USCG News

Marine Safety Alerts: Coast Guard Regulations for California Salmon Season

California’s salmon season draws recreational boaters, anglers, and commercial operators to coastal waters every year. With increased activity comes greater attention to boating regulations, safety requirements, and vessel preparedness. Recent Coast Guard marine safety alerts regarding the Northern California salmon season emphasize the importance of safe operation, proper equipment, and compliance with federal requirements before…

By: NVDC Renewal | June 1, 2026

Boat Bill of Sale Requirements: Navigating USCG Vessel Rules

Buying or selling a vessel involves more than exchanging payment and handing over the keys. Proper ownership records are essential. A boat bill of sale helps establish ownership, supports title transfer, and may play a significant role when applying for or updating Coast Guard documentation. What Should Be in a Boat Bill of Sale? A…

By: NVDC Renewal | May 29, 2026

Foreign Vessel Title Request: A Complete Guide for Buyers and Owners

A Foreign Vessel Title Request is a helpful tool for buyers, lenders, brokers, and vessel owners looking for information concerning ownership and registry of a boat documented outside of the U.S. International transactions of vessels generally have complicated ownership histories, foreign registries, mortgage documents and legal systems. It is possible that a buyer could buy…

By: michael | May 29, 2026

Certified Vessel Documentation: A Complete Guide for Boat Owners

The importance of having a certified vessel documentation is vital. It helps prove your vessel ownership. It ensures that you remain compliant with federal laws. It also helps with marine transactions that take place within the boundaries of the United States. Maritime authorities, lenders and insurers, and boat owners rely on vessel documentation records to…

By: michael | May 28, 2026

Certified Vessel Documentation Copy: Why Boat Owners Need It

A Certified Copy of Vessel Documentation serves as official evidence of the federal documentation records of a vessel that are kept by the U.S. Coast Guard. Whenever verification of ownership history, financing or legal documentation status is required, boat owners, lenders, attorneys, and marine buyers request certified copies. Certified copies are more than ordinary duplicates….

By: michael | May 27, 2026

USCG Abstract of Title: Find a Vessel Owner & More

When purchasing a documented vessel, an incomplete ownership record, an unresolved lien, or a discrepancy in documentation can create complications long after the transaction is complete. That is one reason many buyers review a USCG abstract of title before moving forward with a purchase or transfer. A vessel may appear seaworthy and well-maintained, yet its…

By: NVDC Renewal | May 26, 2026

Certified Copy of Vessel Documentation: A Complete Owner Guide

A certified copy of the vessel documentation is official proof of federal vessel records for boat owners, buyers, lenders, and attorneys. They can verify who owns the documentation, if there are any encumbrances, oppositions, or registrations against a vessel. A certified copy differs from a regular copy. It is useful to finance, sell, insurance reviews,…

By: michael | May 26, 2026

Active and Satisfied Mortgages: What Vessel Owners Should Know

All documented vessel owners who finance, refinance, buy, or sell a boat must understand active and satisfied mortgages. Mortgage records significantly aid in demonstrating financial capability and enhancing transparency regarding ownership within the federal documentation system for vessels. Before consenting to a transaction or affirming ownership rights, buyers, lenders, insurers and lawyers closely examine these…

By: michael | May 25, 2026

MARAD Waiver: Chartering Your Foreign-Built Vessel Legally

Operating a foreign-built boat for passenger charters in the United States involves more than purchasing the vessel and advertising trips online. Federal regulations place strict limitations on vessels that were constructed outside the United States. For many owners, obtaining a MARAD waiver is the legal path that allows limited commercial passenger operations. At the National…

By: NVDC Renewal | May 23, 2026

USCG-Documented Boats: A Complete Guide for Vessel Owners

Owning a boat is more than looking after it and operating it. Proper registration and compliance is among the most important things. USCG-documentation of boats thereby contributes significantly to the US economy. These boats are listed with the U.S. Coast Guard and have legal status. For many vessel owners, documentation offers more than compliance. Financing…

By: michael | May 22, 2026