USCG News

What You Need to Know When Documenting Your American Vessel

When documenting your American vessel, it is important to consider eligibility, ownership, citizenship, vessel measurement, endorsements, and ongoing filing requirements. At the National Documentation E-Portal, our online service makes it easier to submit an application for Coast Guard documentation. Determining Whether Your Vessel May Qualify for Federal Documentation Federal documentation is administered through the United…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 30, 2026

A Pocket Guide to the MARAD Small Vessel Waiver Program

For owners of certain foreign-built vessels, moving into passenger-for-hire operations can involve an additional federal requirement beyond obtaining Coast Guard documentation. The MARAD small vessel waiver program can provide a path for qualifying vessel owners to seek an exemption from the U.S.-build requirement that would otherwise prevent a foreign-built vessel from engaging in certain coastwise…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 27, 2026

Abstract of Title: What You Must Know Before Buying a Documented Vessel

A documented vessel abstract of title can provide valuable information about the history recorded for a vessel and help a prospective buyer review information connected to ownership, mortgages, and other recorded instruments. Before moving forward, it is important to understand the vessel’s recorded history and identify whether financial obligations or other claims may affect the…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 24, 2026

Vessel Bill of Sale vs. Transfer/Exchange: How to Choose Correctly

A bill of sale and a federal ownership filing can both be connected to the sale of a vessel, but they do not serve precisely the same purpose. One records the conveyance between the parties, while the Transfer/Exchange form is used to address the vessel’s federal documentation after an ownership-related change. Bill of Sale Defined …

By: NVDC Renewal | August 21, 2026

NVDC Abstract of Title: Essential Legal & Financial Verification for Boats

An NVDC abstract of title provides a way to request title information for a documented vessel. When a boat has a history in the U.S. Coast Guard documentation system, ownership information can involve much more than a name and Official Number. Recorded history may contain ownership transfers, mortgages, liens, and other filings. What an NVDC…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 18, 2026

Form CG-1258: What It Is & What It Can Do for Your Vessel Documentation

Form CG-1258 is the Coast Guard application used for an initial issue, exchange, replacement, or redocumentation of a Certificate of Documentation. This application is associated with several significant documentation actions. It is not simply a general-purpose request for information. Its official title identifies the principal situations in which an owner may use it, including an…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 15, 2026

Applying for a MARAD Waiver: How to Charter Foreign-Built Vessels in the U.S.

Foreign-built vessels can face an important obstacle when their owners want to conduct commercial passenger operations between U.S. points. The federal rules governing coastwise trade generally require qualifying vessels to meet U.S.-build requirements. For eligible small passenger vessels, applying for a MARAD waiver may provide a path to obtaining an administrative waiver of that requirement….

By: NVDC Renewal | August 12, 2026

Free Boat Title Search vs. Official USCG Abstract: The Facts

A free boat title search may seem like an easy way to review basic information before committing to a purchase, but free databases and informal searches may not provide the federal documentation record a buyer needs. A free online search can be useful when you are first reviewing a vessel. Depending on the database, you…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 9, 2026

NVDC Registry Endorsement: Operating Your Vessel in International Waters

Federal regulations establish several trade endorsements for documented vessels, each serving a different operational purpose. A NVDC Registry endorsement is intended for vessels engaged in foreign trade or certain operations outside domestic trade restrictions. According to 46 CFR § 67.17, a registry endorsement authorizes eligible documented vessels to participate in foreign trade and other qualifying…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 6, 2026

Autumn Safety & Compliance Checklist for Your Documented Boat

Autumn offers some of the most rewarding boating opportunities of the year. Crisp air, lighter marina traffic, and beautiful coastal scenery make it an appealing season to get out on the water. At the same time, changing weather patterns, cooler temperatures, and shorter days create new responsibilities for vessel owners. If you operate a documented…

By: NVDC Renewal | August 3, 2026