F.A.Q.

You can check if your vessel is documented or not by conducting a vessel documentation search.

A preferred mortgage is a mortgage which is given status as a maritime lien. As such it enjoys a certain priority in the event of default. In addition, the Coast Guard is prohibited from making certain changes in documentation including, but not limited to, change of vessel ownership, name, and hailing port without consent of the mortgagee. For this reason many financial institutions require vessels which are eligible for documentation to be documented and to have preferred mortgages recorded against them.

Yes. You can use this link to apply for reinstatement.

If your vessel documentation has expired, you may be concerned about the next steps to regain compliance. Here at the National Documentation Portal, we assist vessel owners in managing documentation renewals, including expired certificates.

A boat abstract of title can provide you with a boat's complete chain of ownership, if there are any liens against the vessel, and more.

[caption id="attachment_157416" align="alignnone" width="300"] Coast Guard Abstract of Title[/caption]

Does it seem like it’s more challenging to get information about a boat than it should be? Do you ever find yourself filling out one vessel documentation form after another only to get frustrated and want to just not do it anymore? You aren’t alone. Before we started our site, we were just like you: vessel owners frustrated with the vessel documentation process. If you’re looking for more information about a vessel from a source you can trust, we can help: you can find a better process for acquiring a boat abstract of title right here at our site. 
What’s in a Boat Abstract of Title? 
To put it bluntly, the information that you might want about a vessel can be found here. If you have your eye on a vessel for potential purchase, an abstract of title can be invaluable. With one of these, you can find out when a vessel was manufactured, who did the manufacturing, and where it took place. Additionally, you’ll know the entire chain of ownership of the vessel, as well as if any of those owners had liens and mortgages against the vessel. Moreover, you’ll know whether or not those liens and mortgages were satisfied, too. 


Why You Might Want to Receive a Boat Abstract of Title 
You might want an abstract of title so that you don’t end up buying a boat that’s a “lemon,” to put it simply. If there are liens and mortgages against a vessel and you don't know about them, you could run into any number of problems potentially stemming from them in the future. A strong majority of vessel owners looking to sell their vessels are truthfully, but unfortunately, there are those who would lie about a vessel’s age, how many owners it has had, and so forth. An abstract of title tells the absolute truth. 
How to Apply for a Boat Abstract of Title 
You can do it through our site in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is to click on the “Abstract of Title” on the left-hand part of our site. Then, fill out the form. If you have the information you need in front of you, this can go quickly. To speed up the process further, just fill out the parts with the red asterisks. Beyond that, you can fill out these forms on your schedule as well from practically anywhere so long as you’re connected to the internet (and on any device, too)! 
Other Ways to Get a Vessel’s Information at Our Site and More 
The Abstract of Title is a great way to get more information about a vessel. But, it’s far from the only way you can do this at our site. Indeed, you can also perform a thorough vessel documentation search here, too. Plus, if you’re interested in a vessel in some other countries, you could use the Foreign Vessel Registry/Title Search form here, too. To see all that we offer, head to our site. 

Documents like a Bill of Sale for a Vessel are legal documents that allow buyers and sellers to transfer ownership of boats and other vessels in written form. It is commonly used in the marine industry. When purchasing or selling a vessel, a Bill of Sale formalizes the transaction and makes it legally binding. In all maritime courts, evidence of ownership of a ship is established through a Bill of Sale, which is the genuine and legitimate document of title. 

According to Wikipedia.org, the Bill of Sale, along with the register or enrollment, is often used as proof of such property. Although a boat bill of sale may not be required to complete the transaction in some states, it is a good idea to use one because it serves as documentation of the transaction's details. It will still be necessary to transfer the title from the seller to the buyer per state requirements if the boat is registered and has a title, typically needed in most states for boats longer than 16 feet in length.
How to Get Title for a Boat with a Bill Of Sale 
After completing the transaction, the buyer must file an application for legal title with the state department in charge of boat registration. Check your state's official website to find out where you need to register your boat. The documents and costs required by each state will vary, but in general, you will be able to submit your vessel bill of sale as evidence of purchase to receive a state-issued title. You may need to register the trailer separately, so be sure to look into the trailer registration requirements.


Where Can I Get A Bill Of Sale a Vessel? 
After purchasing a yacht, the seller will create the bill of sale for your signature. There is no set structure for a bill of sale as long as it contains all the information necessary by your state. You should hire an attorney to help with the bill of sale.
Information Included In the Vessel Bill Of Sale 
A vessel bill of sale is more thorough in documenting the transfer of ownership of a boat than a receipt. The following details are included in it:

The buyer and seller's names and addresses
The date of sale
The selling price
The manufacturer's name, model number, year, color, and condition of the vessel, as well as its hull identification number, should all be included (HIN)
What is included with the boat or watercraft, such as a trailer, life jackets, and a cover?
The seller's warranty information
The buyer and seller's signatures
Get the document signed by a notary public if your state mandates it.

The hull identification number (HIN) should be permanently etched into the boat's transom. An outboard engine should be noted separately with its serial number if the boat is powered by one. It is stated individually whether the boat comes with its trailer and its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The price of the boat, outboard engine, and trailer should be included separately in the contract. If the boat comes with additional equipment, such as electronics, a trolling motor, or extra propellers, it should be included in the agreement. Any products that you don't want to sell might be noted on the purchase agreement as "excluded."
 Bill Of Sale’s Warranties 
When purchasing a boat, there are three primary kinds of warranties of vessel that you should know: extended warranties, engine warranties, and manufacturer warranties. Manufacturer warranties are the most common form of boat warranty. When you purchase a new or used boat, the dealer or seller may provide a mix of these warranties, depending on the exact vessel and the circumstances of the transaction. For the buyer, a warranty bill of sale provides additional protections that are not available with a standard receipt. 

This kind of bill of sale precisely outlines what is being sold and provides the buyer with assurances on the seller's ownership rights in the property. The vessel bill of sale guarantees that the buyer has complete and unencumbered ownership of the thing being purchased by him or herself. The buyer is thereby protected if a claim against the property is subsequently brought forth. Below are types of vessel warranties on the bill of sale.


 Warranty of the manufacturer


A new boat comes with a manufacturer's guarantee covering structural failures, such as hull fractures, fiberglass faults, and gel coat blemishes. Some manufacturers have guaranteed the structural integrity of certain boats for up to a decade.


  Engine Warranty


New engine warranties are similar to those offered by boat manufacturers. The manufacturer will cover any mechanical issues that arise within a particular time or a predetermined number of hours.


 Extended Warranties


Due to the widespread usage of the term "warranty" in the English language, extended warranties are typically advertised as such. A warranty is a benefit that comes with a product purchase. Third-party administrators sell extended service contracts. Depending on the level of coverage, extended service contracts might cover both the boat and the engine. 

Protect yourself, and legally transfer the ownership of your boat with a bill of sale from vessel documentation online llc. Our professionals can generate a bill of sale immediately; all you need to do is fill out a brief form. We guarantee your satisfaction, so if you are not happy with the document we have provided, give us a call, and we will direct you on how to get a full refund of your money. 

It is not the same. “Documentation,” through the United States Coast Guard, is federal documentation. The national form of boat registration in the United States, it applies to all fifty states and not just one state individually.

Documented vessels cannot have titles. Instead, they have a Certificate of Documentation.

All forms are conveniently available to complete online through this secure website. After completing a form, the form will automatically be forwarded to a Documentation Processor for review. On average, most people that attempt to submit their own documents yield deficiencies which cause their documentation process to be delayed by week or even months, and are subject to resubmitting their fees. The online portal provided on this websites helps speed up the documentation process and eliminate deficiencies. Call 1-866-343-0530 if you would like for a documentation processors to walk you through your application process. You may email [email protected] for additional information or inquiries.

Traveling by yacht is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have, and getting out on the water has proven to be as delightful as you imagined it would be. In all this excitement and enjoyment, you might forget that a year has passed, and it’s necessary to renew Coast Guard documentation.

You might find it hard to believe that a full year has nearly gone by since you first received your documentation from the Coast Guard, and in fact, you might not even think a great deal of it. However, in order for you to enjoy your time on the water, you need to have a valid Certificate of Documentation. This means filling in a renewal form and filing it before time runs out.




Renewing Coast Guard Documentation Here








Renewing your documentation from the USCG might seem very easy, but it can quickly go wrong if you don't take the time to complete the paperwork correctly and make sure that it is in good order. The documentation itself simply needs to be completed and sent along with a fee to the USCG documentation center. However, if you fail to fill in the form thoroughly, or you don't include some documentation that was requested, then you will be rejected, and your boat will be moving closer to losing its certificate of documentation. Not only that, but you certainly won't receive your application feedback, meaning that you have to fork out more money to resubmit the same paperwork.




Forgetting To Renew




It is not that rare for boat owners to forget that their renewal is due, but the Coast Guard is fully prepared for people to forget, and still allows you a little bit of leeway before your registration expires. You have 30 days beyond the expiration notice on your certificate to submit an application for renewal, as long as it is done correctly. Beyond that 30-day grace period, you will have to submit another application, this time for the reinstatement of your vessel documentation. This involves different paperwork and comes at a higher cost. Failing to renew or seek reinstatement of your documentation can mean that you will be vulnerable to fines from the US Coast Guard, and could even see your vessel impounded for a time.




Avoid Complications With Us




If you are not willing to suffer fines or the risk of having your boats taken away, then you will want to complete your application to renew Coast Guard documentation on time. It is likely that you also want to get the paperwork completed correctly at the first attempt. This is a lot harder than it may seem unless you have real help, which can be achieved by seeking the assistance of Vessel Documentation Online. We are here to assist you by checking over your forms and documentation before they get submitted to the Coast Guard. This way you get them right and avoid having to repay filing fees.  You can see all of the forms here at our site.

A Preferred Mortgage Has Priority in Event of Default
A "Preferred Mortgage" has the status of a maritime lien. 

As such, it is given priority in the event of a default. Moreover, without the mortgagee’s consent, the Coast Guard cannot make changes to the vessel's documentation, such as altering its name, hailing port, or ownership details.

Click here to apply for a First Preferred Ship Mortgage.

Click here to apply for a Release of Mortgage form. 
A One-Stop Shop for First Preferred Ship Mortgage Information 
From renewing documentation and applying for initial paperwork to replacing lost forms and conducting vessel searches, the National Documentation Portal offers streamlined solutions. You can also request an Abstract of Title or conduct an online search to gain detailed vessel information.

Remember, our site cannot comment on whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. Before applying for one, it is recommended that you speak to a maritime lawyer. 

Refer to the legal guidelines below for further insights into your circumstances:

Subpart O—Filing and Recording of Instruments—General Provisions

67.200 Instruments eligible for filing and recording.

Only the following listed instruments are eligible for filing and recording:

(a) Bills of sale and instruments in the nature of bills of sale;

(b) Deeds of gift;

(c) Mortgages and assignments, assumptions, supplements, amendments, subordinations, satisfactions, and releases thereof;

(d) Preferred mortgages and assignments, assumptions, supplements, amendments, subordinations, satisfactions, and releases thereof;

(e) Interlender agreements affecting mortgages, preferred mortgages, and related instruments; and

(f) Notices of claim of lien, assignments, amendments, and satisfactions and releases thereof.

67.203 Restrictions on filing and recording.

(a) No instrument will be accepted for filing unless the vessel to which it pertains is the subject of:

(1) A valid Certificate of Documentation; or

(2) An application for initial documentation, exchange of Certificate of Documentation, return to documentation, or for deletion from documentation, which is in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations, submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) An instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 may not be filed and recorded if it bears a material alteration.

(c) An instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 (a) or (b) may not be filed and recorded if any vendee or transferee under the instrument is not a citizen of the United States as defined in section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, (46 U.S.C. app. 802) unless the Maritime Administration has consented to the grant to a non-citizen made under the instrument.

(d) The restriction imposed by paragraph (c) of this section does not apply to a bill of sale or deed of gift conveying an interest in a vessel which was neither documented nor last documented pursuant to these regulations or any predecessor regulations thereto at the time the instrument was executed, nor to an instrument conveying an interest in a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995; USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43864, Sept. 20, 2017]

67.205 Requirement for vessel identification.

(a) Every instrument presented for filing and recording must contain sufficient information to clearly identify the vessel(s) to which the instrument relates.

(b) Instruments pertaining to vessels which have been documented must contain the vessel's name and official number, or other unique identifier.

(c) Vessels which have never been documented must be identified by one of the following:

(1) The vessel's Hull Identification Number assigned in accordance with 33 CFR 181.25; or

(2) Other descriptive information, which clearly describes the vessel. Such information may include length, breadth, depth, year of build, name of manufacturer, and any numbers which may have been assigned in accordance with 33 CFR part 173.

67.207 Requirement for date and acknowledgment.

(a) Every instrument presented for filing and recording must:

(1) Bear the date of its execution; and

(2) Contain an acknowledgment.

(b) No officer or employee of the Coast Guard is authorized to take such acknowledgments unless the instrument is executed on behalf of the Federal Government of the United States.

67.209 No original instrument requirement.

A copy of the original signed and acknowledged instrument must be presented. The original instrument itself may be presented but is not required. The copy may be delivered to the National Vessel Documentation Center or transmitted by facsimile or in portable document format (.pdf) in accordance with the procedures in §§ 67.218 and 67.219 of this part. Signatures may be affixed manually or digitally.

[USCG-2007-28098, 72 FR 42312, Aug. 2, 2007]

67.211 Requirement for citizenship declaration.

(a) Instruments in the nature of a bill of sale or deed of gift, mortgages, and assignments of mortgages conveying an interest in a documented vessel are ineligible for filing and recording unless accompanied by a declaration of citizenship, except as provided in paragraph (c) and (d) of this section.

(b) Citizenship declarations must be executed on the form prescribed by the Maritime Administration in 46 CFR part 221. These forms are available from the National Vessel Documentation Center and from the Vessel Transfer and Disposal Officer (MAR-745.1), Maritime Administration, United States Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.

(c) The requirement for presentation of a citizenship declaration does not apply to a transaction conveying an interest in a vessel:

(1) Described in 46 CFR 221.11(b)(1) (i) through (iv);

(2) To a person making application for documentation; or

(3) To an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of a State or political subdivision thereof, or a corporate entity which is an agency of any such government or political subdivision.

(d) The requirement for presentation of a citizenship declaration is waived when the instrument(s) presented for filing effects a transfer for which:

(1) The Maritime Administration has given general approval in 46 CFR part 221; or

(2) Written approval of the Maritime Administrator has been obtained in accordance with 46 CFR part 221.

(e) If the transfer of interest is one which requires written approval of the Maritime Administrator in accordance with rules in 46 CFR part 221, evidence of that approval must be presented for filing with the instrument effecting the transfer of interest.

Note:

If the grantee(s) of an ownership interest in a vessel described in paragraphs (c)(1) or (d) of this section do(es) not make application for documentation, a declaration of citizenship may be required in order to ensure that the vessel so conveyed retains any coastwise privileges to which it may be entitled.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009]

67.213 Place of filing and recording.

(a) All instruments submitted for filing and recording must be submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) All instruments are recorded at the National Vessel Documentation Center.

[CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.215 Date and time of filing.

(a) An instrument is deemed filed at the actual date and time at which the instrument is received by the National Vessel Documentation Center, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. Any materials submitted to supplement an instrument after the instrument is filed are deemed part of the original filing and relate back to the date and time of that filing.

(b) If filing of an instrument is subject to termination in accordance with § 67.217(a) and a new instrument is filed as a substitute for the original instrument, the filing of the original instrument will be terminated in accordance with § 67.217(c) and the substitute instrument will be considered a new filing. The substitute instrument will be deemed filed at the actual time and date it is received by the National Vessel Documentation Center.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.217 Termination of filing and disposition of instruments.

(a) The filing of an instrument is subject to termination if:

(1) It is determined that the instrument cannot be recorded because the instrument itself is not in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations in this part;

(2) The filing was not made in compliance with the requirements of § 67.213;

(3) The Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG-1258) submitted with the instrument(s) was not made in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations of this part;

(4) The owner of the vessel submits an Application, Consent, and Approval for Withdrawal of Application for Documentation or Exchange of Certificate of Documentation (form CG-4593), with mortgagee consent, if applicable; or

(5) Another instrument is filed evidencing satisfaction or release of the subject instrument and the subject instrument is one described in subpart Q of this part.

(b) Ninety days prior to terminating the filing pursuant to a reason listed in paragraphs (a) (1), (2), or (3) of this section, the National Vessel Documentation Center will send written notice detailing the reasons the filing is subject to termination to the following person(s) and any agent known to be acting on behalf of the same:

(1) The applicant for documentation, if a bill of sale, instrument in the nature of a bill of sale, or a deed of gift;

(2) The mortgagee or assignee, if a mortgage or assignment or amendment thereof;

(3) The claimant, if a notice of claim of lien; or

(4) The lender first named in an interlender agreement affecting a mortgage, preferred mortgage, or related instrument.

(c) If the reason(s) which subject the filing to termination remain uncorrected for a period of 90 days after the notice described in paragraph (b) of this section is sent, or upon receipt of the request for withdrawal described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, or satisfaction or release as described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, the instrument will be returned to either:

(1) The applicant for documentation, if a bill of sale, instrument in the nature of a bill of sale, or a deed of gift;

(2) The mortgagee or assignee, if a mortgage or assignment or amendment thereof;

(3) The claimant, if a notice of claim of lien;

(4) The lender first named in an interlender agreement affecting a mortgage, preferred mortgage, or related instrument; or

(5) An agent for any appropriate party, provided that the agent has filed with the Coast Guard a writing bearing the original signature of the appropriate party(ies) clearly identifying the instrument(s) being returned and stating that the instrument(s) may be returned to the agent.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.218 Optional filing of instruments in portable document format as attachments to electronic mail.

(a) Any instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 may be submitted in portable document format (.pdf) as an attachment to electronic mail (e-mail) for filing at the National Vessel Documentation Center. The e-mail address to be used for instrument filing may be obtained from the National Vessel Documentation Center Web site. If the instrument submitted for filing in .pdf format pertains to a vessel that is not a currently documented vessel, a completed Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement Certificate of Documentation, or Return to Documentation (form CG-1258) or a letter application for deletion from documentation must already be on file with the National Vessel Documentation Center or must be submitted in .pdf format with the instrument being submitted in .pdf format for filing.

(b) All instruments submitted for filing in .pdf format must be clearly legible, be submitted from 81⁄2 inch by 11 inch paper in not less than 10-point type size, and submitted as an attachment to e-mail.

(c) The e-mail required by paragraph (b) should indicate:

(1) The name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the person submitting the instrument for filing in .pdf format;

(2) The number of pages submitted for filing in .pdf format; and

(3) The name of the vessel, official number or hull identification number of the vessel(s), and the name(s) of the owner(s) of the vessel(s) to which the instrument relates.

(d) The filing of any instrument submitted for filing in .pdf format is terminated and the instrument will be returned to the submitter if the instrument is subject to termination for any cause under § 67.217(a).

[USCG-2007-28098, 72 FR 42312, Aug. 2, 2007]

Complete a USCG Documentation Search Through Our Site 
To find a vessel’s HIN, simply complete a search through our site. 

If you have the official number, you can perform the search. 

Beyond the HIN, this search will also provide information about the vessel’s build year, its endorsement/service, when its Certificate of Registration was issued and will expire, as well as much more. 

Use this link to conduct a USCG documentation search. 
USCG Documentation Search Laws and Others 
At the National Documentation Portal, we simplify the process for vessel owners of all backgrounds to locate and complete the necessary vessel documentation for their maritime needs.

You may find the following laws relevant to your situation:

67.5 Vessels eligible for documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons wholly owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States is eligible for documentation under this part. This includes, but is not limited to, vessels used exclusively for recreational purposes and vessels used in foreign trade.

67.7 Vessels requiring documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons which engages in the fisheries on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, or coastwise trade, unless exempt under § 67.9(c), must have a Certificate of Documentation bearing a valid endorsement appropriate for the activity in which engaged.

Subpart C—Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.30 Requirement for citizen owner.

Certificates of Documentation may be issued under this part only to vessels which are wholly owned by United States citizens. Pursuant to extraordinary legislation at 46 U.S.C. 12118 (Bowater Amendment) and 46 U.S.C. 12117 (Oil Pollution Act of 1990), Certificates of Documentation with limited endorsements may be issued in accordance with part 68 of this chapter to vessels owned by certain persons who are not citizens as defined in this part.

67.31 Stock or equity interest requirements.

(a) The stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart encompass: title to all classes of stock; title to voting stock; and ownership of equity. An otherwise qualifying corporation or partnership may fail to meet stock or equity interest requirements because: Stock is subject to trust or fiduciary obligations in favor of non-citizens; non-citizens exercise, directly or indirectly, voting power; or non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the entity. The applicable stock or equity interest requirement is not met if the amount of stock subject to obligations in favor of non-citizens, non-citizen voting power, or non-citizen control exceeds the percentage of the non-citizen interest permitted.

(b) For the purpose of stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart, control of non-fishing industry vessels includes an absolute right to: Direct corporate or partnership business; limit the actions of or replace the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, or any general partner; direct the transfer or operations of any vessel owned by the corporation or partnership; or otherwise exercise authority over the business of the corporation or partnership. Control does not include the right to simply participate in these activities or the right to receive a financial return, e.g., interest or the equivalent of interest on a loan or other financing obligations.

(c) For the purpose of this section, control of a fishing industry vessel means having:

(1) The right to direct the business of the entity that owns the vessel;

(2) The right to limit the actions of or to replace the chief executive officer, the majority of the board of directors, any general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity that owns the vessel;

(3) The right to direct the transfer, the operation, or the manning of a vessel with a fishery endorsement.

(d) For purposes of meeting the stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart where title to a vessel is held by an entity comprised, in whole or in part, of other entities which are not individuals, each entity contributing to the stock or equity interest qualifications of the entity holding title must be a citizen eligible to document vessels in its own right with the trade endorsement sought.

67.33 Individual.

An individual is a citizen if native-born, naturalized, or a derivative citizen of the United States, or otherwise qualifies as a United States citizen.

67.35 Partnership.

A partnership meets citizenship requirements if all its general partners are citizens, and:

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, at least 50 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership, at each tier of the partnership and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens or the vessel qualifies under § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.36 Trust.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) Each of its trustees is a citizen; and

(2) Each beneficiary with an enforceable interest in the trust is a citizen.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust, at each tier of the trust and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.37 Association or joint venture.

(a) An association meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

(b) A joint venture meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

67.39 Corporation.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or a recreational endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It is incorporated under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Its chief executive officer, by whatever title, is a citizen;

(3) Its chairman of the board of directors is a citizen; and

(4) No more of its directors are non-citizens than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation, at each tier of the corporation and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

(d) A corporation which does not meet the stock interest requirement of paragraph (c) of this section may qualify for limited coastwise trading privileges by meeting the requirements of part 68 of this chapter.

67.41 Governmental entity.

A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of the government of a State as defined in § 67.3.

67.43 Evidence of citizenship.

When received by the Coast Guard, a properly completed original Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) establishes a rebuttable presumption that the applicant is a United States citizen.

67.47 Requirement for Maritime Administration approval.

(a) The following transactions, among others, require approval of the Maritime Administration in accordance with 46 CFR part 221:

(1) Placement of the vessel under foreign registry;

(2) Operation of the vessel under the authority of a foreign country; and

(3) Sale or transfer of an interest in or control of the vessel from a citizen of the United States to a person not a citizen of the United States, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501.

(b) A Certificate of Documentation may not be issued for a vessel which subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation has undergone any transaction listed in paragraph (a) of this section, even if the owner meets the citizenship requirements of this subpart, unless evidence is provided that the Maritime Administration approved the transaction.

(c) The restriction imposed by paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

Subpart D—Title Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.50 Requirement for title evidence.

The owner of a vessel must present title evidence in accordance with one of the methods specified in this subpart:

(a) When application is made for a coastwise endorsement for a vessel which has not previously been qualified for such endorsement;

(b) For initial documentation of a vessel;

(c) When the ownership of a documented vessel changes in whole or in part;

(d) When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution, without dissolution of the partnership; or

(e) When a vessel which has been deleted from documentation is returned to documentation and there has been an intervening change in ownership.

67.53 Methods of establishing title.

Title to a vessel may be established through one of the following methods:

(a) Simplified method without evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes chain of title from that registration to the present owner.

(b) Simplified method with evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes the chain of title from that registration to the present owner along with evidence of the facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part.

(c) Complete chain of title, without evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner.

(d) Complete chain of title, with evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner, accompanied by competent and persuasive evidence establishing the citizenship of each entity in the chain of title.

67.55 Requirement for removal from foreign registry.

The owner of a vessel must present evidence of removal of the vessel from foreign registry whenever:

(a) The owner applies for initial documentation of a vessel that has at any time been registered under the laws of a foreign country; or

(b) The owner applies for reentry into documentation of a vessel that had been registered under the laws of a foreign country since it was last documented under the laws of the United States.

67.57 Extent of title evidence required for initial documentation.

(a) Vessels never registered under any system:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c) or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the first owner of the vessel is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99, or a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. Any other applicant must also present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(2) of § 67.53.

Note:

Manufacturer's Certificates of Origin are sometimes used as shipping documents for vessels, and may recite as the first owner a person other than the person for which the vessel was built. Therefore, a chain of title which begins with a Certificate of Origin will be deemed incomplete.

(b) Vessels previously registered under the laws of a State or a foreign government:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

67.59 Extent of title evidence required for change in ownership of a documented vessel.

When the ownership of a documented vessel changes, in whole or in part, the applicant for documentation must present:

(a) Title evidence in accordance with subpart E of this part to reflect all ownership changes subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation; and

(b) Where a registry, fishery, or recreational endorsement is sought, evidence of the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented except for a vessel:

(1) Identified in § 67.11(b); or

(2) For which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale under 46 CFR part 221.

(c) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, evidence establishing the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented with a coastwise endorsement, if such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard. If the vessel has never been documented with a coastwise endorsement, evidence must be presented to establish the citizenship of each owner of the vessel for whom such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard.

67.61 Extent of title evidence required for vessels returning to documentation.

(a) When the owner of a vessel which has been deleted from documentation applies to have the vessel returned to documentation, the owner must, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provide evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under documentation, and citizenship evidence for all owners in that chain of title.

(b) When a vessel is returned to documentation after having been under foreign registry, the owner must provide a copy of the last foreign registry, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under foreign registry. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

(c) The owner of a vessel identified in § 67.11(b) or for which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale, either by written order or by general approval in 46 CFR part 221, and which was under a State or Federal registration or titling system, must provide a copy of the last registration or title, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, if applicable, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under such registry or title. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

Note:

Although vessels returned to documentation without a complete chain of title are not eligible for a coastwise endorsement, this does not preclude such an endorsement if the chain of title, with citizenship evidence, is completed at a later date.

Subpart E—Acceptable Title Evidence; Waiver

67.70 Original owner.

The builder's certification described in § 67.99 serves as evidence of the original owner's title to a vessel.

67.73 Transfers prior to documentation.

A transfer of vessel title prior to documentation may be evidenced by:

(a) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the builder's certification on form CG–1261;

(b) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin; or

(c) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part.

67.75 Transfers by sale or donation subsequent to documentation.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, transfers of vessel title must be evidenced by a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part. Except as otherwise provided in subpart O of this part, each bill of sale must be accompanied by a declaration of citizenship from the new owner, executed on the appropriate Maritime Administration form described in § 67.211.

(b) The bill of sale form used may be form CG–1340 or form CG–1356, as appropriate.

(c) An applicant for documentation who cannot produce required title evidence in the form of an instrument eligible for filing and recording in accordance with subpart P of this part may apply for a waiver of that requirement in accordance with the provisions of § 67.89.

67.77 Passage of title by court action.

(a) When title to a vessel has passed by court action, that passage must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

(b) When authority to transfer a vessel has been conferred by court action, that authority must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

67.79 Passage of title without court action following death of owner.

(a) When title to a vessel formerly owned in whole or in part by an individual now deceased passes without court action, an applicant for documentation must present:

(1) When title passes to a surviving joint tenant or tenants or to a tenant by the entirety, a copy of the death certificate, certified by an appropriate State official; or

(2) Where the laws of cognizant jurisdiction permit passage of title without court action, evidence of compliance with applicable State law.

(b) Passage of title subsequent to devolutions such as those described in paragraph (a) of this section, must be established in accordance with the remainder of this subpart.

67.81 Passage of title in conjunction with a corporate merger or similar transaction.

When the title to a vessel has passed as the result of a corporate merger or similar transaction wherein the assets of one corporation have been transferred to another, the passage of title must be established by:

(a) Materials, such as a resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of the corporation which held title to the vessel before the transaction, which either unequivocally transfers all of the assets of the corporation or which specifically identifies the vessel as being among the assets transferred; and

(b) In jurisdictions where there is an official recognition of corporate mergers and similar transactions, a copy of such official recognition certified by the cognizant official of that jurisdiction.

67.83 Passage of title by extra-judicial repossession and sale.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by reason of an extra-judicial repossession and sale, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the instrument under which foreclosure was made;

(b) An affidavit from the foreclosing party setting forth the reasons for foreclosure, the chronology of foreclosure, the statute(s) under which foreclosure was made, and the steps taken to comply with the relevant instrument and statute(s);

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant instrument and statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part from the foreclosing party as agent for the defaulting owner(s).

67.85 Change in general partners of partnership.

When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution without dissolution of the partnership, the change must be established by a written statement from a surviving general partner detailing the nature of the change.

67.87 Change of legal name of owner.

(a) When the name of a corporation which owns a documented vessel changes, the corporation must present certification from the appropriate governmental agency evidencing registration of the name change.

(b) When the name of an individual who owns a documented vessel changes for any reason, competent and persuasive evidence establishing the change must be provided.

67.89 Waiver of production of a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording.

(a) When the evidence of title passage required by this subpart is a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part, and the applicant is unable to produce a bill of sale meeting those criteria, the applicant may request that the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center waive that requirement.

(b) No waiver of the requirement to produce a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written statement detailing the reasons why an instrument meeting the filing and recording criteria of this part cannot be obtained; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the passage of title.

67.91 Passage of title pursuant to operation of State law.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by operation of State law for reasons other than those specified in this subpart, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the statute permitting transfer of title to the vessel and setting forth procedures to be followed in disposing of the vessel;

(b) An affidavit from the party acting against the vessel, setting forth the basis for selling the vessel, and the steps taken to comply with the requirements of the statute under which title passes;

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording from the acting party as agent for the owner(s) of record.

Note:

State law authorizing a marina to dispose of abandoned vessels is an example of passage of title by operation of law contemplated by § 67.91.

Subpart F—Build Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.95 Requirement for determination.

Evidence that a vessel was built in the United States must be on file for any vessel for which a coastwise or fishery endorsement is sought, unless the vessel is otherwise qualified for those endorsements/

67.97 United States built.

To be considered built in the United States a vessel must meet both of the following criteria:

(a) All major components of its hull and superstructure are fabricated in the United States; and

(b) The vessel is assembled entirely in the United States.

67.99 Evidence of build.

(a) Evidence of the facts of build may be either a completed original form CG–1261, or other original document containing the same information, executed by a person having personal knowledge of the facts of build because that person:

(1) Constructed the vessel;

(2) Supervised the actual construction of the vessel; or

(3) Is an officer or employee of the company which built the vessel and has examined the records of the company concerning the facts of build of the vessel.

(b) A vessel owner applying for documentation must file a separate certificate from each builder involved in the construction of the vessel.

(c) A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin is not evidence of the facts of build.

67.101 Waiver of evidence of build.

(a) A vessel owner applying for documentation unable to obtain the evidence of build required by § 67.99 may apply for a waiver of that requirement to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) No waiver of the requirement in § 67.99 to produce evidence of build may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written request for the waiver, explaining why the evidence required by § 67.99 cannot be furnished; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the facts of build.

Subpart G—Tonnage and Dimension Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.105 Requirement for determination.

The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel must be determined:

(a) For initial documentation;

(b) Whenever there is a change in the gross or net tonnage or dimensions of a documented vessel; or

(c) When the gross or net tonnage of a vessel returning to documentation has changed since the vessel was last documented.

67.107 System of measurement; evidence.

(a) The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel for purposes of this part are determined in accordance with 46 CFR part 69.

(b) A certificate of measurement issued by an authorized official is the only acceptable evidence of the gross and net tonnage of a vessel measured in accordance with subpart B, C, or D of 46 CFR part 69. A certificate of measurement is not issued for vessels measured under subpart E of 46 CFR part 69 since the gross and net tonnage are determined as part of the documentation process.

Subpart H—Assignments and Designations Required for Vessel Documentation

67.111 Assignment of official number.

(a) The owner of a vessel must submit an Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, to apply for an official number for the vessel when:

(1) Application is made for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) An existing vessel has been severed, with two or more vessels resulting. In this case, the official number of the original vessel is retired and the owner of each resulting vessel must apply for designation of a new official number.

(b) Upon receipt of form CG–1258, the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center will have an official number assigned to the vessel and furnish it to the vessel owner.

67.113 Managing owner designation; address; requirement to report change of address.

The owner of each vessel must designate a managing owner on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (CG–1258).

(a) The managing owner of a vessel owned by one person is the owner of the vessel.

(b) The managing owner of a vessel owned by more than one person must be one of the owners. The person designated as managing owner must have an address in the United States except where no owner of the vessel has an address in the United States.

(c) The managing owner of a vessel owned in a trust arrangement must be one of the trustees.

(d) The address of the managing owner must be as follows:

(1) For an individual, any residence of the managing owner.

(2) For a partnership, its address:

(i) In the State under whose laws it is organized; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(3) For a corporation, its address:

(i) For service of process within the State of incorporation; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(e) Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.

67.117 Vessel name designation.

(a) The owner of a vessel must designate a name for the vessel on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) submitted to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center:

(1) Upon application for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) When the owner elects to change the name of the vessel.

(b) The name designated:

(1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals;

(2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; and

(3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.

(c) The name of a documented vessel may not be changed without the prior approval of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(d) Until such time as the owner of a vessel elects to change the name of a vessel, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to vessels validly documented before January 1, 1994.

67.119 Hailing port designation.

(a) Upon application for any Certificate of Documentation, the owner of a vessel must designate a hailing port to be marked upon the vessel.

(b) The hailing port must be a place in the United States included in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC.

(c) The hailing port must include the State, territory, or possession in which it is located.

(d) The Director, National Vessel Documentation Center has final authority to settle disputes as to the propriety of the hailing port designated.

(e) Until such time as the vessel owner elects to designate a new hailing port, the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section do not apply to vessels which were issued a Certificate of Documentation before July 1, 1982.

You may obtain an Abstract of Title which will show all bills of sale, mortgages, and notices of claim of lien filed and recorded by the Coast Guard. You may request an Abstract by navigating to the following page: Abstract of Title

A Preferred Mortgage Has Priority in Event of Default
A "Preferred Mortgage" has the status of a maritime lien. 

As such, it is given priority in the event of a default. Moreover, without the mortgagee’s consent, the Coast Guard cannot make changes to the vessel's documentation, such as altering its name, hailing port, or ownership details.

Click here to apply for a First Preferred Ship Mortgage.

Click here to apply for a Release of Mortgage form. 
A One-Stop Shop for First Preferred Ship Mortgage Information 
From renewing documentation and applying for initial paperwork to replacing lost forms and conducting vessel searches, the National Documentation Portal offers streamlined solutions. You can also request an Abstract of Title or conduct an online search to gain detailed vessel information.

Remember, our site cannot comment on whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. Before applying for one, it is recommended that you speak to a maritime lawyer. 

Refer to the legal guidelines below for further insights into your circumstances:

Subpart O—Filing and Recording of Instruments—General Provisions

67.200 Instruments eligible for filing and recording.

Only the following listed instruments are eligible for filing and recording:

(a) Bills of sale and instruments in the nature of bills of sale;

(b) Deeds of gift;

(c) Mortgages and assignments, assumptions, supplements, amendments, subordinations, satisfactions, and releases thereof;

(d) Preferred mortgages and assignments, assumptions, supplements, amendments, subordinations, satisfactions, and releases thereof;

(e) Interlender agreements affecting mortgages, preferred mortgages, and related instruments; and

(f) Notices of claim of lien, assignments, amendments, and satisfactions and releases thereof.

67.203 Restrictions on filing and recording.

(a) No instrument will be accepted for filing unless the vessel to which it pertains is the subject of:

(1) A valid Certificate of Documentation; or

(2) An application for initial documentation, exchange of Certificate of Documentation, return to documentation, or for deletion from documentation, which is in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations, submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) An instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 may not be filed and recorded if it bears a material alteration.

(c) An instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 (a) or (b) may not be filed and recorded if any vendee or transferee under the instrument is not a citizen of the United States as defined in section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, (46 U.S.C. app. 802) unless the Maritime Administration has consented to the grant to a non-citizen made under the instrument.

(d) The restriction imposed by paragraph (c) of this section does not apply to a bill of sale or deed of gift conveying an interest in a vessel which was neither documented nor last documented pursuant to these regulations or any predecessor regulations thereto at the time the instrument was executed, nor to an instrument conveying an interest in a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995; USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43864, Sept. 20, 2017]

67.205 Requirement for vessel identification.

(a) Every instrument presented for filing and recording must contain sufficient information to clearly identify the vessel(s) to which the instrument relates.

(b) Instruments pertaining to vessels which have been documented must contain the vessel's name and official number, or other unique identifier.

(c) Vessels which have never been documented must be identified by one of the following:

(1) The vessel's Hull Identification Number assigned in accordance with 33 CFR 181.25; or

(2) Other descriptive information, which clearly describes the vessel. Such information may include length, breadth, depth, year of build, name of manufacturer, and any numbers which may have been assigned in accordance with 33 CFR part 173.

67.207 Requirement for date and acknowledgment.

(a) Every instrument presented for filing and recording must:

(1) Bear the date of its execution; and

(2) Contain an acknowledgment.

(b) No officer or employee of the Coast Guard is authorized to take such acknowledgments unless the instrument is executed on behalf of the Federal Government of the United States.

67.209 No original instrument requirement.

A copy of the original signed and acknowledged instrument must be presented. The original instrument itself may be presented but is not required. The copy may be delivered to the National Vessel Documentation Center or transmitted by facsimile or in portable document format (.pdf) in accordance with the procedures in §§ 67.218 and 67.219 of this part. Signatures may be affixed manually or digitally.

[USCG-2007-28098, 72 FR 42312, Aug. 2, 2007]

67.211 Requirement for citizenship declaration.

(a) Instruments in the nature of a bill of sale or deed of gift, mortgages, and assignments of mortgages conveying an interest in a documented vessel are ineligible for filing and recording unless accompanied by a declaration of citizenship, except as provided in paragraph (c) and (d) of this section.

(b) Citizenship declarations must be executed on the form prescribed by the Maritime Administration in 46 CFR part 221. These forms are available from the National Vessel Documentation Center and from the Vessel Transfer and Disposal Officer (MAR-745.1), Maritime Administration, United States Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.

(c) The requirement for presentation of a citizenship declaration does not apply to a transaction conveying an interest in a vessel:

(1) Described in 46 CFR 221.11(b)(1) (i) through (iv);

(2) To a person making application for documentation; or

(3) To an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of a State or political subdivision thereof, or a corporate entity which is an agency of any such government or political subdivision.

(d) The requirement for presentation of a citizenship declaration is waived when the instrument(s) presented for filing effects a transfer for which:

(1) The Maritime Administration has given general approval in 46 CFR part 221; or

(2) Written approval of the Maritime Administrator has been obtained in accordance with 46 CFR part 221.

(e) If the transfer of interest is one which requires written approval of the Maritime Administrator in accordance with rules in 46 CFR part 221, evidence of that approval must be presented for filing with the instrument effecting the transfer of interest.

Note:

If the grantee(s) of an ownership interest in a vessel described in paragraphs (c)(1) or (d) of this section do(es) not make application for documentation, a declaration of citizenship may be required in order to ensure that the vessel so conveyed retains any coastwise privileges to which it may be entitled.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009]

67.213 Place of filing and recording.

(a) All instruments submitted for filing and recording must be submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) All instruments are recorded at the National Vessel Documentation Center.

[CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.215 Date and time of filing.

(a) An instrument is deemed filed at the actual date and time at which the instrument is received by the National Vessel Documentation Center, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. Any materials submitted to supplement an instrument after the instrument is filed are deemed part of the original filing and relate back to the date and time of that filing.

(b) If filing of an instrument is subject to termination in accordance with § 67.217(a) and a new instrument is filed as a substitute for the original instrument, the filing of the original instrument will be terminated in accordance with § 67.217(c) and the substitute instrument will be considered a new filing. The substitute instrument will be deemed filed at the actual time and date it is received by the National Vessel Documentation Center.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.217 Termination of filing and disposition of instruments.

(a) The filing of an instrument is subject to termination if:

(1) It is determined that the instrument cannot be recorded because the instrument itself is not in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations in this part;

(2) The filing was not made in compliance with the requirements of § 67.213;

(3) The Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG-1258) submitted with the instrument(s) was not made in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations of this part;

(4) The owner of the vessel submits an Application, Consent, and Approval for Withdrawal of Application for Documentation or Exchange of Certificate of Documentation (form CG-4593), with mortgagee consent, if applicable; or

(5) Another instrument is filed evidencing satisfaction or release of the subject instrument and the subject instrument is one described in subpart Q of this part.

(b) Ninety days prior to terminating the filing pursuant to a reason listed in paragraphs (a) (1), (2), or (3) of this section, the National Vessel Documentation Center will send written notice detailing the reasons the filing is subject to termination to the following person(s) and any agent known to be acting on behalf of the same:

(1) The applicant for documentation, if a bill of sale, instrument in the nature of a bill of sale, or a deed of gift;

(2) The mortgagee or assignee, if a mortgage or assignment or amendment thereof;

(3) The claimant, if a notice of claim of lien; or

(4) The lender first named in an interlender agreement affecting a mortgage, preferred mortgage, or related instrument.

(c) If the reason(s) which subject the filing to termination remain uncorrected for a period of 90 days after the notice described in paragraph (b) of this section is sent, or upon receipt of the request for withdrawal described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, or satisfaction or release as described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, the instrument will be returned to either:

(1) The applicant for documentation, if a bill of sale, instrument in the nature of a bill of sale, or a deed of gift;

(2) The mortgagee or assignee, if a mortgage or assignment or amendment thereof;

(3) The claimant, if a notice of claim of lien;

(4) The lender first named in an interlender agreement affecting a mortgage, preferred mortgage, or related instrument; or

(5) An agent for any appropriate party, provided that the agent has filed with the Coast Guard a writing bearing the original signature of the appropriate party(ies) clearly identifying the instrument(s) being returned and stating that the instrument(s) may be returned to the agent.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.218 Optional filing of instruments in portable document format as attachments to electronic mail.

(a) Any instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 may be submitted in portable document format (.pdf) as an attachment to electronic mail (e-mail) for filing at the National Vessel Documentation Center. The e-mail address to be used for instrument filing may be obtained from the National Vessel Documentation Center Web site. If the instrument submitted for filing in .pdf format pertains to a vessel that is not a currently documented vessel, a completed Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement Certificate of Documentation, or Return to Documentation (form CG-1258) or a letter application for deletion from documentation must already be on file with the National Vessel Documentation Center or must be submitted in .pdf format with the instrument being submitted in .pdf format for filing.

(b) All instruments submitted for filing in .pdf format must be clearly legible, be submitted from 81⁄2 inch by 11 inch paper in not less than 10-point type size, and submitted as an attachment to e-mail.

(c) The e-mail required by paragraph (b) should indicate:

(1) The name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the person submitting the instrument for filing in .pdf format;

(2) The number of pages submitted for filing in .pdf format; and

(3) The name of the vessel, official number or hull identification number of the vessel(s), and the name(s) of the owner(s) of the vessel(s) to which the instrument relates.

(d) The filing of any instrument submitted for filing in .pdf format is terminated and the instrument will be returned to the submitter if the instrument is subject to termination for any cause under § 67.217(a).

[USCG-2007-28098, 72 FR 42312, Aug. 2, 2007]

 
Boat Name Search Through Our Site 
Our site can be accessed for a “boat name search” essentially. Through this search function, vessel owners can search for vessels by Official Number (ON) and Hull Identification Number (HIN). 

With this search, vessel owners can learn the name of a vessel. Additionally, they can find information such as the vessel’s flag, its service information, tonnage, dimensions, and even when its Certificate of Documentation was issued as well as when it will expire.

This database will not include the identity of the vessel’s owner, nor will it have any information about mortgages, liens, and the like. To obtain that information, vessel owners should use this link to apply for an Abstract of Title.
National Documentation Portal for Documented Vessel Owners 
Coast Guard vessel documentation has to be renewed every year. However, this can be renewed for 1-5 years from the date of issuance. 

Vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels since 1920.

For a recently purchased vessel that already has a documented vessel number, use this form for a Transfer Exchange of USCG Documentation.

If you have a vessel’s Official Number or Hull Identification Number (HIN), you can conduct a vessel documentation search. This will give you a vessel’s dimensions, information about its flag, name, vessel documentation status, and more. It will not include any mortgages/liens against the vessel nor will it include any information about the vessel owner(s).

If you have further questions about American vessel documentation, contact the National Documentation Portal at [email protected] or (866) 343-0530 Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Law for Boat Documentation 

67.5 Vessels eligible for documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons wholly owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States is eligible for documentation under this part. This includes, but is not limited to, vessels used exclusively for recreational purposes and vessels used in foreign trade.

67.7 Vessels requiring documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons which engages in the fisheries on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, or coastwise trade, unless exempt under § 67.9(c), must have a Certificate of Documentation bearing a valid endorsement appropriate for the activity in which engaged.

Subpart C—Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.30 Requirement for citizen owner.

Certificates of Documentation may be issued under this part only to vessels which are wholly owned by United States citizens. Pursuant to extraordinary legislation at 46 U.S.C. 12118 (Bowater Amendment) and 46 U.S.C. 12117 (Oil Pollution Act of 1990), Certificates of Documentation with limited endorsements may be issued in accordance with part 68 of this chapter to vessels owned by certain persons who are not citizens as defined in this part.

67.31 Stock or equity interest requirements.

(a) The stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart encompass: title to all classes of stock; title to voting stock; and ownership of equity. An otherwise qualifying corporation or partnership may fail to meet stock or equity interest requirements because: Stock is subject to trust or fiduciary obligations in favor of non-citizens; non-citizens exercise, directly or indirectly, voting power; or non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the entity. The applicable stock or equity interest requirement is not met if the amount of stock subject to obligations in favor of non-citizens, non-citizen voting power, or non-citizen control exceeds the percentage of the non-citizen interest permitted.

(b) For the purpose of stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart, control of non-fishing industry vessels includes an absolute right to: Direct corporate or partnership business; limit the actions of or replace the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, or any general partner; direct the transfer or operations of any vessel owned by the corporation or partnership; or otherwise exercise authority over the business of the corporation or partnership. Control does not include the right to simply participate in these activities or the right to receive a financial return, e.g., interest or the equivalent of interest on a loan or other financing obligations.

(c) For the purpose of this section, control of a fishing industry vessel means having:

(1) The right to direct the business of the entity that owns the vessel;

(2) The right to limit the actions of or to replace the chief executive officer, the majority of the board of directors, any general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity that owns the vessel;

(3) The right to direct the transfer, the operation, or the manning of a vessel with a fishery endorsement.

(d) For purposes of meeting the stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart where title to a vessel is held by an entity comprised, in whole or in part, of other entities which are not individuals, each entity contributing to the stock or equity interest qualifications of the entity holding title must be a citizen eligible to document vessels in its own right with the trade endorsement sought.

67.33 Individual.

An individual is a citizen if native-born, naturalized, or a derivative citizen of the United States, or otherwise qualifies as a United States citizen.

67.35 Partnership.

A partnership meets citizenship requirements if all its general partners are citizens, and:

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, at least 50 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership, at each tier of the partnership and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens or the vessel qualifies under § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.36 Trust.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) Each of its trustees is a citizen; and

(2) Each beneficiary with an enforceable interest in the trust is a citizen.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust, at each tier of the trust and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.37 Association or joint venture.

(a) An association meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

(b) A joint venture meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

67.39 Corporation.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or a recreational endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It is incorporated under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Its chief executive officer, by whatever title, is a citizen;

(3) Its chairman of the board of directors is a citizen; and

(4) No more of its directors are non-citizens than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation, at each tier of the corporation and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

(d) A corporation which does not meet the stock interest requirement of paragraph (c) of this section may qualify for limited coastwise trading privileges by meeting the requirements of part 68 of this chapter.

67.41 Governmental entity.

A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of the government of a State as defined in § 67.3.

67.43 Evidence of citizenship.

When received by the Coast Guard, a properly completed original Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) establishes a rebuttable presumption that the applicant is a United States citizen.

67.47 Requirement for Maritime Administration approval.

(a) The following transactions, among others, require approval of the Maritime Administration in accordance with 46 CFR part 221:

(1) Placement of the vessel under foreign registry;

(2) Operation of the vessel under the authority of a foreign country; and

(3) Sale or transfer of an interest in or control of the vessel from a citizen of the United States to a person not a citizen of the United States, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501.

(b) A Certificate of Documentation may not be issued for a vessel which subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation has undergone any transaction listed in paragraph (a) of this section, even if the owner meets the citizenship requirements of this subpart, unless evidence is provided that the Maritime Administration approved the transaction.

(c) The restriction imposed by paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

Subpart D—Title Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.50 Requirement for title evidence.

The owner of a vessel must present title evidence in accordance with one of the methods specified in this subpart:

(a) When application is made for a coastwise endorsement for a vessel which has not previously been qualified for such endorsement;

(b) For initial documentation of a vessel;

(c) When the ownership of a documented vessel changes in whole or in part;

(d) When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution, without dissolution of the partnership; or

(e) When a vessel which has been deleted from documentation is returned to documentation and there has been an intervening change in ownership.

67.53 Methods of establishing title.

Title to a vessel may be established through one of the following methods:

(a) Simplified method without evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes chain of title from that registration to the present owner.

(b) Simplified method with evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes the chain of title from that registration to the present owner along with evidence of the facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part.

(c) Complete chain of title, without evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner.

(d) Complete chain of title, with evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner, accompanied by competent and persuasive evidence establishing the citizenship of each entity in the chain of title.

67.55 Requirement for removal from foreign registry.

The owner of a vessel must present evidence of removal of the vessel from foreign registry whenever:

(a) The owner applies for initial documentation of a vessel that has at any time been registered under the laws of a foreign country; or

(b) The owner applies for reentry into documentation of a vessel that had been registered under the laws of a foreign country since it was last documented under the laws of the United States.

67.57 Extent of title evidence required for initial documentation.

(a) Vessels never registered under any system:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c) or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the first owner of the vessel is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99, or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Any other applicant must also present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(2) of § 67.53.

Note:

Manufacturer’s Certificates of Origin are sometimes used as shipping documents for vessels, and may recite as the first owner a person other than the person for which the vessel was built. Therefore, a chain of title which begins with a Certificate of Origin will be deemed incomplete.

(b) Vessels previously registered under the laws of a State or a foreign government:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

67.59 Extent of title evidence required for change in ownership of a documented vessel.

When the ownership of a documented vessel changes, in whole or in part, the applicant for documentation must present:

(a) Title evidence in accordance with subpart E of this part to reflect all ownership changes subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation; and

(b) Where a registry, fishery, or recreational endorsement is sought, evidence of the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented except for a vessel:

(1) Identified in § 67.11(b); or

(2) For which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale under 46 CFR part 221.

(c) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, evidence establishing the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented with a coastwise endorsement, if such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard. If the vessel has never been documented with a coastwise endorsement, evidence must be presented to establish the citizenship of each owner of the vessel for whom such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard.

67.61 Extent of title evidence required for vessels returning to documentation.

(a) When the owner of a vessel which has been deleted from documentation applies to have the vessel returned to documentation, the owner must, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provide evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under documentation, and citizenship evidence for all owners in that chain of title.

(b) When a vessel is returned to documentation after having been under foreign registry, the owner must provide a copy of the last foreign registry, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under foreign registry. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

(c) The owner of a vessel identified in § 67.11(b) or for which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale, either by written order or by general approval in 46 CFR part 221, and which was under a State or Federal registration or titling system, must provide a copy of the last registration or title, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, if applicable, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under such registry or title. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

Note:

Although vessels returned to documentation without a complete chain of title are not eligible for a coastwise endorsement, this does not preclude such an endorsement if the chain of title, with citizenship evidence, is completed at a later date.

Subpart E—Acceptable Title Evidence; Waiver

67.70 Original owner.

The builder’s certification described in § 67.99 serves as evidence of the original owner’s title to a vessel.

67.73 Transfers prior to documentation.

A transfer of vessel title prior to documentation may be evidenced by:

(a) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the builder’s certification on form CG–1261;

(b) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin; or

(c) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part.

67.75 Transfers by sale or donation subsequent to documentation.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, transfers of vessel title must be evidenced by a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part. Except as otherwise provided in subpart O of this part, each bill of sale must be accompanied by a declaration of citizenship from the new owner, executed on the appropriate Maritime Administration form described in § 67.211.

(b) The bill of sale form used may be form CG–1340 or form CG–1356, as appropriate.

(c) An applicant for documentation who cannot produce required title evidence in the form of an instrument eligible for filing and recording in accordance with subpart P of this part may apply for a waiver of that requirement in accordance with the provisions of § 67.89.

67.77 Passage of title by court action.

(a) When title to a vessel has passed by court action, that passage must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

(b) When authority to transfer a vessel has been conferred by court action, that authority must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

67.79 Passage of title without court action following death of owner.

(a) When title to a vessel formerly owned in whole or in part by an individual now deceased passes without court action, an applicant for documentation must present:

(1) When title passes to a surviving joint tenant or tenants or to a tenant by the entirety, a copy of the death certificate, certified by an appropriate State official; or

(2) Where the laws of cognizant jurisdiction permit passage of title without court action, evidence of compliance with applicable State law.

(b) Passage of title subsequent to devolutions such as those described in paragraph (a) of this section, must be established in accordance with the remainder of this subpart.

67.81 Passage of title in conjunction with a corporate merger or similar transaction.

When the title to a vessel has passed as the result of a corporate merger or similar transaction wherein the assets of one corporation have been transferred to another, the passage of title must be established by:

(a) Materials, such as a resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of the corporation which held title to the vessel before the transaction, which either unequivocally transfers all of the assets of the corporation or which specifically identifies the vessel as being among the assets transferred; and

(b) In jurisdictions where there is an official recognition of corporate mergers and similar transactions, a copy of such official recognition certified by the cognizant official of that jurisdiction.

67.83 Passage of title by extra-judicial repossession and sale.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by reason of an extra-judicial repossession and sale, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the instrument under which foreclosure was made;

(b) An affidavit from the foreclosing party setting forth the reasons for foreclosure, the chronology of foreclosure, the statute(s) under which foreclosure was made, and the steps taken to comply with the relevant instrument and statute(s);

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant instrument and statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part from the foreclosing party as agent for the defaulting owner(s).

67.85 Change in general partners of partnership.

When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution without dissolution of the partnership, the change must be established by a written statement from a surviving general partner detailing the nature of the change.

67.87 Change of legal name of owner.

(a) When the name of a corporation which owns a documented vessel changes, the corporation must present certification from the appropriate governmental agency evidencing registration of the name change.

(b) When the name of an individual who owns a documented vessel changes for any reason, competent and persuasive evidence establishing the change must be provided.

67.89 Waiver of production of a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording.

(a) When the evidence of title passage required by this subpart is a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part, and the applicant is unable to produce a bill of sale meeting those criteria, the applicant may request that the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center waive that requirement.

(b) No waiver of the requirement to produce a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written statement detailing the reasons why an instrument meeting the filing and recording criteria of this part cannot be obtained; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the passage of title.

67.91 Passage of title pursuant to operation of State law.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by operation of State law for reasons other than those specified in this subpart, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the statute permitting transfer of title to the vessel and setting forth procedures to be followed in disposing of the vessel;

(b) An affidavit from the party acting against the vessel, setting forth the basis for selling the vessel, and the steps taken to comply with the requirements of the statute under which title passes;

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording from the acting party as agent for the owner(s) of record.

Note:

State law authorizing a marina to dispose of abandoned vessels is an example of passage of title by operation of law contemplated by § 67.91.

Subpart F—Build Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.95 Requirement for determination.

Evidence that a vessel was built in the United States must be on file for any vessel for which a coastwise or fishery endorsement is sought, unless the vessel is otherwise qualified for those endorsements/

67.97 United States built.

To be considered built in the United States a vessel must meet both of the following criteria:

(a) All major components of its hull and superstructure are fabricated in the United States; and

(b) The vessel is assembled entirely in the United States.

67.99 Evidence of build.

(a) Evidence of the facts of build may be either a completed original form CG–1261, or other original document containing the same information, executed by a person having personal knowledge of the facts of build because that person:

(1) Constructed the vessel;

(2) Supervised the actual construction of the vessel; or

(3) Is an officer or employee of the company which built the vessel and has examined the records of the company concerning the facts of build of the vessel.

(b) A vessel owner applying for documentation must file a separate certificate from each builder involved in the construction of the vessel.

(c) A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin is not evidence of the facts of build.

67.101 Waiver of evidence of build.

(a) A vessel owner applying for documentation unable to obtain the evidence of build required by § 67.99 may apply for a waiver of that requirement to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) No waiver of the requirement in § 67.99 to produce evidence of build may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written request for the waiver, explaining why the evidence required by § 67.99 cannot be furnished; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the facts of build.

Subpart G—Tonnage and Dimension Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.105 Requirement for determination.

The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel must be determined:

(a) For initial documentation;

(b) Whenever there is a change in the gross or net tonnage or dimensions of a documented vessel; or

(c) When the gross or net tonnage of a vessel returning to documentation has changed since the vessel was last documented.

67.107 System of measurement; evidence.

(a) The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel for purposes of this part are determined in accordance with 46 CFR part 69.

(b) A certificate of measurement issued by an authorized official is the only acceptable evidence of the gross and net tonnage of a vessel measured in accordance with subpart B, C, or D of 46 CFR part 69. A certificate of measurement is not issued for vessels measured under subpart E of 46 CFR part 69 since the gross and net tonnage are determined as part of the documentation process.

Subpart H—Assignments and Designations Required for Vessel Documentation

67.111 Assignment of official number.

(a) The owner of a vessel must submit an Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, to apply for an official number for the vessel when:

(1) Application is made for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) An existing vessel has been severed, with two or more vessels resulting. In this case, the official number of the original vessel is retired and the owner of each resulting vessel must apply for designation of a new official number.

(b) Upon receipt of form CG–1258, the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center will have an official number assigned to the vessel and furnish it to the vessel owner.

67.113 Managing owner designation; address; requirement to report change of address.

The owner of each vessel must designate a managing owner on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (CG–1258).

(a) The managing owner of a vessel owned by one person is the owner of the vessel.

(b) The managing owner of a vessel owned by more than one person must be one of the owners. The person designated as managing owner must have an address in the United States except where no owner of the vessel has an address in the United States.

(c) The managing owner of a vessel owned in a trust arrangement must be one of the trustees.

(d) The address of the managing owner must be as follows:

(1) For an individual, any residence of the managing owner.

(2) For a partnership, its address:

(i) In the State under whose laws it is organized; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(3) For a corporation, its address:

(i) For service of process within the State of incorporation; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(e) Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.

67.117 Vessel name designation.

(a) The owner of a vessel must designate a name for the vessel on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) submitted to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center:

(1) Upon application for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) When the owner elects to change the name of the vessel.

(b) The name designated:

(1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals;

(2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; and

(3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.

(c) The name of a documented vessel may not be changed without the prior approval of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(d) Until such time as the owner of a vessel elects to change the name of a vessel, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to vessels validly documented before January 1, 1994.

 

67.119 Hailing port designation.

(a) Upon application for any Certificate of Documentation, the owner of a vessel must designate a hailing port to be marked upon the vessel.

(b) The hailing port must be a place in the United States included in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC.

(c) The hailing port must include the State, territory, or possession in which it is located.

(d) The Director, National Vessel Documentation Center has final authority to settle disputes as to the propriety of the hailing port designated.

(e) Until such time as the vessel owner elects to designate a new hailing port, the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section do not apply to vessels which were issued a Certificate of Documentation before July 1, 1982.

 

 
Keep the Certificate of Documentation on board your vessel at all times. 
Failing to do so will put you in violation. 

A Certificate of Documentation must remain on board a documented vessel according to 46 CFR 67.313. 

That states, under “Requirement to have Certificate of Documentation on board,” that “the person in command of a documented vessel must have on board that vessel the original Certificate of Documentation currently in effect for that vessel.” 

Additionally, that does not apply “to non-self-propelled vessels not engaged in foreign trade,” and “when the vessel is in storage or out of the water.” 

Use this form to apply for initial USCG boat documentation. 

This form can be used to renew boat documentation.
Boat Documentation Assistance from our Portal 
Coast Guard vessel documentation has to be renewed every year. However, this can be renewed for 1-5 years from the date of issuance. 

Vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels since 1920.

For a recently purchased vessel that already has a documented vessel number, use this form for a Transfer Exchange of USCG Documentation.

If you have a vessel’s Official Number or Hull Identification Number (HIN), you can conduct a vessel documentation search. This will give you a vessel’s dimensions, information about its flag, name, vessel documentation status, and more. It will not include any mortgages/liens against the vessel nor will it include any information about the vessel owner(s).

If you have further questions about American vessel documentation, contact the National Documentation Portal at [email protected] or (866) 343-0530 Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
USCG Documentation Rules and Regulations

67.5 Vessels eligible for documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons wholly owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States is eligible for documentation under this part. This includes, but is not limited to, vessels used exclusively for recreational purposes and vessels used in foreign trade.

67.7 Vessels requiring documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons which engages in the fisheries on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, or coastwise trade, unless exempt under § 67.9(c), must have a Certificate of Documentation bearing a valid endorsement appropriate for the activity in which engaged.

Subpart C—Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.30 Requirement for citizen owner.

Certificates of Documentation may be issued under this part only to vessels which are wholly owned by United States citizens. Pursuant to extraordinary legislation at 46 U.S.C. 12118 (Bowater Amendment) and 46 U.S.C. 12117 (Oil Pollution Act of 1990), Certificates of Documentation with limited endorsements may be issued in accordance with part 68 of this chapter to vessels owned by certain persons who are not citizens as defined in this part.

67.31 Stock or equity interest requirements.

(a) The stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart encompass: title to all classes of stock; title to voting stock; and ownership of equity. An otherwise qualifying corporation or partnership may fail to meet stock or equity interest requirements because: Stock is subject to trust or fiduciary obligations in favor of non-citizens; non-citizens exercise, directly or indirectly, voting power; or non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the entity. The applicable stock or equity interest requirement is not met if the amount of stock subject to obligations in favor of non-citizens, non-citizen voting power, or non-citizen control exceeds the percentage of the non-citizen interest permitted.

(b) For the purpose of stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart, control of non-fishing industry vessels includes an absolute right to: Direct corporate or partnership business; limit the actions of or replace the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, or any general partner; direct the transfer or operations of any vessel owned by the corporation or partnership; or otherwise exercise authority over the business of the corporation or partnership. Control does not include the right to simply participate in these activities or the right to receive a financial return, e.g., interest or the equivalent of interest on a loan or other financing obligations.

(c) For the purpose of this section, control of a fishing industry vessel means having:

(1) The right to direct the business of the entity that owns the vessel;

(2) The right to limit the actions of or to replace the chief executive officer, the majority of the board of directors, any general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity that owns the vessel;

(3) The right to direct the transfer, the operation, or the manning of a vessel with a fishery endorsement.

(d) For purposes of meeting the stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart where title to a vessel is held by an entity comprised, in whole or in part, of other entities which are not individuals, each entity contributing to the stock or equity interest qualifications of the entity holding title must be a citizen eligible to document vessels in its own right with the trade endorsement sought.

67.33 Individual.

An individual is a citizen if native-born, naturalized, or a derivative citizen of the United States, or otherwise qualifies as a United States citizen.

67.35 Partnership.

A partnership meets citizenship requirements if all its general partners are citizens, and:

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, at least 50 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership, at each tier of the partnership and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens or the vessel qualifies under § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.36 Trust.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) Each of its trustees is a citizen; and

(2) Each beneficiary with an enforceable interest in the trust is a citizen.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust, at each tier of the trust and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.37 Association or joint venture.

(a) An association meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

(b) A joint venture meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

67.39 Corporation.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or a recreational endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It is incorporated under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Its chief executive officer, by whatever title, is a citizen;

(3) Its chairman of the board of directors is a citizen; and

(4) No more of its directors are non-citizens than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation, at each tier of the corporation and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

(d) A corporation which does not meet the stock interest requirement of paragraph (c) of this section may qualify for limited coastwise trading privileges by meeting the requirements of part 68 of this chapter.

67.41 Governmental entity.

A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of the government of a State as defined in § 67.3.

67.43 Evidence of citizenship.

When received by the Coast Guard, a properly completed original Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) establishes a rebuttable presumption that the applicant is a United States citizen.

67.47 Requirement for Maritime Administration approval.

(a) The following transactions, among others, require approval of the Maritime Administration in accordance with 46 CFR part 221:

(1) Placement of the vessel under foreign registry;

(2) Operation of the vessel under the authority of a foreign country; and

(3) Sale or transfer of an interest in or control of the vessel from a citizen of the United States to a person not a citizen of the United States, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501.

(b) A Certificate of Documentation may not be issued for a vessel which subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation has undergone any transaction listed in paragraph (a) of this section, even if the owner meets the citizenship requirements of this subpart, unless evidence is provided that the Maritime Administration approved the transaction.

(c) The restriction imposed by paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

Subpart D—Title Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.50 Requirement for title evidence.

The owner of a vessel must present title evidence in accordance with one of the methods specified in this subpart:

(a) When application is made for a coastwise endorsement for a vessel which has not previously been qualified for such endorsement;

(b) For initial documentation of a vessel;

(c) When the ownership of a documented vessel changes in whole or in part;

(d) When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution, without dissolution of the partnership; or

(e) When a vessel which has been deleted from documentation is returned to documentation and there has been an intervening change in ownership.

67.53 Methods of establishing title.

Title to a vessel may be established through one of the following methods:

(a) Simplified method without evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes chain of title from that registration to the present owner.

(b) Simplified method with evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes the chain of title from that registration to the present owner along with evidence of the facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part.

(c) Complete chain of title, without evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner.

(d) Complete chain of title, with evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner, accompanied by competent and persuasive evidence establishing the citizenship of each entity in the chain of title.

67.55 Requirement for removal from foreign registry.

The owner of a vessel must present evidence of removal of the vessel from foreign registry whenever:

(a) The owner applies for initial documentation of a vessel that has at any time been registered under the laws of a foreign country; or

(b) The owner applies for reentry into documentation of a vessel that had been registered under the laws of a foreign country since it was last documented under the laws of the United States.

67.57 Extent of title evidence required for initial documentation.

(a) Vessels never registered under any system:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c) or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the first owner of the vessel is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99, or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Any other applicant must also present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(2) of § 67.53.

Note:

Manufacturer’s Certificates of Origin are sometimes used as shipping documents for vessels, and may recite as the first owner a person other than the person for which the vessel was built. Therefore, a chain of title which begins with a Certificate of Origin will be deemed incomplete.

(b) Vessels previously registered under the laws of a State or a foreign government:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

67.59 Extent of title evidence required for change in ownership of a documented vessel.

When the ownership of a documented vessel changes, in whole or in part, the applicant for documentation must present:

(a) Title evidence in accordance with subpart E of this part to reflect all ownership changes subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation; and

(b) Where a registry, fishery, or recreational endorsement is sought, evidence of the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented except for a vessel:

(1) Identified in § 67.11(b); or

(2) For which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale under 46 CFR part 221.

(c) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, evidence establishing the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented with a coastwise endorsement, if such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard. If the vessel has never been documented with a coastwise endorsement, evidence must be presented to establish the citizenship of each owner of the vessel for whom such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard.

67.61 Extent of title evidence required for vessels returning to documentation.

(a) When the owner of a vessel which has been deleted from documentation applies to have the vessel returned to documentation, the owner must, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provide evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under documentation, and citizenship evidence for all owners in that chain of title.

(b) When a vessel is returned to documentation after having been under foreign registry, the owner must provide a copy of the last foreign registry, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under foreign registry. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

(c) The owner of a vessel identified in § 67.11(b) or for which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale, either by written order or by general approval in 46 CFR part 221, and which was under a State or Federal registration or titling system, must provide a copy of the last registration or title, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, if applicable, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under such registry or title. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

Note:

Although vessels returned to documentation without a complete chain of title are not eligible for a coastwise endorsement, this does not preclude such an endorsement if the chain of title, with citizenship evidence, is completed at a later date.

Subpart E—Acceptable Title Evidence; Waiver

67.70 Original owner.

The builder’s certification described in § 67.99 serves as evidence of the original owner’s title to a vessel.

67.73 Transfers prior to documentation.

A transfer of vessel title prior to documentation may be evidenced by:

(a) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the builder’s certification on form CG–1261;

(b) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin; or

(c) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part.

67.75 Transfers by sale or donation subsequent to documentation.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, transfers of vessel title must be evidenced by a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part. Except as otherwise provided in subpart O of this part, each bill of sale must be accompanied by a declaration of citizenship from the new owner, executed on the appropriate Maritime Administration form described in § 67.211.

(b) The bill of sale form used may be form CG–1340 or form CG–1356, as appropriate.

(c) An applicant for documentation who cannot produce required title evidence in the form of an instrument eligible for filing and recording in accordance with subpart P of this part may apply for a waiver of that requirement in accordance with the provisions of § 67.89.

67.77 Passage of title by court action.

(a) When title to a vessel has passed by court action, that passage must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

(b) When authority to transfer a vessel has been conferred by court action, that authority must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

67.79 Passage of title without court action following death of owner.

(a) When title to a vessel formerly owned in whole or in part by an individual now deceased passes without court action, an applicant for documentation must present:

(1) When title passes to a surviving joint tenant or tenants or to a tenant by the entirety, a copy of the death certificate, certified by an appropriate State official; or

(2) Where the laws of cognizant jurisdiction permit passage of title without court action, evidence of compliance with applicable State law.

(b) Passage of title subsequent to devolutions such as those described in paragraph (a) of this section, must be established in accordance with the remainder of this subpart.

67.81 Passage of title in conjunction with a corporate merger or similar transaction.

When the title to a vessel has passed as the result of a corporate merger or similar transaction wherein the assets of one corporation have been transferred to another, the passage of title must be established by:

(a) Materials, such as a resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of the corporation which held title to the vessel before the transaction, which either unequivocally transfers all of the assets of the corporation or which specifically identifies the vessel as being among the assets transferred; and

(b) In jurisdictions where there is an official recognition of corporate mergers and similar transactions, a copy of such official recognition certified by the cognizant official of that jurisdiction.

67.83 Passage of title by extra-judicial repossession and sale.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by reason of an extra-judicial repossession and sale, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the instrument under which foreclosure was made;

(b) An affidavit from the foreclosing party setting forth the reasons for foreclosure, the chronology of foreclosure, the statute(s) under which foreclosure was made, and the steps taken to comply with the relevant instrument and statute(s);

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant instrument and statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part from the foreclosing party as agent for the defaulting owner(s).

67.85 Change in general partners of partnership.

When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution without dissolution of the partnership, the change must be established by a written statement from a surviving general partner detailing the nature of the change.

67.87 Change of legal name of owner.

(a) When the name of a corporation which owns a documented vessel changes, the corporation must present certification from the appropriate governmental agency evidencing registration of the name change.

(b) When the name of an individual who owns a documented vessel changes for any reason, competent and persuasive evidence establishing the change must be provided.

67.89 Waiver of production of a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording.

(a) When the evidence of title passage required by this subpart is a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part, and the applicant is unable to produce a bill of sale meeting those criteria, the applicant may request that the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center waive that requirement.

(b) No waiver of the requirement to produce a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written statement detailing the reasons why an instrument meeting the filing and recording criteria of this part cannot be obtained; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the passage of title.

67.91 Passage of title pursuant to operation of State law.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by operation of State law for reasons other than those specified in this subpart, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the statute permitting transfer of title to the vessel and setting forth procedures to be followed in disposing of the vessel;

(b) An affidavit from the party acting against the vessel, setting forth the basis for selling the vessel, and the steps taken to comply with the requirements of the statute under which title passes;

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording from the acting party as agent for the owner(s) of record.

Note:

State law authorizing a marina to dispose of abandoned vessels is an example of passage of title by operation of law contemplated by § 67.91.

Subpart F—Build Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.95 Requirement for determination.

Evidence that a vessel was built in the United States must be on file for any vessel for which a coastwise or fishery endorsement is sought, unless the vessel is otherwise qualified for those endorsements/

67.97 United States built.

To be considered built in the United States a vessel must meet both of the following criteria:

(a) All major components of its hull and superstructure are fabricated in the United States; and

(b) The vessel is assembled entirely in the United States.

67.99 Evidence of build.

(a) Evidence of the facts of build may be either a completed original form CG–1261, or other original document containing the same information, executed by a person having personal knowledge of the facts of build because that person:

(1) Constructed the vessel;

(2) Supervised the actual construction of the vessel; or

(3) Is an officer or employee of the company which built the vessel and has examined the records of the company concerning the facts of build of the vessel.

(b) A vessel owner applying for documentation must file a separate certificate from each builder involved in the construction of the vessel.

(c) A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin is not evidence of the facts of build.

67.101 Waiver of evidence of build.

(a) A vessel owner applying for documentation unable to obtain the evidence of build required by § 67.99 may apply for a waiver of that requirement to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) No waiver of the requirement in § 67.99 to produce evidence of build may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written request for the waiver, explaining why the evidence required by § 67.99 cannot be furnished; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the facts of build.

Subpart G—Tonnage and Dimension Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.105 Requirement for determination.

The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel must be determined:

(a) For initial documentation;

(b) Whenever there is a change in the gross or net tonnage or dimensions of a documented vessel; or

(c) When the gross or net tonnage of a vessel returning to documentation has changed since the vessel was last documented.

67.107 System of measurement; evidence.

(a) The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel for purposes of this part are determined in accordance with 46 CFR part 69.

(b) A certificate of measurement issued by an authorized official is the only acceptable evidence of the gross and net tonnage of a vessel measured in accordance with subpart B, C, or D of 46 CFR part 69. A certificate of measurement is not issued for vessels measured under subpart E of 46 CFR part 69 since the gross and net tonnage are determined as part of the documentation process.

Subpart H—Assignments and Designations Required for Vessel Documentation

67.111 Assignment of official number.

(a) The owner of a vessel must submit an Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, to apply for an official number for the vessel when:

(1) Application is made for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) An existing vessel has been severed, with two or more vessels resulting. In this case, the official number of the original vessel is retired and the owner of each resulting vessel must apply for designation of a new official number.

(b) Upon receipt of form CG–1258, the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center will have an official number assigned to the vessel and furnish it to the vessel owner.

67.113 Managing owner designation; address; requirement to report change of address.

The owner of each vessel must designate a managing owner on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (CG–1258).

(a) The managing owner of a vessel owned by one person is the owner of the vessel.

(b) The managing owner of a vessel owned by more than one person must be one of the owners. The person designated as managing owner must have an address in the United States except where no owner of the vessel has an address in the United States.

(c) The managing owner of a vessel owned in a trust arrangement must be one of the trustees.

(d) The address of the managing owner must be as follows:

(1) For an individual, any residence of the managing owner.

(2) For a partnership, its address:

(i) In the State under whose laws it is organized; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(3) For a corporation, its address:

(i) For service of process within the State of incorporation; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(e) Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.

67.117 Vessel name designation.

(a) The owner of a vessel must designate a name for the vessel on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) submitted to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center:

(1) Upon application for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) When the owner elects to change the name of the vessel.

(b) The name designated:

(1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals;

(2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; and

(3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.

(c) The name of a documented vessel may not be changed without the prior approval of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(d) Until such time as the owner of a vessel elects to change the name of a vessel, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to vessels validly documented before January 1, 1994.

 

67.119 Hailing port designation.

(a) Upon application for any Certificate of Documentation, the owner of a vessel must designate a hailing port to be marked upon the vessel.

(b) The hailing port must be a place in the United States included in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC.

(c) The hailing port must include the State, territory, or possession in which it is located.

(d) The Director, National Vessel Documentation Center has final authority to settle disputes as to the propriety of the hailing port designated.

(e) Until such time as the vessel owner elects to designate a new hailing port, the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section do not apply to vessels which were issued a Certificate of Documentation before July 1, 1982.

 

To qualify for documentation, a vessel has to be owned by an American citizen and measure at least five net tons.

This measures volume and not weight. A vessel that measures 26 feet or longer almost invariably measures at least five net tons.

Pleasure boats (vessels used only for recreation) can be documented.

Vessels that are to be used in commercial activities (such as commercial fishing and/or coastwise trade) on the navigable waters of the United States/Exclusive Economic Zone must be documented.

Find Out Through a Vessel Documentation Search 
Using a documentation search at our site, you can learn about when a vessel’s Certificate of Documentation was issued. 

You can also learn when the certificate will expire, when the vessel was built, what the vessel’s endorsement/service is, its tonnage, and other information. 

Use the following link to conduct a vessel documentation search. 
Boat Documentation Search Rules and More to Know 
The National Documentation Portal strives to ensure vessel owners from diverse backgrounds can easily locate and complete the vessel documentation they need.

The following laws could be pertinent to your situation:

67.5 Vessels eligible for documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons wholly owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States is eligible for documentation under this part. This includes, but is not limited to, vessels used exclusively for recreational purposes and vessels used in foreign trade.

67.7 Vessels requiring documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons which engages in the fisheries on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, or coastwise trade, unless exempt under § 67.9(c), must have a Certificate of Documentation bearing a valid endorsement appropriate for the activity in which engaged.

Subpart C—Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.30 Requirement for citizen owner.

Certificates of Documentation may be issued under this part only to vessels which are wholly owned by United States citizens. Pursuant to extraordinary legislation at 46 U.S.C. 12118 (Bowater Amendment) and 46 U.S.C. 12117 (Oil Pollution Act of 1990), Certificates of Documentation with limited endorsements may be issued in accordance with part 68 of this chapter to vessels owned by certain persons who are not citizens as defined in this part.

67.31 Stock or equity interest requirements.

(a) The stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart encompass: title to all classes of stock; title to voting stock; and ownership of equity. An otherwise qualifying corporation or partnership may fail to meet stock or equity interest requirements because: Stock is subject to trust or fiduciary obligations in favor of non-citizens; non-citizens exercise, directly or indirectly, voting power; or non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the entity. The applicable stock or equity interest requirement is not met if the amount of stock subject to obligations in favor of non-citizens, non-citizen voting power, or non-citizen control exceeds the percentage of the non-citizen interest permitted.

(b) For the purpose of stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart, control of non-fishing industry vessels includes an absolute right to: Direct corporate or partnership business; limit the actions of or replace the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, or any general partner; direct the transfer or operations of any vessel owned by the corporation or partnership; or otherwise exercise authority over the business of the corporation or partnership. Control does not include the right to simply participate in these activities or the right to receive a financial return, e.g., interest or the equivalent of interest on a loan or other financing obligations.

(c) For the purpose of this section, control of a fishing industry vessel means having:

(1) The right to direct the business of the entity that owns the vessel;

(2) The right to limit the actions of or to replace the chief executive officer, the majority of the board of directors, any general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity that owns the vessel;

(3) The right to direct the transfer, the operation, or the manning of a vessel with a fishery endorsement.

(d) For purposes of meeting the stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart where title to a vessel is held by an entity comprised, in whole or in part, of other entities which are not individuals, each entity contributing to the stock or equity interest qualifications of the entity holding title must be a citizen eligible to document vessels in its own right with the trade endorsement sought.

67.33 Individual.

An individual is a citizen if native-born, naturalized, or a derivative citizen of the United States, or otherwise qualifies as a United States citizen.

67.35 Partnership.

A partnership meets citizenship requirements if all its general partners are citizens, and:

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, at least 50 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership, at each tier of the partnership and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens or the vessel qualifies under § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.36 Trust.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) Each of its trustees is a citizen; and

(2) Each beneficiary with an enforceable interest in the trust is a citizen.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust, at each tier of the trust and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.37 Association or joint venture.

(a) An association meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

(b) A joint venture meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

67.39 Corporation.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or a recreational endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It is incorporated under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Its chief executive officer, by whatever title, is a citizen;

(3) Its chairman of the board of directors is a citizen; and

(4) No more of its directors are non-citizens than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation, at each tier of the corporation and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

(d) A corporation which does not meet the stock interest requirement of paragraph (c) of this section may qualify for limited coastwise trading privileges by meeting the requirements of part 68 of this chapter.

67.41 Governmental entity.

A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of the government of a State as defined in § 67.3.

67.43 Evidence of citizenship.

When received by the Coast Guard, a properly completed original Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) establishes a rebuttable presumption that the applicant is a United States citizen.

67.47 Requirement for Maritime Administration approval.

(a) The following transactions, among others, require approval of the Maritime Administration in accordance with 46 CFR part 221:

(1) Placement of the vessel under foreign registry;

(2) Operation of the vessel under the authority of a foreign country; and

(3) Sale or transfer of an interest in or control of the vessel from a citizen of the United States to a person not a citizen of the United States, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501.

(b) A Certificate of Documentation may not be issued for a vessel which subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation has undergone any transaction listed in paragraph (a) of this section, even if the owner meets the citizenship requirements of this subpart, unless evidence is provided that the Maritime Administration approved the transaction.

(c) The restriction imposed by paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

Subpart D—Title Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.50 Requirement for title evidence.

The owner of a vessel must present title evidence in accordance with one of the methods specified in this subpart:

(a) When application is made for a coastwise endorsement for a vessel which has not previously been qualified for such endorsement;

(b) For initial documentation of a vessel;

(c) When the ownership of a documented vessel changes in whole or in part;

(d) When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution, without dissolution of the partnership; or

(e) When a vessel which has been deleted from documentation is returned to documentation and there has been an intervening change in ownership.

67.53 Methods of establishing title.

Title to a vessel may be established through one of the following methods:

(a) Simplified method without evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes chain of title from that registration to the present owner.

(b) Simplified method with evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes the chain of title from that registration to the present owner along with evidence of the facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part.

(c) Complete chain of title, without evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner.

(d) Complete chain of title, with evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner, accompanied by competent and persuasive evidence establishing the citizenship of each entity in the chain of title.

67.55 Requirement for removal from foreign registry.

The owner of a vessel must present evidence of removal of the vessel from foreign registry whenever:

(a) The owner applies for initial documentation of a vessel that has at any time been registered under the laws of a foreign country; or

(b) The owner applies for reentry into documentation of a vessel that had been registered under the laws of a foreign country since it was last documented under the laws of the United States.

67.57 Extent of title evidence required for initial documentation.

(a) Vessels never registered under any system:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c) or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the first owner of the vessel is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99, or a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. Any other applicant must also present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(2) of § 67.53.

Note:

Manufacturer's Certificates of Origin are sometimes used as shipping documents for vessels, and may recite as the first owner a person other than the person for which the vessel was built. Therefore, a chain of title which begins with a Certificate of Origin will be deemed incomplete.

(b) Vessels previously registered under the laws of a State or a foreign government:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

67.59 Extent of title evidence required for change in ownership of a documented vessel.

When the ownership of a documented vessel changes, in whole or in part, the applicant for documentation must present:

(a) Title evidence in accordance with subpart E of this part to reflect all ownership changes subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation; and

(b) Where a registry, fishery, or recreational endorsement is sought, evidence of the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented except for a vessel:

(1) Identified in § 67.11(b); or

(2) For which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale under 46 CFR part 221.

(c) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, evidence establishing the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented with a coastwise endorsement, if such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard. If the vessel has never been documented with a coastwise endorsement, evidence must be presented to establish the citizenship of each owner of the vessel for whom such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard.

67.61 Extent of title evidence required for vessels returning to documentation.

(a) When the owner of a vessel which has been deleted from documentation applies to have the vessel returned to documentation, the owner must, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provide evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under documentation, and citizenship evidence for all owners in that chain of title.

(b) When a vessel is returned to documentation after having been under foreign registry, the owner must provide a copy of the last foreign registry, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under foreign registry. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

(c) The owner of a vessel identified in § 67.11(b) or for which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale, either by written order or by general approval in 46 CFR part 221, and which was under a State or Federal registration or titling system, must provide a copy of the last registration or title, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, if applicable, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under such registry or title. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

Note:

Although vessels returned to documentation without a complete chain of title are not eligible for a coastwise endorsement, this does not preclude such an endorsement if the chain of title, with citizenship evidence, is completed at a later date.

Subpart E—Acceptable Title Evidence; Waiver

67.70 Original owner.

The builder's certification described in § 67.99 serves as evidence of the original owner's title to a vessel.

67.73 Transfers prior to documentation.

A transfer of vessel title prior to documentation may be evidenced by:

(a) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the builder's certification on form CG–1261;

(b) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin; or

(c) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part.

67.75 Transfers by sale or donation subsequent to documentation.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, transfers of vessel title must be evidenced by a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part. Except as otherwise provided in subpart O of this part, each bill of sale must be accompanied by a declaration of citizenship from the new owner, executed on the appropriate Maritime Administration form described in § 67.211.

(b) The bill of sale form used may be form CG–1340 or form CG–1356, as appropriate.

(c) An applicant for documentation who cannot produce required title evidence in the form of an instrument eligible for filing and recording in accordance with subpart P of this part may apply for a waiver of that requirement in accordance with the provisions of § 67.89.

67.77 Passage of title by court action.

(a) When title to a vessel has passed by court action, that passage must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

(b) When authority to transfer a vessel has been conferred by court action, that authority must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

67.79 Passage of title without court action following death of owner.

(a) When title to a vessel formerly owned in whole or in part by an individual now deceased passes without court action, an applicant for documentation must present:

(1) When title passes to a surviving joint tenant or tenants or to a tenant by the entirety, a copy of the death certificate, certified by an appropriate State official; or

(2) Where the laws of cognizant jurisdiction permit passage of title without court action, evidence of compliance with applicable State law.

(b) Passage of title subsequent to devolutions such as those described in paragraph (a) of this section, must be established in accordance with the remainder of this subpart.

67.81 Passage of title in conjunction with a corporate merger or similar transaction.

When the title to a vessel has passed as the result of a corporate merger or similar transaction wherein the assets of one corporation have been transferred to another, the passage of title must be established by:

(a) Materials, such as a resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of the corporation which held title to the vessel before the transaction, which either unequivocally transfers all of the assets of the corporation or which specifically identifies the vessel as being among the assets transferred; and

(b) In jurisdictions where there is an official recognition of corporate mergers and similar transactions, a copy of such official recognition certified by the cognizant official of that jurisdiction.

67.83 Passage of title by extra-judicial repossession and sale.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by reason of an extra-judicial repossession and sale, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the instrument under which foreclosure was made;

(b) An affidavit from the foreclosing party setting forth the reasons for foreclosure, the chronology of foreclosure, the statute(s) under which foreclosure was made, and the steps taken to comply with the relevant instrument and statute(s);

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant instrument and statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part from the foreclosing party as agent for the defaulting owner(s).

67.85 Change in general partners of partnership.

When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution without dissolution of the partnership, the change must be established by a written statement from a surviving general partner detailing the nature of the change.

67.87 Change of legal name of owner.

(a) When the name of a corporation which owns a documented vessel changes, the corporation must present certification from the appropriate governmental agency evidencing registration of the name change.

(b) When the name of an individual who owns a documented vessel changes for any reason, competent and persuasive evidence establishing the change must be provided.

67.89 Waiver of production of a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording.

(a) When the evidence of title passage required by this subpart is a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part, and the applicant is unable to produce a bill of sale meeting those criteria, the applicant may request that the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center waive that requirement.

(b) No waiver of the requirement to produce a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written statement detailing the reasons why an instrument meeting the filing and recording criteria of this part cannot be obtained; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the passage of title.

67.91 Passage of title pursuant to operation of State law.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by operation of State law for reasons other than those specified in this subpart, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the statute permitting transfer of title to the vessel and setting forth procedures to be followed in disposing of the vessel;

(b) An affidavit from the party acting against the vessel, setting forth the basis for selling the vessel, and the steps taken to comply with the requirements of the statute under which title passes;

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording from the acting party as agent for the owner(s) of record.

Note:

State law authorizing a marina to dispose of abandoned vessels is an example of passage of title by operation of law contemplated by § 67.91.

Subpart F—Build Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.95 Requirement for determination.

Evidence that a vessel was built in the United States must be on file for any vessel for which a coastwise or fishery endorsement is sought, unless the vessel is otherwise qualified for those endorsements/

67.97 United States built.

To be considered built in the United States a vessel must meet both of the following criteria:

(a) All major components of its hull and superstructure are fabricated in the United States; and

(b) The vessel is assembled entirely in the United States.

67.99 Evidence of build.

(a) Evidence of the facts of build may be either a completed original form CG–1261, or other original document containing the same information, executed by a person having personal knowledge of the facts of build because that person:

(1) Constructed the vessel;

(2) Supervised the actual construction of the vessel; or

(3) Is an officer or employee of the company which built the vessel and has examined the records of the company concerning the facts of build of the vessel.

(b) A vessel owner applying for documentation must file a separate certificate from each builder involved in the construction of the vessel.

(c) A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin is not evidence of the facts of build.

67.101 Waiver of evidence of build.

(a) A vessel owner applying for documentation unable to obtain the evidence of build required by § 67.99 may apply for a waiver of that requirement to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) No waiver of the requirement in § 67.99 to produce evidence of build may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written request for the waiver, explaining why the evidence required by § 67.99 cannot be furnished; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the facts of build.

Subpart G—Tonnage and Dimension Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.105 Requirement for determination.

The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel must be determined:

(a) For initial documentation;

(b) Whenever there is a change in the gross or net tonnage or dimensions of a documented vessel; or

(c) When the gross or net tonnage of a vessel returning to documentation has changed since the vessel was last documented.

67.107 System of measurement; evidence.

(a) The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel for purposes of this part are determined in accordance with 46 CFR part 69.

(b) A certificate of measurement issued by an authorized official is the only acceptable evidence of the gross and net tonnage of a vessel measured in accordance with subpart B, C, or D of 46 CFR part 69. A certificate of measurement is not issued for vessels measured under subpart E of 46 CFR part 69 since the gross and net tonnage are determined as part of the documentation process.

Subpart H—Assignments and Designations Required for Vessel Documentation

67.111 Assignment of official number.

(a) The owner of a vessel must submit an Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, to apply for an official number for the vessel when:

(1) Application is made for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) An existing vessel has been severed, with two or more vessels resulting. In this case, the official number of the original vessel is retired and the owner of each resulting vessel must apply for designation of a new official number.

(b) Upon receipt of form CG–1258, the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center will have an official number assigned to the vessel and furnish it to the vessel owner.

67.113 Managing owner designation; address; requirement to report change of address.

The owner of each vessel must designate a managing owner on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (CG–1258).

(a) The managing owner of a vessel owned by one person is the owner of the vessel.

(b) The managing owner of a vessel owned by more than one person must be one of the owners. The person designated as managing owner must have an address in the United States except where no owner of the vessel has an address in the United States.

(c) The managing owner of a vessel owned in a trust arrangement must be one of the trustees.

(d) The address of the managing owner must be as follows:

(1) For an individual, any residence of the managing owner.

(2) For a partnership, its address:

(i) In the State under whose laws it is organized; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(3) For a corporation, its address:

(i) For service of process within the State of incorporation; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(e) Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.

67.117 Vessel name designation.

(a) The owner of a vessel must designate a name for the vessel on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) submitted to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center:

(1) Upon application for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) When the owner elects to change the name of the vessel.

(b) The name designated:

(1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals;

(2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; and

(3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.

(c) The name of a documented vessel may not be changed without the prior approval of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(d) Until such time as the owner of a vessel elects to change the name of a vessel, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to vessels validly documented before January 1, 1994.

67.119 Hailing port designation.

(a) Upon application for any Certificate of Documentation, the owner of a vessel must designate a hailing port to be marked upon the vessel.

(b) The hailing port must be a place in the United States included in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC.

(c) The hailing port must include the State, territory, or possession in which it is located.

(d) The Director, National Vessel Documentation Center has final authority to settle disputes as to the propriety of the hailing port designated.

(e) Until such time as the vessel owner elects to designate a new hailing port, the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section do not apply to vessels which were issued a Certificate of Documentation before July 1, 1982.

if your boat exceeds 26 feet in length, you can assume it measures at least five net tons.  If so, that's one of the requirements for  Coast Guard registration.



That’s because any vessel not undertaking commercial activities that has a net tonnage under five net tons does not need to be registered. In addition to other vital data, the volume of watercraft is vital when documenting its specs on an application or renewal. So how do you know if your boat qualifies for registration with the U.S. Coast Guard? 
How is Volume Determined?
Tonnage is a unit of volume, rather than a unit of weight. Therefore, you won’t be loading your vessel onto a giant scale to see if it reaches the 5-ton requirement for U.S. Coast Guard registration. Rather, you’ll use the boat’s dimensions to calculate tonnage. 

This method – known as the Simplified Measurement System – is endorsed by the US government.  

Boats over 79 feet in length may require an alternate way to calculate net tonnage. However, for most vessels, you can use the basic mathematical guidelines below to get a good idea of what your boat’s net tonnage is. 
How to Calculate Volume
To get an accurate volume for your boat, it’s necessary to measure from the bow to the stern and from the funnel to the keel. Then you can use those numbers to calculate tonnage. One way to calculate the gross tonnage of a boat is by adding the hull volume to the deckhouse volume and dividing that number by 100. 

There are some other things to keep in mind as well. For boats with box-shaped or circular hulls, the dimensions will need to be adjusted by .84 and .67, respectively. You’ll need to calculate .75 for sailing vessels and other hull shapes. 

For boats with more than one hull, you’ll need a different gross tonnage calculation.

This is a very simplistic view of the calculation and if you need to undertake finding your boat’s volume, it is best to access a resource that offers a detailed breakdown of how to arrive at the most accurate number. 

What Counts as Volume?
The U.S. Coast Guard describes net tonnage as any part of the vessel that offers a useful capacity. That means that areas of the boat that don’t carry cargo, such as the crew’s space, don’t count toward the watercraft’s net tonnage. This is important to keep in mind when you calculate tonnage as it can skew the numbers if you don’t keep it out of the volume measurement. 

Getting an accurate net tonnage of your boat may feel a bit overwhelming. After all, there’s a lot of math involved. It is a lot easier if you have the original builders certification which will detail net tonnage. When you know your boat’s net tonnage, you can easily access the forms on this site to deal with any aspect of coast guard registration.  

Vessel Documentation is a crucial tool that connects the dots between maritime history, shipwrecks, and shipowners. Through comprehensive research and efficient data processing, the National Documentation Portal plays a pivotal role in bridging the gaps in maritime records. This article explores the intricate process of Vessel Documentation Search and highlights the significance of connecting shipwrecks to shipowners.
The Importance of Vessel Documentation Search
Documentation Search serves as an indispensable resource for maritime historians, salvagers, and shipowners. By accessing historical documents, vessel registration records, and ownership information, researchers can uncover valuable insights into the maritime past. The National Documentation Portal plays a crucial role in facilitating this process, providing a centralized platform for efficient data retrieval and analysis.
Preserving Maritime Heritage
Vessel Documentation Search not only aids in solving mysteries but also contributes to the preservation of maritime heritage. By linking shipwrecks to shipowners, historical artifacts and submerged cultural resources can be properly identified and protected. The National Documentation Portal serves as a valuable tool in ensuring that maritime history remains intact and accessible for future generations.
Efficiency and Accuracy of the National Documentation Portal
The National Documentation Portal, designed by a private agency specializing in USCG Documentation processing, streamlines the Documentation Search process. With advanced search algorithms and comprehensive databases, the portal provides quick and accurate results. This efficient system enables researchers to navigate through vast amounts of information, significantly reducing the time and effort required to connect shipwrecks to shipowners.
Navigating Legal Frameworks
Vessel Search involves navigating complex legal frameworks to establish rightful ownership of maritime assets. The National Documentation Portal simplifies this process by providing access to up-to-date legal documents, regulations, and requirements. This comprehensive resource ensures that shipowners and salvagers adhere to the necessary legal procedures, promoting transparency and fairness in maritime operations.
Enhancing Salvage and Recovery Efforts
Efficient search not only connects shipwrecks to shipowners but also plays a crucial role in salvage and recovery efforts. By identifying the owners of wrecked vessels, salvagers can engage in proper negotiations and collaborations. This streamlined approach fosters effective partnerships, leading to successful salvage operations and the preservation of valuable maritime assets.



Vessel Documentation Search, facilitated by the National Documentation Portal, serves as a vital link between shipwrecks and shipowners. By harnessing the power of historical records, ownership information, and legal frameworks, this process uncovers maritime mysteries, preserves heritage, and facilitates efficient salvage efforts. The National Documentation Portal continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the dots and preserving the rich tapestry of maritime history for generations to come.

As a boat owner, you have several legal responsibilities that you need to fulfill so you can use your vessel for commercial or recreational purposes. Boat documentation is one of them. It is an essential process to legally operate your vessel. But what is the boat documentation cost? How quickly is it to process it? What is the easiest way to begin? 
Understanding the Boat Documentation Cost
One of the costs associated with documenting your boat is the initial application fee. It can vary depending on the type of boat and its intended use. The initial application fee covers the cost of processing the documentation application, verifying the ownership of the vessel, and creating a unique vessel identification number. 
Yearly Renewal Fee
After your boat has been documented, you need to renew the documentation yearly. The renewal fee is lower than the initial application fee. But it is still an expense that needs to be considered when owning a documented vessel. 
Paying the Documentation Service 
You will also need to pay for additional costs for the services that we provide. Our service can assist with completing the documentation application, processing the application, and providing ongoing support for the documentation process. The cost depends on the kind of service you wish to use. Call us to know the exact cost you need to pay to document your boat. 
Benefits to Consider
Indeed, there are costs involved in documenting your boat. But there are also several benefits that you can enjoy. First, your boat is recognized by the US Coast Guard and it can travel internationally. This recognition provides greater flexibility for you if you want to use your boat beyond US waters. 

Furthermore, your documented boat will get a unique identification number that provides proof of ownership. This number can be useful when purchasing and selling vessels, as it provides a clear record of ownership and history. Your boat may also be eligible for certain tax deductions or exemptions, depending on how you use it. The benefits can definitely offset the cost of boat documentation over time. 
Ensuring All Paperwork is Filed Correctly 
You can process the boat documentation on your own. But if you want the fastest way to do it, you may consider our documentation service. Even though there is an additional cost, it is all worth it considering that you do not have to deal with a lot of nuances associated with processing boat documentation.

 

Keep in mind that boat documentation can be time-consuming. We recommend leaving it to the experts. Our team can help facilitate the transfer of ownership of your vessel and it is useful if you are buying or selling a vessel. We can also handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure that the boat documentation is completed correctly. 

If you still have questions about boat documentation costs and other matters related to this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.

In the vast world of maritime activities, access to accurate and critical information about vessels is paramount. The Certificate of Documentation Lookup serves as a powerful tool for obtaining valuable maritime information. As a private agency specializing in USCG Documentation processing to NVDC, the National Documentation Portal is dedicated to helping users unlock the power of the Documentation Lookup. In this article, we will explore how this tool enables you to access critical maritime information effortlessly.
Understanding the Certificate of Documentation Lookup
Before diving into the details, let's first understand what the Certificate of Documentation Lookup entails. The Certificate of Documentation (COD) is an official document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). It contains vital information about vessels, including ownership, nationality, endorsements, tonnage, and recorded liens or encumbrances. The Documentation Lookup provides access to these comprehensive vessel records.
Why Access Critical Maritime Information?
Accessing critical maritime information is essential for various stakeholders in the maritime industry. Vessel owners need to verify ownership, ensure compliance with regulations, and make informed decisions about their investments. Buyers and sellers require accurate information to facilitate vessel transactions. Researchers and enthusiasts seek historical and operational details to explore the maritime world. By accessing critical maritime information, you gain a comprehensive understanding of vessels, their legal status, and their significance within the maritime landscape.
The National Documentation Portal: Your Gateway to Critical Maritime Information
The National Documentation Portal is a trusted private agency that facilitates the access to critical maritime information. With its user-friendly online platform, users can leverage the power of the Certificate of Documentation Lookup to navigate vessel records effortlessly. Let's explore the steps to access this valuable information.
Step 1: Visit the National Documentation Portal:
To begin your journey, visit the National Documentation Portal's website. The portal is designed to provide a seamless user experience and ensure easy navigation.
Step 2: Easy start:
Provide basic information and vessel details.
Step 3: Locate the Certificate of Documentation Lookup:
Locate the Documentation Lookup section on the website. It may be easily accessible through a dedicated tab or menu.
Step 4: Enter Vessel Information:
To access critical maritime information, enter specific details about the vessel you're interested in researching. This typically includes the vessel's official number or hull identification number. Provide the required information accurately to ensure accurate results.
Step 5: Retrieve and Review Vessel Records:
Initiate the search process, and the National Documentation Portal's system will retrieve the relevant Certificate of Documentation details for the specified vessel. Take your time to review the records carefully, examining details such as the vessel's name, official number, hailing port, owner's name, endorsements, tonnage, and recorded liens or encumbrances.
Step 6: Advanced Research Options:
The Documentation Lookup may offer advanced research options to further refine your search. Explore any additional features or filters available on the National Documentation Portal's platform. These options can help you narrow down your research based on specific criteria such as vessel types, periods, or historical data.
Step 7: Expert Support:
Should you encounter any challenges or require additional assistance during the research process, the National Documentation Portal's support team is available to provide expert guidance. They can address your queries and ensure a smooth research experience.


Get Started! 
Accessing critical maritime information is made effortless with the Certificate of Documentation Lookup provided by the National Documentation Portal. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate vessel records and unlock a wealth of knowledge about ownership, endorsements, tonnage, and more. Empower yourself with the power of the Certificate of Documentation Lookup to make informed decisions, ensure compliance, and explore the captivating world of maritime activities.

A bill of sale is essentially a record of a large (valuable) purchase, and it acts as a documented agreement between a seller and a buyer that lays out the specific details of the transaction, namely price, and conditions. It helps to eliminate the prospect of any miscommunication later down the line. If you are about to complete the purchase or sale of a boat trailer, then here is some essential information on how to draw up a boat trailer bill of sale.

When it comes to boat trailers, the rules for bills of sale are no different from the rules for things like travel trailers and utility trailers, in the sense that bill of sale is an important part of the buying and selling process. Unlike vessels, boats, and watercraft, trailers do not have to be registered with the coast guard, but the likelihood is that many vessel owners will also own a boat trailer especially if they don’t have a permanent mooring berth. Trailers, however, do need to be registered with the DMV!
Names And Contact Information
The first thing that needs to be included on the bill of sale is the names and contact information of both the buyer and the seller. It might seem like an obvious point to make, but you would be surprised how many people are not experienced in the drawing up of any kind of official or legal document!
Trailer Information
Next, are the details and information relating to the trailer that is being transferred from the seller to the buyer. This will include everything including VIN, model, make, and the year of manufacture. You essentially need to include every detail of the trailer that is distinct to the vehicle in question.
Price
Another essential piece of information to include is, of course, the exact amount of money that is being transferred from the buyer to the seller for possession of the boat trailer. Making the final sale price clear on the bill of sale is vital because it prevents dissent in any potential future disputes about how much money actually exchanged hands.

Conditions Of Sale
Finally, you need to include all and any conditions of the sale, including things like ‘as is’ status and any warranties that are being offered, and concessions that are being made between the seller and buyer. It is important to get all of these potential caveats listed on the bill of sale so that you have something to refer back to in the future if there ever happens to be a complaint or a problem that arises.

If you need any more help and assistance with drawing up a boat trailer bill of sale or need any documents relating to boat ownership, then you’ll find what you need at nvdcrenewal.us. There is the full set of all Coast Guard documentation available online and to download.  The site will help to make things a lot clearer for you in your mission to sort all boat paperwork out in a professional and accurate manner.

Navigating the waters of boat registration without a title can feel like setting sail in uncharted territory. It can be a perplexing task for new boat owners, manufacturers, brokers, and sellers alike, but it is essential for your craft's legality and your peace of mind. At National Documentation Portal, we understand the tides of paperwork and regulations can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together this supportive guide on how to register a boat without a title, helping you make your boat registration process as smooth as sailing on a calm day.
Introduction to Boat Registration
Every state has its own set of waves to ride regarding boat registration, especially when you're missing a title. Before we jump into the specifics, know that registering your vessel serves a dual purpose – it's a form of taxation, yes. Still, it is also a safety mechanism that keeps the waters safe for everyone.

Now, let's chart the course through the requirements of five specific states to give you an idea of the variety you might encounter.
California - Golden State Guidelines
In California, if you find yourself with a boat but no title, don't fret. National Documentation Portal's easy-to-fill online forms present a safe path you can follow. You'll need to submit a completed Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title, proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and follow the easy steps. 
Texas - Lone Star Procedures
If you must comply with all the regulations by The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for boat registration in the Lone Star State, and your boat doesn't have a title, you can submit your online request, signed bill of sale, and a security bond worth one and a half times the value of the boat. 


Florida – Navigating the Sunshine State
Florida's sunny shores require your vessel's registration certificate from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). If you don't have a title, contact National Documentation Portal with proof of ownership and, ideally, any previous registration documents.
New York - Empire State Essentials
In the Empire State, you can register a boat without a title by presenting a transferable registration for all boats manufactured in 1987 or later. For older vessels, a bill of sale along with the previous owner's registration might suffice. Submit your online application at National Documentation Portal with these documents for your registration submission.
Washington - Evergreen State Steps
In Washington State, you can claim a title with a bill of sale and proof of sales tax payment.
How to Register a Boat Without a Title: Navigating the Process
At the National Documentation Portal, we stand by to offer clear, authority-backed guidance and resources for your boat registration needs. Remember, this state-by-state look is just a glimpse at the vast ocean of registration requirements; each state's tide differs slightly.

For more detailed information, resources, and expert-guided assistance, please visit our website at National Documentation Portal. We're here to ensure you know how to register a boat without a title successfully. Safe travels and calm seas!

Just like any motor vehicle on land, recreational sea vessels need the necessary documents and paperwork. In this case, the US Vessel certificate of documentation is necessary to allow the Coast Guard to see if each watercraft meets the requirements. 

In essence, the document serves as a national registry, just like how social security numbers are important for each living individual. 

Now, if you’re a vessel owner and aren’t familiar with the process, you came to the right place. This article should provide enough information for you to take care of these documents if you haven’t yet. And if you still have questions, this should give you the answers you need. 


Vessel Registration and Documentation: Background and History
Vessel registration goes way back in time. It was one of the very first systems that were put in place in the 1800s. The statutes include their purpose, the vessels that are eligible for documentation, the exemptions, the types of available endorsements, and both the tonnage and build requirements for all documented vessels. 

If a vessel, for some reason, fails to meet the minimum tonnage requirements of at least five net tons, another option would be to register it with the state. Through this process, the owner will be able to procure a vessel certificate number. 
Why Is It Important? 
Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter and answer the main question: Why is vessel documentation important? We already discussed the primary reason in a previous section, so we’ll now talk about the three purposes it serves.

For one, the document provides identity. Especially in international ports, these papers will help identify your nationality and establish concrete evidence for it.

Purpose number two: commerce. With the help of these documents, you, as a vessel owner, will be able to partake in commerce-related activities and potentially earn money without having to deal with too much legal red tape.

The third purpose is connected with the second one in that it allows vessel owners to join in trades. If you have the documents and certificates of endorsements, you’ll be able to participate in trades like fishing, some recreational trades, as well as towing and dredging.
What Are the Benefits of Vessel Documentation?
Even with the identified purposes, a lot of you are still probably wondering, “What benefits do I get from having vessel documentation?” For this, we’ll also give you three reasons. One, traversing through international waters is easier. With the certificate of documentation at your disposal, entering and leaving foreign ports won’t be too much of a hassle because these papers give you sufficient recognition.

Two, you can freely display your vessel name and hailing port. For aesthetic purposes, you wouldn’t want to exhibit your state registration numbers, now, would you? With proper documentation, there’s no need for that.

Three, financing your boat would be a breeze. Since documented vessels qualify for preferred mortgages, it will be sufficient enough for lenders to move forward with the transaction.  
The Importance of the US Vessel Certificate of Documentation: Now You Know
Hopefully, we’ve been able to provide you with enough information about the importance of the US vessel certificate of documentation. Not only does it serve important purposes, but it also provides you with much-needed benefits to make your recreational vessel ownership much easier to handle.

Obtain Vessel Documentation with a Registry Endorsement

If your vessel is entirely U.S.-owned, measures at least five net tons in volume, and is intended for international travel, U.S. Coast Guard documentation with a “Registry” endorsement is recommended.

Use the link here to apply for US vessel documentation. 

If your vessel is already documented and you need to change to a Registry endorsement, follow this link for a Change of Endorsement/Trade Indicator. 

Comprehensive Documentation Support

The National Documentation Portal provides streamlined support for vessel documentation, renewals, and other related needs. 

For more details, we’ve included these laws below. Contact us for any further questions you may have: 

Subpart B—Forms of Documentation; Endorsements; Eligibility of Vessel

67.15 Form of document—all endorsements.

(a) The form of document is a Certificate of Documentation, form CG-1270.

(b) Upon application in accordance with subpart K of this part and determination of qualification by the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, a Certificate of Documentation may be issued with a registry, coastwise, fishery, or recreational endorsement.

(c) A Certificate of Documentation may bear simultaneous endorsements for recreation and more than one trade, including operation under 46 CFR part 68.

Note:

Where a vessel possesses a Certificate of Documentation bearing more than one endorsement, the actual use of the vessel determines the endorsement under which it is operating.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31604, June 15, 1995; USCG-1999-6216, 64 FR 53225, Oct. 1, 1999; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009]

67.17 Registry endorsement.

(a) A registry endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in the foreign trade; trade with Guam, American Samoa, Wake, Midway, or Kingman Reef; and any other employment for which a coastwise, or fishery endorsement is not required.

(b) Any vessel eligible for documentation under § 67.5 is eligible for a registry endorsement.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993, as amended by USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43863, Sept. 20, 2017]

67.19 Coastwise endorsement.

(a) A coastwise endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in unrestricted coastwise trade, dredging, towing, and any other employment for which a registry or fishery endorsement is not required.

(b) If eligible for documentation and not restricted from coastwise trade by paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, the following vessels are eligible for a coastwise endorsement:

(1) Vessels built in the United States (§ 67.97);

(2) Forfeited vessels (§ 67.131);

(3) Vessels granted coastwise trading privileges by special legislation (§ 67.132);

(4) Wrecked vessels (§ 67.133);

(5) Captured vessels (§ 67.134); and

(6) Vessels purchased, chartered, or leased from the Secretary of Transportation by persons who are citizens of the United States (46 U.S.C. 57109).

(c) A vessel otherwise eligible for a coastwise endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section permanently loses that eligibility if:

(1) It is thereafter sold in whole or in part to an owner:

(i) Not a citizen as defined in subpart C of this part, or

(ii) Not a person permitted to document vessels pursuant to 46 CFR part 68;

(2) It is thereafter registered under the laws of a foreign country;

(3) It undergoes rebuilding as defined in § 67.177 outside of the United States; or

(4) It is a crude oil tanker of 20,000 deadweight tons or above, and after October 17, 1978, has segregated ballast tanks, a crude oil washing system, or an inert gas system installed outside of the United States as defined in § 67.3.

(d) A vessel otherwise eligible for a coastwise endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section loses that eligibility during any period in which it is:

(1) Owned by a corporation which does not meet the citizenship requirements of § 67.39(c);

(2) Owned by a partnership which does not meet the citizenship requirements of § 67.35(c); or

(3) Mortgaged to a person not identified in § 67.233(b).

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 94-008, 59 FR 49846, Sept. 30, 1994; CGD 94-040, 61 FR 17815, Apr. 22, 1996; USCG-2002-13058, 67 FR 61278, Sept. 30, 2002; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43863, Sept. 20, 2017]

67.21 Fishery endorsement.

(a) A fishery endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in the fisheries as defined in § 67.3, subject to Federal and State laws regulating the fisheries, and in any other employment for which a registry or coastwise endorsement is not required. A fishery endorsement entitles a vessel to land its catch, wherever caught, in the United States.

(b) If eligible for documentation and not restricted from the fisheries by paragraph (c) of this section, the following vessels are eligible for a fishery endorsement:

(1) Vessels built in the United States (§ 67.97);

(2) Forfeited vessels (§ 67.131);

(3) Vessels granted fisheries privileges by special legislation(§ 67.132);

(4) Wrecked vessels (§ 67.133); and

(5) Captured vessels (§ 67.134).

(c) A vessel otherwise eligible for a fishery endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section permanently loses that eligibility if it undergoes rebuilding as defined in § 67.177 outside of the United States.

(d) A vessel otherwise eligible for a fishery endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section loses that eligibility during any period in which it is:

(1) Owned by a partnership which does not meet the requisite citizenship requirements of § 67.35(b);

(2) Owned by a corporation which does not meet the citizenship requirements of § 67.39(b); or

(3) Chartered or leased to an individual who is not a citizen of the United States or to an entity that is not eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement, except that time charters, voyage charters and other charters that are not a demise of the vessel may be entered into with Non-Citizens for the charter of dedicated Fish Tender Vessels and Fish Processing Vessels that are not engaged in the harvesting of fish or fishery resources without the vessel losing its eligibility for a fishery endorsement.

(e) A vessel operating with a fishery endorsement on October 1, 1998, under the authority of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, or a purse seine vessel engaged in tuna fishing outside of the EEZ of the United States or pursuant to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Treaty may continue to operate as set out in 46 U.S.C. 12113(c)(3), provided that the owner of the vessel continues to comply with the fishery endorsement requirements that were in effect on October 1, 1998.

(f) An individual or entity that is otherwise eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement shall be ineligible if an instrument or evidence of indebtedness, secured by a mortgage of the vessel, to a trustee eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement is issued, assigned, transferred, or held in trust for a person not eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement, unless the Commandant determines that the issuance, assignment, transfer, or trust arrangement does not result in an impermissible transfer of control of the vessel and that the trustee:

(1) Is organized as a corporation that meets § 67.39(b) of this part, and is doing business under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Is authorized under those laws to exercise corporate trust powers which meet § 67.36(b) of this part;

(3) Is subject to supervision or examination by an official of the United States Government or a State;

(4) Has a combined capital and surplus (as stated in its most recent published report of condition) of at least $3,000,000; and

(5) Meets any other requirements prescribed by the Commandant.

For vessels greater than or equal to 100 feet in length, approval of such an arrangement from the Maritime Administration will be accepted as evidence that the above conditions are met and will be approved by the Commandant. For vessels less than 100 feet, a standard loan and mortgage agreement that has received general approval under 46 CFR 356.21 will be accepted as evidence that the above conditions are met and will be approved by the Commandant.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007A, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993, as amended by CGD 94-040, 61 FR 17815, Apr. 22, 1996; USCG-1999-6095, 65 FR 76575, Dec. 7, 2000; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43864, Sept. 20, 2017]

67.23 Recreational endorsement.

(a) A recreational endorsement entitles a vessel to pleasure use only.

(b) Any vessel eligible for documentation under § 67.5 is eligible for a recreational endorsement.

Note:

A vessel having a Certificate of Documentation endorsed only for recreation may be bareboat chartered only for recreational use. Guidance on the elements of a valid bareboat charter should be obtained through private legal counsel.

Subpart C—Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.30 Requirement for citizen owner.

Certificates of Documentation may be issued under this part only to vessels which are wholly owned by United States citizens. Pursuant to extraordinary legislation at 46 U.S.C. 12118 (Bowater Amendment) and 46 U.S.C. 12117 (Oil Pollution Act of 1990), Certificates of Documentation with limited endorsements may be issued in accordance with part 68 of this chapter to vessels owned by certain persons who are not citizens as defined in this part.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007A, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993, as amended by USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43864, Sept. 20, 2017]

67.31 Stock or equity interest requirements.

(a) The stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart encompass: title to all classes of stock; title to voting stock; and ownership of equity. An otherwise qualifying corporation or partnership may fail to meet stock or equity interest requirements because: Stock is subject to trust or fiduciary obligations in favor of non-citizens; non-citizens exercise, directly or indirectly, voting power; or non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the entity. The applicable stock or equity interest requirement is not met if the amount of stock subject to obligations in favor of non-citizens, non-citizen voting power, or non-citizen control exceeds the percentage of the non-citizen interest permitted.

(b) For the purpose of stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart, control of non-fishing industry vessels includes an absolute right to: Direct corporate or partnership business; limit the actions of or replace the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, or any general partner; direct the transfer or operations of any vessel owned by the corporation or partnership; or otherwise exercise authority over the business of the corporation or partnership. Control does not include the right to simply participate in these activities or the right to receive a financial return, e.g., interest or the equivalent of interest on a loan or other financing obligations.

(c) For the purpose of this section, control of a fishing industry vessel means having:

(1) The right to direct the business of the entity that owns the vessel;

(2) The right to limit the actions of or to replace the chief executive officer, the majority of the board of directors, any general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity that owns the vessel;

(3) The right to direct the transfer, the operation, or the manning of a vessel with a fishery endorsement.

(d) For purposes of meeting the stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart where title to a vessel is held by an entity comprised, in whole or in part, of other entities which are not individuals, each entity contributing to the stock or equity interest qualifications of the entity holding title must be a citizen eligible to document vessels in its own right with the trade endorsement sought.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1003, as amended by USCG-1999-6095, 65 FR 76575, Dec. 7, 2000; USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58346, Sept. 30, 2004]

67.33 Individual.

An individual is a citizen if native-born, naturalized, or a derivative citizen of the United States, or otherwise qualifies as a United States citizen.

67.35 Partnership.

A partnership meets citizenship requirements if all its general partners are citizens, and:

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, at least 50 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership, at each tier of the partnership and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens or the vessel qualifies under § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

[CGD 94-008, 59 FR 49846, Sept. 30, 1994, as amended by USCG-1999-6095, 65 FR 76575, Dec. 7, 2000; USCG-2001-8825, 69 FR 5401, Feb. 4, 2004; USCG-2005-20258, 71 FR 61417, Oct. 18, 2006; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009]

67.36 Trust.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) Each of its trustees is a citizen; and

(2) Each beneficiary with an enforceable interest in the trust is a citizen.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust, at each tier of the trust and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

The MARAD waiver MA-1023 (11-10) helps some small, foreign vessels to be used for passenger operations in the United States. You can apply through our site.



US maritime laws are designed to protect US waterways and coastal waters and give preferred access to US-operated vessels, particularly along trade routes. Owners of vessels not built in the USA cannot get easy access to these prime routes but the US government doesn’t want to block all external trade so there are ways for foreign vessels to participate in commerce. Provision is set out in the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, section 27, known as the Jones Act. 

A MARAD waiver is granted by the United State Maritime Administration, and it exempts a vessel and its operators from certain legal requirements, under certain varied circumstances. 

The two most common reasons for a MARAD waiver to be granted are:

vessel owners seeking trade routes whose ships were not built in the United States
in an emergency situation when repairs or maintenance are needed but cannot be performed in a timely manner

Here is the key information you need and how to apply for a MARAD waiver.
MARAD Waiver Application Can Be Made Online Or By Mail
The vessel owner or owner-manager needs to submit an application for the small vessel waiver either online or by traditional mail. For most people, this is much easier to do via a website where you can complete the process from the comfort of your own home. When you submit online, it’s usually an easy step-by-step process and there is additional information at hand.
There’s a Waiting Period
After your application has been submitted, there will be a period of waiting time after which MARAD will publish a public notice on the Federal Register for thirty days. This will be a note that displays the vessel and its intended use.
MARAD Waiver Research
During this thirty-day period, MARAS will utilize various sources to determine whether the issuing of a waiver for your particular vessel will in any way have a negative impact on American vessel builders or the US coastal trade business.
Clearance
If after this research, MARAD concludes that your vessel will not have any negative impact, then you will be issued the waiver. It might seem daunting but the reality is that most of the applications made to MARAD for waivers are approved and granted.

New Vessel Documentation After the MARAD Waiver 
Once granted, the MARAD waiver will become part of your vessel’s permanent documentation and will need to stay with it even if you decide to sell the vessel at a later date. Something to note is that once you receive the waiver, you should also file for a Coastwise Trade Endorsement for the passenger trade, assuming of course that the vessel in question does not already have this endorsement approved and in place.

To apply for a Marad waiver, certain conditions need to be met. These specifics can be found online here along with application forms that can be downloaded. There is also a lot more information about the Marad waiver and all other Coast Guard documentation. Feel free to browse through the site for any form you may need.

Are you in the process of researching a vessel and aren’t sure what’s the right one to purchase? Does it seem like you found the absolute perfect vessel yet just want to be 100% sure before you sign? Have you been wondering “just how do I get an abstract of title?” These questions make all the sense in the world. When it comes to buying a vessel, you can’t be too careful. That’s one of the many reasons that the Abstract of Title is one of our most popular forms of Coast Guard documentation. With this form, you can learn what you need to know right when you need to know it. 
How Do I Get an Abstract of Title and What’s In It? 
The Abstract of Title is, more or less, a form that tells you the complete history of a vessel. You’ll know how many owners there were as well as who they were. You’ll be able to see what or even if work was done on the vessel. Speaking of “work done on the vessel,” you’ll know who manufactured it as well as when. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll know if there are any mortgages and liens on the vessel, as well as whether or not they were satisfied. Most importantly, all of this information is backed by the Coast Guard, so you’ll know you’re getting the truth. Of course, the best place to find an Abstract of Title is at our site. 
Why This is So Crucial 
So that you make the right decision for your needs. Buying a vessel is expensive enough; the last thing you need is to take on a mortgage or lien on a vessel that you were unaware of. Besides, with this, you can know if there’s any work that you'll have to do on the vessel once it’s yours. Plenty of folks use the Abstract of Title to determine whether or not the seller they're dealing with is telling the truth. Someone that tells you how a great vessel is, how it’s new, and with the original owner, only to be contradicted by the Abstract of Title is someone that you aren’t going to want to buy that vessel or any other vessel from. 
Should the Vessel You’re Interested in Be Overseas 
We know that many of our vessel owners are interested in knowing all there is to know about a vessel before buying it yet the vessel they’re interested in isn’t in America. That’s fine. That’s why we offer the “Foreign Vessel Title Search Request/Transcript of Registry” form. This gives you just about all of the same information you would get from the Abstract of Title. However, it gives you that information about vessels in the United Kingdom, the British Virgin Islands, the Caymans, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada. These are just some of the forms that we offer.

A Preferred Mortgage Has Priority in Event of Default
A "Preferred Mortgage" has the status of a maritime lien. 

As such, it is given priority in the event of a default. Moreover, without the mortgagee’s consent, the Coast Guard cannot make changes to the vessel's documentation, such as altering its name, hailing port, or ownership details.

Click here to apply for a First Preferred Ship Mortgage.

Click here to apply for a Release of Mortgage form. 
A One-Stop Shop for First Preferred Ship Mortgage Information 
From renewing documentation and applying for initial paperwork to replacing lost forms and conducting vessel searches, the National Documentation Portal offers streamlined solutions. You can also request an Abstract of Title or conduct an online search to gain detailed vessel information.

Remember, our site cannot comment on whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. Before applying for one, it is recommended that you speak to a maritime lawyer. 

Refer to the legal guidelines below for further insights into your circumstances:

Subpart O—Filing and Recording of Instruments—General Provisions

67.200 Instruments eligible for filing and recording.

Only the following listed instruments are eligible for filing and recording:

(a) Bills of sale and instruments in the nature of bills of sale;

(b) Deeds of gift;

(c) Mortgages and assignments, assumptions, supplements, amendments, subordinations, satisfactions, and releases thereof;

(d) Preferred mortgages and assignments, assumptions, supplements, amendments, subordinations, satisfactions, and releases thereof;

(e) Interlender agreements affecting mortgages, preferred mortgages, and related instruments; and

(f) Notices of claim of lien, assignments, amendments, and satisfactions and releases thereof.

67.203 Restrictions on filing and recording.

(a) No instrument will be accepted for filing unless the vessel to which it pertains is the subject of:

(1) A valid Certificate of Documentation; or

(2) An application for initial documentation, exchange of Certificate of Documentation, return to documentation, or for deletion from documentation, which is in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations, submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) An instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 may not be filed and recorded if it bears a material alteration.

(c) An instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 (a) or (b) may not be filed and recorded if any vendee or transferee under the instrument is not a citizen of the United States as defined in section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, (46 U.S.C. app. 802) unless the Maritime Administration has consented to the grant to a non-citizen made under the instrument.

(d) The restriction imposed by paragraph (c) of this section does not apply to a bill of sale or deed of gift conveying an interest in a vessel which was neither documented nor last documented pursuant to these regulations or any predecessor regulations thereto at the time the instrument was executed, nor to an instrument conveying an interest in a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995; USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43864, Sept. 20, 2017]

67.205 Requirement for vessel identification.

(a) Every instrument presented for filing and recording must contain sufficient information to clearly identify the vessel(s) to which the instrument relates.

(b) Instruments pertaining to vessels which have been documented must contain the vessel's name and official number, or other unique identifier.

(c) Vessels which have never been documented must be identified by one of the following:

(1) The vessel's Hull Identification Number assigned in accordance with 33 CFR 181.25; or

(2) Other descriptive information, which clearly describes the vessel. Such information may include length, breadth, depth, year of build, name of manufacturer, and any numbers which may have been assigned in accordance with 33 CFR part 173.

67.207 Requirement for date and acknowledgment.

(a) Every instrument presented for filing and recording must:

(1) Bear the date of its execution; and

(2) Contain an acknowledgment.

(b) No officer or employee of the Coast Guard is authorized to take such acknowledgments unless the instrument is executed on behalf of the Federal Government of the United States.

67.209 No original instrument requirement.

A copy of the original signed and acknowledged instrument must be presented. The original instrument itself may be presented but is not required. The copy may be delivered to the National Vessel Documentation Center or transmitted by facsimile or in portable document format (.pdf) in accordance with the procedures in §§ 67.218 and 67.219 of this part. Signatures may be affixed manually or digitally.

[USCG-2007-28098, 72 FR 42312, Aug. 2, 2007]

67.211 Requirement for citizenship declaration.

(a) Instruments in the nature of a bill of sale or deed of gift, mortgages, and assignments of mortgages conveying an interest in a documented vessel are ineligible for filing and recording unless accompanied by a declaration of citizenship, except as provided in paragraph (c) and (d) of this section.

(b) Citizenship declarations must be executed on the form prescribed by the Maritime Administration in 46 CFR part 221. These forms are available from the National Vessel Documentation Center and from the Vessel Transfer and Disposal Officer (MAR-745.1), Maritime Administration, United States Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.

(c) The requirement for presentation of a citizenship declaration does not apply to a transaction conveying an interest in a vessel:

(1) Described in 46 CFR 221.11(b)(1) (i) through (iv);

(2) To a person making application for documentation; or

(3) To an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of a State or political subdivision thereof, or a corporate entity which is an agency of any such government or political subdivision.

(d) The requirement for presentation of a citizenship declaration is waived when the instrument(s) presented for filing effects a transfer for which:

(1) The Maritime Administration has given general approval in 46 CFR part 221; or

(2) Written approval of the Maritime Administrator has been obtained in accordance with 46 CFR part 221.

(e) If the transfer of interest is one which requires written approval of the Maritime Administrator in accordance with rules in 46 CFR part 221, evidence of that approval must be presented for filing with the instrument effecting the transfer of interest.

Note:

If the grantee(s) of an ownership interest in a vessel described in paragraphs (c)(1) or (d) of this section do(es) not make application for documentation, a declaration of citizenship may be required in order to ensure that the vessel so conveyed retains any coastwise privileges to which it may be entitled.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009]

67.213 Place of filing and recording.

(a) All instruments submitted for filing and recording must be submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) All instruments are recorded at the National Vessel Documentation Center.

[CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.215 Date and time of filing.

(a) An instrument is deemed filed at the actual date and time at which the instrument is received by the National Vessel Documentation Center, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. Any materials submitted to supplement an instrument after the instrument is filed are deemed part of the original filing and relate back to the date and time of that filing.

(b) If filing of an instrument is subject to termination in accordance with § 67.217(a) and a new instrument is filed as a substitute for the original instrument, the filing of the original instrument will be terminated in accordance with § 67.217(c) and the substitute instrument will be considered a new filing. The substitute instrument will be deemed filed at the actual time and date it is received by the National Vessel Documentation Center.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.217 Termination of filing and disposition of instruments.

(a) The filing of an instrument is subject to termination if:

(1) It is determined that the instrument cannot be recorded because the instrument itself is not in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations in this part;

(2) The filing was not made in compliance with the requirements of § 67.213;

(3) The Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG-1258) submitted with the instrument(s) was not made in substantial compliance with the applicable regulations of this part;

(4) The owner of the vessel submits an Application, Consent, and Approval for Withdrawal of Application for Documentation or Exchange of Certificate of Documentation (form CG-4593), with mortgagee consent, if applicable; or

(5) Another instrument is filed evidencing satisfaction or release of the subject instrument and the subject instrument is one described in subpart Q of this part.

(b) Ninety days prior to terminating the filing pursuant to a reason listed in paragraphs (a) (1), (2), or (3) of this section, the National Vessel Documentation Center will send written notice detailing the reasons the filing is subject to termination to the following person(s) and any agent known to be acting on behalf of the same:

(1) The applicant for documentation, if a bill of sale, instrument in the nature of a bill of sale, or a deed of gift;

(2) The mortgagee or assignee, if a mortgage or assignment or amendment thereof;

(3) The claimant, if a notice of claim of lien; or

(4) The lender first named in an interlender agreement affecting a mortgage, preferred mortgage, or related instrument.

(c) If the reason(s) which subject the filing to termination remain uncorrected for a period of 90 days after the notice described in paragraph (b) of this section is sent, or upon receipt of the request for withdrawal described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, or satisfaction or release as described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, the instrument will be returned to either:

(1) The applicant for documentation, if a bill of sale, instrument in the nature of a bill of sale, or a deed of gift;

(2) The mortgagee or assignee, if a mortgage or assignment or amendment thereof;

(3) The claimant, if a notice of claim of lien;

(4) The lender first named in an interlender agreement affecting a mortgage, preferred mortgage, or related instrument; or

(5) An agent for any appropriate party, provided that the agent has filed with the Coast Guard a writing bearing the original signature of the appropriate party(ies) clearly identifying the instrument(s) being returned and stating that the instrument(s) may be returned to the agent.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31605, June 15, 1995]

67.218 Optional filing of instruments in portable document format as attachments to electronic mail.

(a) Any instrument identified as eligible for filing and recording under § 67.200 may be submitted in portable document format (.pdf) as an attachment to electronic mail (e-mail) for filing at the National Vessel Documentation Center. The e-mail address to be used for instrument filing may be obtained from the National Vessel Documentation Center Web site. If the instrument submitted for filing in .pdf format pertains to a vessel that is not a currently documented vessel, a completed Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement Certificate of Documentation, or Return to Documentation (form CG-1258) or a letter application for deletion from documentation must already be on file with the National Vessel Documentation Center or must be submitted in .pdf format with the instrument being submitted in .pdf format for filing.

(b) All instruments submitted for filing in .pdf format must be clearly legible, be submitted from 81⁄2 inch by 11 inch paper in not less than 10-point type size, and submitted as an attachment to e-mail.

(c) The e-mail required by paragraph (b) should indicate:

(1) The name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the person submitting the instrument for filing in .pdf format;

(2) The number of pages submitted for filing in .pdf format; and

(3) The name of the vessel, official number or hull identification number of the vessel(s), and the name(s) of the owner(s) of the vessel(s) to which the instrument relates.

(d) The filing of any instrument submitted for filing in .pdf format is terminated and the instrument will be returned to the submitter if the instrument is subject to termination for any cause under § 67.217(a).

[USCG-2007-28098, 72 FR 42312, Aug. 2, 2007]

A Vessel Documentation Search Provides Info About a Vessel and Its Certificate
A vessel documentation query through our site will provide the date when the vessel’s Certificate of Documentation was issued as well as when it will expire. 

This search will also include information about the vessel's dimensions, endorsements, particulars (such as size, etc.). So long as you have the vessel’s HIN or ON, you can acquire this information through our site. 

Use this link to perform a vessel documentation search. 
More Than a Vessel Documentation Search 
This search will not provide ownership information. That information can be obtained through an Abstract of Title. You can apply here for an Abstract of Title. 

67.5 Vessels eligible for documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons wholly owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States is eligible for documentation under this part. This includes, but is not limited to, vessels used exclusively for recreational purposes and vessels used in foreign trade.

67.7 Vessels requiring documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons which engages in the fisheries on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, or coastwise trade, unless exempt under § 67.9(c), must have a Certificate of Documentation bearing a valid endorsement appropriate for the activity in which engaged.

Subpart C—Citizenship Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.30 Requirement for citizen owner.

Certificates of Documentation may be issued under this part only to vessels which are wholly owned by United States citizens. Pursuant to extraordinary legislation at 46 U.S.C. 12118 (Bowater Amendment) and 46 U.S.C. 12117 (Oil Pollution Act of 1990), Certificates of Documentation with limited endorsements may be issued in accordance with part 68 of this chapter to vessels owned by certain persons who are not citizens as defined in this part.

67.31 Stock or equity interest requirements.

(a) The stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart encompass: title to all classes of stock; title to voting stock; and ownership of equity. An otherwise qualifying corporation or partnership may fail to meet stock or equity interest requirements because: Stock is subject to trust or fiduciary obligations in favor of non-citizens; non-citizens exercise, directly or indirectly, voting power; or non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the entity. The applicable stock or equity interest requirement is not met if the amount of stock subject to obligations in favor of non-citizens, non-citizen voting power, or non-citizen control exceeds the percentage of the non-citizen interest permitted.

(b) For the purpose of stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart, control of non-fishing industry vessels includes an absolute right to: Direct corporate or partnership business; limit the actions of or replace the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, or any general partner; direct the transfer or operations of any vessel owned by the corporation or partnership; or otherwise exercise authority over the business of the corporation or partnership. Control does not include the right to simply participate in these activities or the right to receive a financial return, e.g., interest or the equivalent of interest on a loan or other financing obligations.

(c) For the purpose of this section, control of a fishing industry vessel means having:

(1) The right to direct the business of the entity that owns the vessel;

(2) The right to limit the actions of or to replace the chief executive officer, the majority of the board of directors, any general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity that owns the vessel;

(3) The right to direct the transfer, the operation, or the manning of a vessel with a fishery endorsement.

(d) For purposes of meeting the stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart where title to a vessel is held by an entity comprised, in whole or in part, of other entities which are not individuals, each entity contributing to the stock or equity interest qualifications of the entity holding title must be a citizen eligible to document vessels in its own right with the trade endorsement sought.

67.33 Individual.

An individual is a citizen if native-born, naturalized, or a derivative citizen of the United States, or otherwise qualifies as a United States citizen.

67.35 Partnership.

A partnership meets citizenship requirements if all its general partners are citizens, and:

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, at least 50 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership, at each tier of the partnership and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens or the vessel qualifies under § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.36 Trust.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) Each of its trustees is a citizen; and

(2) Each beneficiary with an enforceable interest in the trust is a citizen.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust, at each tier of the trust and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

67.37 Association or joint venture.

(a) An association meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

(b) A joint venture meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

67.39 Corporation.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or a recreational endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It is incorporated under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Its chief executive officer, by whatever title, is a citizen;

(3) Its chairman of the board of directors is a citizen; and

(4) No more of its directors are non-citizens than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation, at each tier of the corporation and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

(d) A corporation which does not meet the stock interest requirement of paragraph (c) of this section may qualify for limited coastwise trading privileges by meeting the requirements of part 68 of this chapter.

67.41 Governmental entity.

A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of the government of a State as defined in § 67.3.

67.43 Evidence of citizenship.

When received by the Coast Guard, a properly completed original Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) establishes a rebuttable presumption that the applicant is a United States citizen.

67.47 Requirement for Maritime Administration approval.

(a) The following transactions, among others, require approval of the Maritime Administration in accordance with 46 CFR part 221:

(1) Placement of the vessel under foreign registry;

(2) Operation of the vessel under the authority of a foreign country; and

(3) Sale or transfer of an interest in or control of the vessel from a citizen of the United States to a person not a citizen of the United States, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501.

(b) A Certificate of Documentation may not be issued for a vessel which subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation has undergone any transaction listed in paragraph (a) of this section, even if the owner meets the citizenship requirements of this subpart, unless evidence is provided that the Maritime Administration approved the transaction.

(c) The restriction imposed by paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

Subpart D—Title Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.50 Requirement for title evidence.

The owner of a vessel must present title evidence in accordance with one of the methods specified in this subpart:

(a) When application is made for a coastwise endorsement for a vessel which has not previously been qualified for such endorsement;

(b) For initial documentation of a vessel;

(c) When the ownership of a documented vessel changes in whole or in part;

(d) When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution, without dissolution of the partnership; or

(e) When a vessel which has been deleted from documentation is returned to documentation and there has been an intervening change in ownership.

67.53 Methods of establishing title.

Title to a vessel may be established through one of the following methods:

(a) Simplified method without evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes chain of title from that registration to the present owner.

(b) Simplified method with evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes the chain of title from that registration to the present owner along with evidence of the facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part.

(c) Complete chain of title, without evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner.

(d) Complete chain of title, with evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner, accompanied by competent and persuasive evidence establishing the citizenship of each entity in the chain of title.

67.55 Requirement for removal from foreign registry.

The owner of a vessel must present evidence of removal of the vessel from foreign registry whenever:

(a) The owner applies for initial documentation of a vessel that has at any time been registered under the laws of a foreign country; or

(b) The owner applies for reentry into documentation of a vessel that had been registered under the laws of a foreign country since it was last documented under the laws of the United States.

67.57 Extent of title evidence required for initial documentation.

(a) Vessels never registered under any system:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c) or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the first owner of the vessel is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in § 67.99, or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Any other applicant must also present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(2) of § 67.53.

Note:

Manufacturer’s Certificates of Origin are sometimes used as shipping documents for vessels, and may recite as the first owner a person other than the person for which the vessel was built. Therefore, a chain of title which begins with a Certificate of Origin will be deemed incomplete.

(b) Vessels previously registered under the laws of a State or a foreign government:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

67.59 Extent of title evidence required for change in ownership of a documented vessel.

When the ownership of a documented vessel changes, in whole or in part, the applicant for documentation must present:

(a) Title evidence in accordance with subpart E of this part to reflect all ownership changes subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation; and

(b) Where a registry, fishery, or recreational endorsement is sought, evidence of the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented except for a vessel:

(1) Identified in § 67.11(b); or

(2) For which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale under 46 CFR part 221.

(c) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, evidence establishing the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented with a coastwise endorsement, if such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard. If the vessel has never been documented with a coastwise endorsement, evidence must be presented to establish the citizenship of each owner of the vessel for whom such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard.

67.61 Extent of title evidence required for vessels returning to documentation.

(a) When the owner of a vessel which has been deleted from documentation applies to have the vessel returned to documentation, the owner must, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provide evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under documentation, and citizenship evidence for all owners in that chain of title.

(b) When a vessel is returned to documentation after having been under foreign registry, the owner must provide a copy of the last foreign registry, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under foreign registry. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

(c) The owner of a vessel identified in § 67.11(b) or for which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale, either by written order or by general approval in 46 CFR part 221, and which was under a State or Federal registration or titling system, must provide a copy of the last registration or title, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, if applicable, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under such registry or title. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

Note:

Although vessels returned to documentation without a complete chain of title are not eligible for a coastwise endorsement, this does not preclude such an endorsement if the chain of title, with citizenship evidence, is completed at a later date.

Subpart E—Acceptable Title Evidence; Waiver

67.70 Original owner.

The builder’s certification described in § 67.99 serves as evidence of the original owner’s title to a vessel.

67.73 Transfers prior to documentation.

A transfer of vessel title prior to documentation may be evidenced by:

(a) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the builder’s certification on form CG–1261;

(b) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin; or

(c) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part.

67.75 Transfers by sale or donation subsequent to documentation.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, transfers of vessel title must be evidenced by a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part. Except as otherwise provided in subpart O of this part, each bill of sale must be accompanied by a declaration of citizenship from the new owner, executed on the appropriate Maritime Administration form described in § 67.211.

(b) The bill of sale form used may be form CG–1340 or form CG–1356, as appropriate.

(c) An applicant for documentation who cannot produce required title evidence in the form of an instrument eligible for filing and recording in accordance with subpart P of this part may apply for a waiver of that requirement in accordance with the provisions of § 67.89.

67.77 Passage of title by court action.

(a) When title to a vessel has passed by court action, that passage must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

(b) When authority to transfer a vessel has been conferred by court action, that authority must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

67.79 Passage of title without court action following death of owner.

(a) When title to a vessel formerly owned in whole or in part by an individual now deceased passes without court action, an applicant for documentation must present:

(1) When title passes to a surviving joint tenant or tenants or to a tenant by the entirety, a copy of the death certificate, certified by an appropriate State official; or

(2) Where the laws of cognizant jurisdiction permit passage of title without court action, evidence of compliance with applicable State law.

(b) Passage of title subsequent to devolutions such as those described in paragraph (a) of this section, must be established in accordance with the remainder of this subpart.

67.81 Passage of title in conjunction with a corporate merger or similar transaction.

When the title to a vessel has passed as the result of a corporate merger or similar transaction wherein the assets of one corporation have been transferred to another, the passage of title must be established by:

(a) Materials, such as a resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of the corporation which held title to the vessel before the transaction, which either unequivocally transfers all of the assets of the corporation or which specifically identifies the vessel as being among the assets transferred; and

(b) In jurisdictions where there is an official recognition of corporate mergers and similar transactions, a copy of such official recognition certified by the cognizant official of that jurisdiction.

67.83 Passage of title by extra-judicial repossession and sale.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by reason of an extra-judicial repossession and sale, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the instrument under which foreclosure was made;

(b) An affidavit from the foreclosing party setting forth the reasons for foreclosure, the chronology of foreclosure, the statute(s) under which foreclosure was made, and the steps taken to comply with the relevant instrument and statute(s);

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant instrument and statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part from the foreclosing party as agent for the defaulting owner(s).

67.85 Change in general partners of partnership.

When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution without dissolution of the partnership, the change must be established by a written statement from a surviving general partner detailing the nature of the change.

67.87 Change of legal name of owner.

(a) When the name of a corporation which owns a documented vessel changes, the corporation must present certification from the appropriate governmental agency evidencing registration of the name change.

(b) When the name of an individual who owns a documented vessel changes for any reason, competent and persuasive evidence establishing the change must be provided.

67.89 Waiver of production of a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording.

(a) When the evidence of title passage required by this subpart is a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part, and the applicant is unable to produce a bill of sale meeting those criteria, the applicant may request that the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center waive that requirement.

(b) No waiver of the requirement to produce a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written statement detailing the reasons why an instrument meeting the filing and recording criteria of this part cannot be obtained; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the passage of title.

67.91 Passage of title pursuant to operation of State law.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by operation of State law for reasons other than those specified in this subpart, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the statute permitting transfer of title to the vessel and setting forth procedures to be followed in disposing of the vessel;

(b) An affidavit from the party acting against the vessel, setting forth the basis for selling the vessel, and the steps taken to comply with the requirements of the statute under which title passes;

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording from the acting party as agent for the owner(s) of record.

Note:

State law authorizing a marina to dispose of abandoned vessels is an example of passage of title by operation of law contemplated by § 67.91.

Subpart F—Build Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.95 Requirement for determination.

Evidence that a vessel was built in the United States must be on file for any vessel for which a coastwise or fishery endorsement is sought, unless the vessel is otherwise qualified for those endorsements/

67.97 United States built.

To be considered built in the United States a vessel must meet both of the following criteria:

(a) All major components of its hull and superstructure are fabricated in the United States; and

(b) The vessel is assembled entirely in the United States.

67.99 Evidence of build.

(a) Evidence of the facts of build may be either a completed original form CG–1261, or other original document containing the same information, executed by a person having personal knowledge of the facts of build because that person:

(1) Constructed the vessel;

(2) Supervised the actual construction of the vessel; or

(3) Is an officer or employee of the company which built the vessel and has examined the records of the company concerning the facts of build of the vessel.

(b) A vessel owner applying for documentation must file a separate certificate from each builder involved in the construction of the vessel.

(c) A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin is not evidence of the facts of build.

67.101 Waiver of evidence of build.

(a) A vessel owner applying for documentation unable to obtain the evidence of build required by § 67.99 may apply for a waiver of that requirement to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) No waiver of the requirement in § 67.99 to produce evidence of build may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written request for the waiver, explaining why the evidence required by § 67.99 cannot be furnished; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the facts of build.

Subpart G—Tonnage and Dimension Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.105 Requirement for determination.

The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel must be determined:

(a) For initial documentation;

(b) Whenever there is a change in the gross or net tonnage or dimensions of a documented vessel; or

(c) When the gross or net tonnage of a vessel returning to documentation has changed since the vessel was last documented.

67.107 System of measurement; evidence.

(a) The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel for purposes of this part are determined in accordance with 46 CFR part 69.

(b) A certificate of measurement issued by an authorized official is the only acceptable evidence of the gross and net tonnage of a vessel measured in accordance with subpart B, C, or D of 46 CFR part 69. A certificate of measurement is not issued for vessels measured under subpart E of 46 CFR part 69 since the gross and net tonnage are determined as part of the documentation process.

Subpart H—Assignments and Designations Required for Vessel Documentation

67.111 Assignment of official number.

(a) The owner of a vessel must submit an Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, to apply for an official number for the vessel when:

(1) Application is made for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) An existing vessel has been severed, with two or more vessels resulting. In this case, the official number of the original vessel is retired and the owner of each resulting vessel must apply for designation of a new official number.

(b) Upon receipt of form CG–1258, the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center will have an official number assigned to the vessel and furnish it to the vessel owner.

67.113 Managing owner designation; address; requirement to report change of address.

The owner of each vessel must designate a managing owner on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (CG–1258).

(a) The managing owner of a vessel owned by one person is the owner of the vessel.

(b) The managing owner of a vessel owned by more than one person must be one of the owners. The person designated as managing owner must have an address in the United States except where no owner of the vessel has an address in the United States.

(c) The managing owner of a vessel owned in a trust arrangement must be one of the trustees.

(d) The address of the managing owner must be as follows:

(1) For an individual, any residence of the managing owner.

(2) For a partnership, its address:

(i) In the State under whose laws it is organized; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(3) For a corporation, its address:

(i) For service of process within the State of incorporation; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(e) Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.

67.117 Vessel name designation.

(a) The owner of a vessel must designate a name for the vessel on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG–1258) submitted to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center:

(1) Upon application for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) When the owner elects to change the name of the vessel.

(b) The name designated:

(1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals;

(2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; and

(3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.

(c) The name of a documented vessel may not be changed without the prior approval of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(d) Until such time as the owner of a vessel elects to change the name of a vessel, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to vessels validly documented before January 1, 1994.

 

67.119 Hailing port designation.

(a) Upon application for any Certificate of Documentation, the owner of a vessel must designate a hailing port to be marked upon the vessel.

(b) The hailing port must be a place in the United States included in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC.

(c) The hailing port must include the State, territory, or possession in which it is located.

(d) The Director, National Vessel Documentation Center has final authority to settle disputes as to the propriety of the hailing port designated.

(e) Until such time as the vessel owner elects to designate a new hailing port, the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section do not apply to vessels which were issued a Certificate of Documentation before July 1, 1982.

A boat documentation search allows you to find out information about a specific vessel. One of the most common reasons for doing so is if you are looking for a used boat to purchase but there might also be other reasons for a search. The information you get from the search will tell you vital stats and background specifics about the vessel so you can determine if it’s a good choice to buy or not. If you’re new to the process, taking it step-by-step will help you get from start to finish with ease. Here’s how to access the boat search and what you’ll find when it’s complete. 

[caption id="attachment_157399" align="alignnone" width="300"] Vessel Search[/caption]
Gather the Necessary Information
You can easily do an online boat documentation search, but you’ll need an important piece of information, which you’ll input into the system to generate the vessel’s particulars. That is the HIN (hull identification number), which is the official number assigned to the boat. You can enter it in capital or lowercase letters, but it must match exactly. If you put in the wrong number, you will end up with information that doesn’t match the boat you’re looking for. You can use the online system to pay for your search as well, making it simple and quick to get the job done. 
The Information You’ll Get
The data produced when you carry out a boat documentation search includes information about ownership, preferred mortgage filings, notices for lien claims, and other supplemental information about the vessel. If the boat is registered beyond the federal level, whether it’s at the state level or foreign registries, you may get additional information beyond this. It’s also important to keep in mind that there could be facts about the boat that do not come on a search if they have not been shared with the appropriate entities. 
Vessel Particulars
In addition to the above-mentioned information, your vessel search can also provide information about the boat itself. That includes the name, official number, hull identification number, and a flag associated with the boat. The report might also show the dimensions of the craft, including its length and layout. You may also find service and maintenance information and tonnage facts. The report could also share documents and certificates associated with the boat, including the Certificate of Documentation. 
What You Won’t Find
As of 2018, the personally identifiable information (PII) was removed from a boat documentation search. That means you won’t have access to the owner or managing owner’s name or address. If you need this proof, you’ll have to search for it elsewhere. You can request a U.S. Coast Guard Abstract of Title on the USCG website. 

Doing a boat documentation search can turn up valuable information if you want to know more about a specific vessel, whether you’re looking to buy it or otherwise need the facts about it. The process is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Ready to find what you need? Contact us and we can help you get the process going. 

In Vessel Documentation, “Tonnage” Refers to a Vessel’s Volumetric Measurement 

Tonnage doesn’t just mean “weight” in vessel documentation contexts. Rather, it refers to a vessel’s volumetric measurement. 

This includes portable enclosed spaces, and is calculated as either gross or net tonnage.

For further clarification: 

Net Tonnage: Reflects the usable capacity, excluding deck cargo.

Gross Tonnage: Represents the overall size of the vessel.

Click here for USCG vessel renewal. 
USCG Vessel Renewal and Beyond at the National Documentation Portal
Easily renew your vessel documentation, replace missing forms, request an Abstract of Title, or conduct a documentation search. The National Documentation Portal provides all the tools necessary for managing vessel documentation needs efficiently.

For more details, consult the regulations below: 

Subpart G—Tonnage and Dimension Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.105 Requirement for determination.

The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel must be determined:

(a) For initial documentation;

(b) Whenever there is a change in the gross or net tonnage or dimensions of a documented vessel; or

(c) When the gross or net tonnage of a vessel returning to documentation has changed since the vessel was last documented.

67.107 System of measurement; evidence.

(a) The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel for purposes of this part are determined in accordance with 46 CFR part 69.

(b) A certificate of measurement issued by an authorized official is the only acceptable evidence of the gross and net tonnage of a vessel measured in accordance with subpart B, C, or D of 46 CFR part 69. A certificate of measurement is not issued for vessels measured under subpart E of 46 CFR part 69 since the gross and net tonnage are determined as part of the documentation process.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1003, as amended by USCG-2001-10224, 66 FR 48620, Sept. 21, 2001]

Subpart H—Assignments and Designations Required for Vessel Documentation

67.111 Assignment of official number.

(a) The owner of a vessel must submit an Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG-1258) to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, to apply for an official number for the vessel when:

(1) Application is made for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) An existing vessel has been severed, with two or more vessels resulting. In this case, the official number of the original vessel is retired and the owner of each resulting vessel must apply for designation of a new official number.

(b) Upon receipt of form CG-1258, the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center will have an official number assigned to the vessel and furnish it to the vessel owner.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993, 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31604, June 15, 1995; USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52190, Sept. 30, 1998]

67.113 Managing owner designation; address; requirement to report change of address.

The owner of each vessel must designate a managing owner on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (CG-1258).

(a) The managing owner of a vessel owned by one person is the owner of the vessel.

(b) The managing owner of a vessel owned by more than one person must be one of the owners. The person designated as managing owner must have an address in the United States except where no owner of the vessel has an address in the United States.

(c) The managing owner of a vessel owned in a trust arrangement must be one of the trustees.

(d) The address of the managing owner must be as follows:

(1) For an individual, any residence of the managing owner.

(2) For a partnership, its address:

(i) In the State under whose laws it is organized; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(3) For a corporation, its address:

(i) For service of process within the State of incorporation; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(e) Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31604, June 15, 1995; USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52190, Sept. 30, 1998]

67.117 Vessel name designation.

(a) The owner of a vessel must designate a name for the vessel on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG-1258) submitted to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center:

(1) Upon application for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) When the owner elects to change the name of the vessel.

(b) The name designated:

(1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals;

(2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; and

(3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.

(c) The name of a documented vessel may not be changed without the prior approval of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(d) Until such time as the owner of a vessel elects to change the name of a vessel, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to vessels validly documented before January 1, 1994.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31604, June 15, 1995; USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]

67.119 Hailing port designation.

(a) Upon application for any Certificate of Documentation in accordance with subpart K of this part, the owner of a vessel must designate a hailing port to be marked upon the vessel.

(b) The hailing port must be a place in the United States included in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC.

(c) The hailing port must include the State, territory, or possession in which it is located.

(d) The Director, National Vessel Documentation Center has final authority to settle disputes as to the propriety of the hailing port designated.

(e) Until such time as the vessel owner elects to designate a new hailing port, the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section do not apply to vessels which were issued a Certificate of Documentation before July 1, 1982.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31604, June 15, 1995; USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]

Subpart I—Marking Requirements for Vessel Documentation

67.120 General requirement.

No Certificate of Documentation issued under this part will be deemed valid for operation of the vessel until the vessel is marked in accordance with this subpart.

67.121 Official number marking requirement.

The official number of the vessel, preceded by the abbreviation “NO.” must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals not less than three inches in height on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed to the vessel so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. If the official number is on a separate plate, the plate must be fastened in such a manner that its removal would normally cause some scarring of or damage to the surrounding hull area.

67.123 Name and hailing port marking requirements.

(a) For vessels other than those covered in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the name of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the port and starboard bow and the stern of the vessel. The hailing port of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the stern of the vessel.

(b) Vessels with square bow. For vessels having a square bow, the name of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the bow in a manner to avoid obliteration. The name and hailing port must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the stern.

(c) Recreational vessels. For vessels documented exclusively for recreation, the name and hailing port must be marked together on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull.

(d) The markings required by paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, which may be made by the use of any means and materials which result in durable markings, must be made in clearly legible letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals not less than four inches in height.

67.125 Disputes.

The OCMI for the zone in which the vessel is principally operated has final authority in any disputes concerning the permanence, durability, legibility, or placement of a vessel's markings.

Subpart J—Application for Special Qualifications for Vessel Documentation

67.130 Submission of applications.

All applications made under this subpart and all subsequent filings to effect documentation, except as provided in § 67.133(b), must be submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center.

[CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31604, June 15, 1995]

67.131 Forfeited vessels.

In addition to any other submissions required by this part, the owner of a forfeited vessel applying for a Certificate of Documentation for that vessel must submit the following:

(a) Where the vessel has been adjudged forfeit, or the proceeds of the sale of the vessel have been adjudged forfeit to the Federal Government of the United States by a Federal District Court, a copy of the court order certified by an official of the court;

(b) Where the vessel was forfeited to the Federal Government of the United States under an administrative forfeiture action, an affidavit from an officer of the agency which performed the forfeiture who has personal knowledge of the particulars of the vessel's forfeiture or a Declaration of Forfeiture issued by the agency which performed the forfeiture.

67.132 Special legislation.

(a) Vessels not otherwise entitled to be operated in the coastwise trade or in the fisheries may obtain these privileges as a result of special legislation by the Congress of the United States.

(b) In addition to any other submissions required by this part, the owner of a vessel which is entitled to engage in a specified trade because it is the subject of special legislation must include a copy of the legislation to establish the entitlement.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993, as amended by USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49230, Sept. 25, 2009]

67.133 Wrecked vessels.

(a) A vessel owner requesting a determination that the vessel is wrecked within the meaning of 46 U.S.C. 12107 must submit the following to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center:

(1) Competent and persuasive evidence of the occasion and location of the casualty. Coast Guard situation or investigation reports are acceptable as casualty evidence. Other competent and persuasive evidence may be accepted in the discretion of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(2) A writing setting forth the physical location of the vessel, containing a guarantee that the requesting party assumes full responsibility for all costs, liabilities, and other expenses that arise in conjunction with the services performed by the board of appraisers, and stating that at the time of documentation the vessel will be owned by a citizen of the United States.

(b) In addition to other submissions required by this part, a vessel owner applying for a Certificate of Documentation for a vessel accorded privileges by the Wrecked Vessel Statute 46 U.S.C. 12107 must include a copy of the determination of the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center that the vessel qualifies for documentation under the statute.

Note:

The determination of the appraised salved value must be made by a board of three appraisers appointed by the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center. The board must determine that the repairs made upon the vessel are equal to three times the appraised salvage value. The determination of the appraised salvage value will include consideration of the fact that if the vessel is found in compliance with the Wrecked Vessel Statute it will attain coastwise and fishery privileges. The cost of the board must be borne by the applicant.

[CGD 89-007, CGD 89-007a, 58 FR 60266, Nov. 15, 1993; 58 FR 65131, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-014, 60 FR 31604, June 15, 1995; USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2016-0531, 82 FR 43864, Sept. 20, 2017]