coast Guard Documentation

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…

By: NVDC Renewal | May 21, 2025

Federal Coast Guard Documentation Requirements

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…

By: NVDC Renewal | March 20, 2025

Reasons You May Want CG Documentation

Do you think you might want CG documentation yet aren’t sure if it’s the right move? Have you felt like documentation is just one more chore that might not be worth it? Your time and your money are valuable. After all, you didn’t get to where you are in life by being frivolous with either….

By: NVDC Renewal | March 11, 2025

Simplifying USCG Boat Registration Requirements

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…

By: NVDC Renewal | December 8, 2024

What Does It Mean To Have A Documented Vessel?

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…

By: NVDC Renewal | October 30, 2024

Understanding USCG Boat Registration Requirements for Your Vessel

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…

By: NVDC Renewal | October 12, 2024

What Is A Hailing Port? A Quick, 2022 Updated Guide

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…

By: NVDC Renewal | October 2, 2024

Using a Vessel Bill of Sale When You Sell Your Boat

Are you selling a vessel and want to make sure that you have all of the paperwork covered? Do you have an undocumented vessel that you have an interested buyer for and want to have crossed all of your “t’s” and dotted all of your “i’s?” That makes all of the sense in the world….

By: NVDC Renewal | October 1, 2024

Key Facts You Should Know About New Vessel Registration Requirements

If you are the owner of a USCG vessel, you must be aware of the new vessel registration. Since the Maritime Transportation Security Act was passed in 2002, all vessels operating inside the United States seas have been obliged to register with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The owners of boats are being requested…

By: NVDC Renewal | September 29, 2024