USCG News

NVDC Vessel Search

An NVDC Vessel Search Can Help You

The last time you and your family were driving out to the beach or down past the marina, you saw a boat that you fell in love with right away. Everything about it from the outside seemed perfect to you, and you could not help but notice the prominent ‘For Sale’ sign that was posted…

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Vessel Search

Unlock Your Boat’s History Before Spring Adventures with USCG Vessel Search

Springtime ushers in the siren call for maritime enthusiasts to return to the waters. It’s also a bustling pre-season for the used boat market, where diligent research becomes the keel of smart purchasing decisions. At the National Documentation Portal, we understand the excitement and the caution that comes with buying, selling, or simply exploring the…

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MARAD Waiver

A Pocket Guide to the MARAD Waiver

Did you come into possession of a foreign-built vessel that you want to use to make some money here in America? Are you unsure of what you can do with it and how you can go about getting into compliance with the powers that be? As you most likely know, documented vessels have to be…

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coast guard vessel documentation status

Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Status Changes Made Simple

Have you been looking to change your vessel’s documentation status but found it’s more difficult than you would like? When you start to research what it would take to alter your Coast Guard vessel documentation status, does it feel as if your head is swimming? The National Documentation Portal was specifically designed to help with…

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Avoid the Confusion of Coast Guard Form

Avoid the Confusion of Coast Guard Form 1258

None of us really enjoy filling out paperwork, but the process seems to be a daily part of our lives. No matter where you go or what you may do, there is always a stack of papers that you need to read, fill out, sign, and submit to someone. It gets to the point where…

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US vessel registration

You’ve Gotten Your Initial US Vessel Registration, Now What?

The task has been completed. You purchased your boat, got everything together, and now it’s yours. To make sure that you can get out on the water legally, you’ve gotten your initial US vessel registration. This is a genuine accomplishment, the kind of occasion you should savor and celebrate. The thing is, that’s not the…

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National Vessel Documentation Center

Documenting Recreational Boats: A Boater’s Guide to the National Vessel Documentation Center

For boaters, owning and operating a recreational vessel is a cherished pursuit. Ensuring that your boat is properly documented is a crucial step in the process. In this comprehensive guide, we take you through the process of documenting recreational boats with insights from the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). Understanding Boat Documentation The Significance of…

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Hail port

46 CFR Part 67 (Subpart I) And Vessel Marking Requirements

If you have a large vessel, it is important to understand USCG regulations regarding boating. These are the rules that you are obliged to follow when operating your vessel in US waters. If you do not comply with these rules, then you may be fined heavily, or worse. If you are just beginning ownership of…

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Fully Equipped for the US Coast Guard Boat Registry

Fully Equipped for the US Coast Guard Vessel Registry

Like so many other conscientious vessel owners, before you head out on the water, you tend to check your own vessel. You make sure that you have everything that you need for a safe and fun trip on the water and that means life jackets that fit, a float plan, the engine, gas lines, and…

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USCG Vessel Renewal

Lesser-Known Benefits of USCG Vessel Renewal

USCG vessel renewal is more than just ticking boxes; it’s an opportunity to uncover a trove of lesser-known benefits that can positively impact maritime enthusiasts and vessel owners. Join the National Documentation Portal on a journey to unveil these hidden gems and explore the advantages that go beyond the realm of regulatory compliance. Preserving Vessel…

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