When you use the Coast Guard Search By Name through our site at Vessel Documentation Online LLC, you can access documented public information about a vessel registered with the United States Coast Guard. This tool is an efficient way to learn key facts about a documented vessel without needing to file any paperwork.
This search option allows users to look up certain vessels based on the vessel’s name. Once a match is found, the results may include:
- The vessel’s official number
- The name of the vessel as recorded with the Coast Guard
- The overall length, breadth, and depth
- The tonnage (both gross and net)
- The vessel’s service type (recreational or commercial)
- The current status of the Certificate of Documentation
- When the vessel’s documentation was issued
- When the documentation is set to expire
We provide a convenient interface for this Coast Guard Search By Name so you can access this information from any device.
What details are not included in a Coast Guard Search By Name?
Although this search provides several essential facts about a vessel, it does not offer information on the vessel’s ownership or any financial claims made against it. Specifically, you will not find:
- The name or contact information of the current owner(s)
- Whether the vessel is under any mortgage, lien, or other encumbrance
- Past ownership history
- Records of previous liens or encumbrances
If you’re looking to find those types of details, you would need to request an Abstract of Title, which you can also do through our site. We offer an easy way to apply for an Abstract of Title online, streamlining the process so you can access this more in-depth information without having to visit a USCG office or send paper forms.
How do I perform a Coast Guard Search By Name?
Go to the search on our site, and then simply enter the name of the vessel you’re interested in, and if it is registered and documented with the USCG, the results will appear.
From there, you can view:
- The official number associated with that name
- Vessel measurements and build information
- Status of the Certificate of Documentation
- Issue and expiration dates for the documentation
This type of search can be helpful for brokers, buyers, sellers, and others involved in maritime operations who want to know more about a specific vessel’s documented characteristics.
Can I search for a vessel if I only know part of the name?
In most cases, the search works best if you know the full, official name of the vessel as it is registered. If you only know part of the name, the search may return no results or provide matches that are not what you were looking for. Since vessel names can be similar or identical, having the correct full name helps ensure accuracy.
For users who are unsure of the exact vessel name, we recommend trying variations or checking any documents or communications you may have to confirm the official registered name.
Is this Coast Guard Search By Name the same as the official Coast Guard database?
The information we offer in our Coast Guard Search By Name comes from publicly available USCG data. However, our portal is designed to simplify access and help users get the answers they need without navigating complex government forms or websites. The interface we provide is more intuitive and user-friendly, and it’s available 24/7.
We are not the Coast Guard. We are a private online service that streamlines documentation services and access to Coast Guard data. Our goal is to make the process easier, especially for those unfamiliar with maritime documentation procedures.
How current is the information in the Coast Guard Search By Name?
The data we offer is sourced from the most recently available public USCG records. However, it’s important to note that there may be a delay between when changes are made to a vessel’s record and when they appear in the searchable database.
What if I want to find out who owns a vessel?
Ownership details are not made available in a Coast Guard Search By Name. If you’re seeking to verify or identify the current owner of a USCG documented vessel, your best option is to request an Abstract of Title. This record includes:
- Chain of ownership
- Names of previous and current owners
- Information about any mortgages, liens, or encumbrances
- History of documentation activities
You can request an Abstract of Title through our portal with a simple form submission. We take care of the rest, submitting it to the proper authorities and ensuring that you receive the record.
Can I request an Abstract of Title and perform a Coast Guard Search By Name through your site at the same time?
Yes, you can. Many users begin with a Coast Guard Search By Name to find basic information and then follow up with an Abstract of Title request when they want a more thorough look at a vessel’s background. Both services are available through our platform, and we make it easy to switch from one to the other.
Do I need to create an account to use your Coast Guard Search By Name tool?
You are not required to create an account just to run a basic search.
Is the Coast Guard Search By Name tool only for large commercial vessels?
No. Any documented vessel can be found through this search, as long as it’s in the Coast Guard’s records. Many recreational boats are documented with the Coast Guard, especially if they meet tonnage thresholds or their owners intend to travel in international waters.
This tool is useful whether you’re looking at a potential purchase, verifying vessel details before entering into a charter agreement, or simply learning more about a boat.
Can you help me if I have questions during the process?
Yes. Our team is available to support you. If you have questions while searching or while submitting documentation requests, we offer customer service to guide you. We help simplify Coast Guard searches, Abstract of Title applications, and other USCG documentation tasks.
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Vessel Documentation Online LLC helps you get accurate, clear, and fast information to handle your vessel paperwork with confidence and ease. We provide documentation tools like Coast Guard Search and Abstracts of Title so buyers and owners can make informed decisions. Start your search and let us help you navigate your maritime documentation.