Not all leisure craft in the US need to be registered with the Coast Guard but if required, the certificate can last from one to five years. For commercial craft, US Coast Guard Documentation Numbers are valid for only one year from their date of issue. The National Vessel Documentation Center requires an annual renewal…
We understand how important US vessel documentation is. After all, that’s what we built our site for. However, the importance of vessel documentation pales in comparison to the importance of being safe on the water. If you come to our site, you’ll find everything that you need to make sure that your vessel is on…
When you take ownership of a boat for the first time, you will experience plenty of excitement. You likely cannot wait for that first time out on the water where you are in control, piloting your boat with pride. Before you can get your boat in the water, you do need to decide what you…
As July turns into August, are you ready to get out on your vessel and enjoy the summer? After having been cooped up in your home all winter long, doesn’t it feel freeing to be on the water? There’s nothing like going out on a boat in the summertime, whether it’s with family and friends…
Do you know when it’s time to renew your Certificate of Documentation? Have you missed the deadline in the past and want to keep it from happening again? Renewing your documentation is something that has to be done every year. Yet, if you’re like so many vessel owners, it almost “sneaks up on you.” Do…
Whether you’re a prospective boat buyer, a maritime historian, or a legal investigator, mastering the art of documentation search is your gateway to a wealth of vessel information. In this guide, we’ll unveil the secrets of USCG Documentation Search and how the National Documentation Portal can assist you in your quest for comprehensive vessel data….
When you own and operate a car, you have different rules and regulations you must follow on the road and personally so that the vehicle is safe and legal. Owning a boat is no different, and following the rules is an important part of boat ownership. Along with the safety needs you must meet and…
Contemplating the prospect of Coast Guard vessel registration for your vessel? Don’t know if it’s the right move? There are some vessels that require registration, there are others that can be documented, should the owner so choose. Here at the National Documentation Portal, our goal is to make the USCG documentation process that much easier. …
As you probably know, it’s important that your Coast Guard documentation is always in order. If you are setting sail and your vessel falls under the requirements for registration, then you should avoid letting the registration expire. The way to avoid this is to renew Coast Guard documentation before or right after your registration expires….
As fall turns to winter, the fall foliage stops, as the last leaves fall to the ground. Going out on the water is always fun, always enjoyable, yet, when the wind changes, so too can your course. Squalls, waves, and more can appear without a moment’s warning. When they do, you have to alter your…