Applying for a Vessel Certificate of Documentation

Vessel documentation, a national form of registration, is a requirement for most large vessels. After applying with the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC), the United States Coast Guard will issue a vessel certification documentation number to each eligible vessel owner.

Determining Whether or Not You Need Vessel Documentation

Title 46 CFR Part 67 details the national vessel certification process. It explains that towboats and all vessels weighting five tons or more that are used in fisheries on U.S. navigable water or in the Exclusive Economic Zone or in coastwise trade must be documented

If you are an American citizen, and your vessel meets the above speculations, you are required to apply for a vessel certificate. Doing so will satisfy both the USCG rules, as well as international registration requirements.

Applying for a Vessel Certificate

To apply for a vessel certificate of documentation, vessel owners must fill out Form CG-1258, the Application for Initial, Exchange or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; Redocumentation, and submit it to the NVDC.

Some of the information that you’re required to provide includes:

• the hull I.D. number;
• the hailing port;
• the IMO number (if applicable);
• the name, phone number, mailing address, email address and Social Security or Tax Identification Number of the managing owner;
• the vessel’s place and year of build, hull material, and length;
• endorsements (recreational, fishery, coastwise);and
• horsepower.

You can submit the form, along with the appropriate fees to the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center via U.S. mail at 792 TJ Jackson Drive, Falling Waters, West Virginia, 25419 or via email at NVDC.PDF.FILING@uscg.mil.

To obtain printed copies of vessel documentation regulations before you file, you can visit the U.S. government bookstore online or call them at (202) 512-1800.

Establishing Vessel Ownership

For initial vessel certificate applications, vessel ownership will have to be established. How ownership is established depends upon its previous ownership history:

• New Vessels – If the vessel is new, you can submit a Form CG-1261 (Builder's Certification), a transfer on a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, a copy of the State Registration or Title, or proof of foreign registration.

• Previously-Owned Vessels – If your vessel is pre-owned, you must submit either the bill of sale or some of other type of proof of transfer.

It’s important to note that if your vessel was built in the U.S. and will be used in fisheries or coastwise trade, you must present evidence of this. You can do this by submitting the Builder’s Certification, which has to be completed by the company or overseer of the construction of the vessel.

The NVDC states, “The Original Builder's Certification or Facts of Build Letter must be presented with your submission. A copy will NOT be accepted.”

Keeping Accurate Logbooks for Your Vessel

As a vessel owner, you already know the importance of recordkeeping to meet government regulations. MyVesselLogs.com, a marine industry supply source, has the best selection of compliant logbooks to help your business run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

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