To file a first Preferred Ship Mortgage, you will need to submit the following information:
- Vessel’s Official Number: A U.S. Coast Guard-documented vessel must have an official number. If your vessel is not yet documented, you will need to apply for documentation through our site before proceeding.
- Names and Addresses of the Parties: Both the borrower (mortgagor) and the lender (mortgagee) must be identified with complete legal names and addresses.
- Detailed Vessel Description: This includes the vessel’s name, hull identification number (HIN), hailing port, and any identifying characteristics necessary to confirm its identity.
- Terms of the Mortgage Agreement: The amount secured, repayment terms, date of the agreement, and interest rate must be included.
- Original Signatures: Signatures of the vessel owner(s) and the mortgagee are required. You may be asked to provide scanned copies or originals depending on how the final document is submitted.
- Proof of Documentation Status: Your vessel must already be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard to be eligible for a Preferred Ship Mortgage. If it’s not, that must be completed beforehand.
- Filing Fee: The U.S. Coast Guard charges a filing fee, which can vary based on the nature of the mortgage and number of pages.
All of this can be managed securely through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal, including payment of associated filing fees and attaching supporting documentation.
What Is a Preferred Ship Mortgage?
A Preferred Ship Mortgage is a legally recognized maritime lien recorded against a documented vessel. Moreover, it provides lenders priority over most other maritime claims in the event of default, repossession, or sale. This type of mortgage is only valid if it is properly recorded with the United States Coast Guard and associated with a federally documented vessel.
If you’re a vessel owner preparing to finance your purchase or leverage your vessel as collateral, understanding what’s required for a first Preferred Ship Mortgage is critical. While we are not maritime attorneys and cannot determine your eligibility or approval, The Vessel Documentation E-Portal provides a convenient, secure method to submit the correct forms and supporting materials to the USCG.
Can I File a Preferred Ship Mortgage Through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal?
Yes. The Vessel Documentation E-Portal allows you to complete and submit the Preferred Ship Mortgage form online. This digital process is designed to simplify the traditionally complex and time-consuming paperwork required to properly file your mortgage with the powers that be.
You’ll be guided step by step through the application process, including document uploads, payment, and digital form completion. The portal checks submissions for common errors and missing information before routing them securely to the appropriate agency, reducing the risk of delays.
Is My Vessel Eligible for a Preferred Ship Mortgage?
Only documented vessels are eligible for a Preferred Ship Mortgage. This means your vessel must have a valid Certificate of Documentation issued by the United States Coast Guard. If your vessel is only state-registered or your documentation has expired, the mortgage cannot be accepted for federal filing.
You can begin the documentation process through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal if your vessel is not yet documented. Therefore, once your COD is active, you can proceed with submitting your mortgage application. The portal is designed to support both documentation and mortgage filings from the same account for seamless navigation.
Do I Need a Maritime Attorney to File a Preferred Ship Mortgage?
While a maritime attorney may assist you in drafting or reviewing the terms of the loan agreement, you do not need legal representation to file the Preferred Ship Mortgage form through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal. That said, we do not provide legal advice, and we cannot determine whether the U.S. Coast Guard will approve your mortgage.
Our role is to simplify the submission process, ensure the correct form is used, and make it easier for vessel owners and lenders to transmit documentation to the NVDC.
How Does the Portal Help With the Filing Process?
The Vessel Documentation E-Portal offers:
- User-friendly form entry: Complete your Preferred Ship Mortgage application in plain language.
- Document upload support: Attach scanned mortgage contracts and required identification in supported formats.
- Error-checking features: Alerts for missing or incorrect entries.
- Secure online submission: Route your form directly to the appropriate Coast Guard processing office.
This streamlined process removes guesswork and replaces outdated, manual methods of filing by mail or courier.
How Do I Confirm That My Mortgage Has Been Filed?
Once your mortgage is successfully submitted through the portal and processed by the NVDC, it will be recorded on the vessel’s abstract of title. Then, you can order an Abstract of Title directly through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal to confirm the recording.
The abstract lists:
- All active and past mortgages
- Ownership history
- Changes in documentation
- Vessel-specific identifiers
Although the USCG does not notify applicants of completed filings by default, requesting an abstract gives you written confirmation that your Preferred Ship Mortgage has been recorded.
Can I File a Satisfaction of Mortgage Through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal?
Yes. When the debt secured by a Preferred Ship Mortgage has been repaid in full, the mortgagee (lender) must file a Satisfaction of Mortgage form to officially clear the lien from the vessel’s record. This is also available through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal.
Filing the satisfaction ensures the vessel’s title is clean and clears the way for future financing, sale, or changes in ownership. Just like the original mortgage filing, the satisfaction must be correctly filled out and submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard for it to take effect.
How Does the Mortgage Tie Into Vessel Renewal?
A Preferred Ship Mortgage requires that your vessel maintain active documentation. If your vessel’s Certificate of Documentation expires, the mortgage is still valid, but it may delay future filings, sales, or enforcement actions.
Through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal, you can renew your vessel documentation and file your mortgage in one place. Keeping your COD active is essential for preserving the legal standing of the mortgage and maintaining the vessel’s eligibility for maritime activity under U.S. law.
Can I File for a Preferred Ship Mortgage for More Than One Vessel at Once?
No. A separate Preferred Ship Mortgage form must be filed for each individual vessel. If you’re financing multiple documented vessels, each one must be treated independently. The Vessel Documentation E-Portal allows users to manage multiple vessels under a single account, making it easy to keep documentation, mortgages, and satisfaction forms organized and up to date.
An E-Portal That Can Help
A first Preferred Ship Mortgage is an important step for vessel owners seeking to finance their purchase, and using the correct form is essential for securing legal protection for both borrower and lender. Through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal, applicants can easily submit the required information to the U.S. Coast Guard, verify documentation status, and later file a Satisfaction of Mortgage when the debt is resolved.
While we cannot provide legal advice or guarantee mortgage approval, our portal simplifies the technical process so that your filing is correct, complete, and submitted on time.