USCG News

hin number

Everything You Need to Know About the HIN Number

Your boat’s HIN number, or hull identification number is pretty important. It’s much like the VIN, or vehicle identification number for your car, truck, or SUV. The HIN is usually 12 to 14 digits and identifies your boat.  Vessels that have been manufactured before 1973 are exempt from having a hull identification number. A prefix…

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Vessel Documentation Online

Acquiring Vessel Documentation Online and Maintaining It With Our Help

Do you want to document your vessel but aren’t sure about the best way to do so? Does documentation seem a bit confounding at times? As fellow vessel owners, we’ve been in your shoes. We understand that the thought of “filling out vessel documentation” might evoke memories of taking a challenging math test back in…

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vessel name

The Power of a Vessel Name: Choosing the Perfect Identity

Spring signifies new beginnings and revitalization, making it the ideal season for boat owners to contemplate a meaningful change – a new name for their vessel. A boat’s name is more than a mere identifier; it encapsulates its essence, telling a story or carrying a significance that resonates with both those on board and onlookers….

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MARAD Waiver

Understanding the MARAD Waiver for Small Boats

Do you have a small boat that you think might qualify you for a regulation waver? If you are looking for a MARAD waiver, then it is important that you understand exactly what this is, and how it can help you to manage your application forms. Also known as the Maritime Administration of the US,…

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Extending your Boat Ride with Coast Guard Documentation Renewal

Extending your Boat Ride with Coast Guard Documentation Renewal

If you’re like many of us, you’ve been out on the water at some point just as the sun is setting. Sure, you have plans back on land, you have plenty of things you said you’d do. But… you just want to ride a bit further, to be out on your boat a bit longer….

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Vessel Documentation Center

Access The US Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Center Easily

The US Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Center is where you can find all the information about vessels registered with the USCG. Whether you need a renewal for your own vessel or want to find out more about a boat before you buy it, you can obtain all of the information that you need from this…

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certificate of documentation lookup

Certificate of Documentation Lookup Made Easy: Step-by-Step Instructions for Researching Vessel Records

Researching vessel records is a vital task for vessel owners and maritime enthusiasts. It allows you to uncover valuable information about a vessel’s history, ownership, and legal status. The Certificate of Documentation Lookup is an essential tool that simplifies the research process by providing access to official vessel records. In this article, we will guide…

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boat bill of sale

Making Sure Your Boat Bill of Sale is Valid and Official

Gone are the days in which a firm handshake or a person’s word would be enough to make a sale official. Maybe that works for smaller, more casual purchases, but when it comes to something like boats, ships, and vessels, you are going to need more than that. That’s when you’ll need a boat bill…

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certificate of documentation lookup

Protecting Your Investment: Using Certificate of Documentation Lookup to Verify Vessel Authenticity

As a proud owner of a vessel, ensuring its authenticity and legal status is crucial. The Certificate of Documentation Lookup is a powerful tool that can provide you with valuable information about your vessel. In this article, we will explore how the National Documentation Portal, a private agency specializing in USCG Documentation processing to NVDC,…

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Vessel Renewal

Enhancing Vessel Renewal for Resale

In the world of maritime vessels, a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing boat can command a higher resale value. Vessel renewal, the process of rejuvenating a boat, plays a pivotal role in this regard. Join us as we delve into the art of enhancing boat renewal to maximize resale value, guided by the expertise of the…

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