Do you own a boat registered with the US Coast Guard and are seeking information on how to file NVDC forms? No need to look any further! Instructions on electronically filling out and submitting these forms are provided in a step-by-step format on our website at U.S. Vessel Documentation Center. In addition, the rapid and…
USCG News
USCG Hailing Port Requirements: Does My Hailing Port Have to Be In The State of Registration?
There is a set of USCG hailing port requirements that you should be aware of when you register your boat. Knowing what they are and how to comply with them is an important part of being a responsible boat owner. At the same time, it ensures that your documentation is current and accurate with the…
US Vessel Registration to Use Your Vessel How You Would Like
Do you want to use your documented vessel to transport people but aren’t sure how to make sure it’s in compliance with the powers that be? Are you filling out your initial documentation and are a bit stumped by the part that says “Endorsements for Which Application is Made?” These “endorsements” are actually critical to…
Is it Better to Register a Boat with the Coast Guard or State?
Owning a boat is exciting, whether you’re new to it or you are buying your next new boat. Much like a car, truck, or SUV, it’s necessary to register your vessel and document it properly. That raises the question of whether it’s better to register a boat with Coast Guard or state documentation. The short…
The Types of USCG Documentation Every Vessel Owner Needs
Did you know that vessel owners in the United States are required to hold various documents? An Operator’s License or a Certificate of Documentation are two examples. As a ship owner, you have likely heard of multiple forms for USCG documentation that must be completed. However, what exactly are they, and what do they signify?…
Best Coast Guard Documentation Search When Researching a New Vessel
Are you in the process of doing a Coast Guard documentation search on information about a new vessel? Do you have an eye on a vessel and want to make sure that, well, it’s the right one for you? You can’t be too careful when it comes to trying to find out everything you can…
Can You Change the Name of a Boat and How to Do It?
The name of a boat says a lot about the owner. If you’ve purchased or otherwise own a boat that already has a name, you may want to switch it up and change the name of the boat to something that is more fitting to your style. There is a process and steps you need…
What is a CG 1258 and When Will You Need One?
CG 1340, CG-4073, CG 1258… we humans can be complicated when it comes to naming things, and this is particularly accurate in the boating industry. We couldn’t just name the document for what its purpose is, right? Anyhow this form is the one you need when you want to apply to your Initial, Exchange, Replacement,…
Tips for Documenting Your Boat in the USA
You must be familiar with and abide by paperwork regulations if you own a boat in the United States. Vessel owners in the US have been obligated to maintain certain documents since the first ships were registered. Documenting your boat will need pictures of your boat’s hull, ports, windows, locks, equipment, antennae, speakers, water line…
Abstract of Title for Beginners
If you are just taking your first steps in the boating industry, you will probably not be familiar yet with the different boat denominations, or even with the pertinent boat documentation. When people reach us, we are often asked questions like “Does my vessel have to be documented with the United States Coast Guard (USCG)?”…