The sea can turn unforgiving at a moment’s notice. That was the case recently when the U.S. Coast Guard rescued two mariners whose sailboat was disabled off the coast of Key West. Their rescue underscores why having proper Coast Guard documentation (and having that documentation ready to go) matters. How the Coast Guard Saved Lives…
A recent dramatic rescue off the coast of Clearwater, Florida highlights just how critical readiness and proper vessel paperwork can be even in life-or-death situations. When a boat carrying four men capsized and left them stranded in choppy waters overnight, the U.S. Coast Guard sprang into action. The story serves as a powerful reminder that…
When the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded more than 49,000 pounds of cocaine, valued at over $360 million, at Port Everglades, it underscored not just a historic enforcement victory — but a powerful reminder of why Coast Guard documentation can mean so much. The Heroism Behind the Seizure According to CBS News as well as…
A recent rescue off Cape Hatteras once again showed how quickly conditions can change on the water. A 40-foot sailboat began taking on water roughly 110 miles off the coast. The crew aboard signaled distress. The Coast Guard coordinated a fast response across air and sea assets to reach them. The rescued mariners were safely…
The recent return of the Coast Guard Cutter Campbell from its 54-day patrol shows how active and engaged the Coast Guard remains in protecting U.S. shores and supporting maritime stability. Here at our Coast Guard NVDC, we’re proud of these brave, devoted professionals. The patrol focused on the Windward Passage, an important channel between Cuba…
When you own a vessel that requires federal documentation, navigating the bureaucratic waters can feel more challenging than steering through a storm. The United States Coast Guard documentation process involves numerous forms, specific requirements, and strict deadlines that can overwhelm even experienced boat owners. That’s where our National Documentation Portal can be your dedicated U.S….
Maintaining proper United States Coast Guard documentation is a legal requirement for eligible vessels, yet many boat owners unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to fines, delays, or even loss of documentation status. While the National Documentation Portal exists to simplify the process, certain errors continue to plague applicants. This guide highlights seven less-discussed—but equally…
Although the Coast Guard does have specific documentation standards, it is up to each Coast Guard district to choose which ones apply in their region. You may need additional Coast Guard documentation depending on where you want to sail and what activities you intend to carry out while at sea. Having your boat registered with…
Are you crystal clear about the purpose of your vessel, yet grappling with the endorsement question? Has the Coast Guard Vessel Documentation application left you stranded at section J, where the enigmatic question of “Endorsements for Which Application is Made?” looms? At our National Documentation Portal, our mission is to simplify the entire documentation journey,…
After you have bought a new vessel, you need to make sure that you have all of the correct documentation and justification to prove that you can legally sell the vessel in US waters. In order to receive a certificate of documentation, you must apply to the USCG by completing the Coast Guard Form 1258….