To be eligible for US Coast Guard documentation, a vessel must meet specific criteria related to size, ownership, and intended use. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Size Requirement: The vessel must measure at least five net tons. This measurement refers to the vessel’s cargo-carrying capacity, not its weight. Typically, vessels that are at least 25 feet in length are likely to meet or exceed this requirement, but the exact tonnage depends on the vessel’s design and structure.
- Ownership Requirement: The vessel must be wholly owned by a US citizen or a qualifying US entity. This means that individuals, partnerships, or corporations seeking to document the vessel must meet citizenship requirements set by the Coast Guard. For corporations or entities, the majority of ownership must be held by US citizens.
- Intended Use: Various types of vessels qualify for documentation depending on how they are used. This includes:
- Recreational Vessels: Boats used for personal, non-commercial purposes.
- Vessels Engaged in Foreign Trade: Ships used for international commerce or transport of goods.
- Commercial Vessels: This category includes fishing vessels, cargo ships, passenger vessels, and other boats used for business purposes.
Documentation provides benefits such as proof of ownership, eligibility for certain commercial operations, and the right to fly the US flag internationally. It is also often required for vessels financed with a marine loan through a lender who mandates documentation as part of the loan agreement.
Are there any vessels that must be documented, by law?
Yes, federal law requires vessel documentation for certain vessels based on their size and usage. Specifically, vessels that meet the volume requirement of five net tons or more and are used for specific purposes must be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. These purposes include:
- Commercial Fishing: Vessels actively involved in catching, harvesting, or processing fish and other aquatic life for commercial purposes are required to be documented. This ensures compliance with federal regulations governing fishing licenses, quotas, and environmental protection.
- Coastwise Trade: Vessels operating in coastwise trade, which involves transporting goods or passengers between U.S. ports or locations within U.S. territorial waters, must be documented. Documentation is required to verify compliance with the Jones Act, which limits coastwise trade to U.S.-built, owned, and registered vessels.
- Commercial Transportation of People or Merchandise: Vessels used for the transport of people or goods for hire, whether across state lines or within U.S. waters, also must be documented. This includes passenger ferries, cargo ships, or other vessels engaged in any form of commercial trade.
In addition to documentation, these vessels must carry the appropriate endorsements that certify their eligibility for the specific activities in which they are engaged, such as a coastwise endorsement for coastwise trade or a fishery endorsement for commercial fishing.
Can foreign-built vessels be documented?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. For example:
- Foreign-built vessels can obtain a registry or recreational endorsement, given they meet ownership criteria.
- For coastwise or fishery endorsements, information about the build and compliance with US shipbuilding laws is required.
What proof of US citizenship is required for documentation?
Applicants must provide:
- A completed and signed Certificate of Documentation (Form CG-1258), which serves as evidence of ownership and citizenship.
- Documentation may also include corporate papers or affidavits establishing the citizenship of entities involved in vessel ownership.
What happens if my documented vessel changes its address or managing owner?
The designated managing owner must notify the US Coast Guard of any changes in address or managing ownership within ten days by submitting updated forms.
What is a hailing port, and how is it designated?
The hailing port is the location marked on your documented vessel. Owners must designate a US city or town, including the State, on Form CG-1258. Changes to the hailing port require Coast Guard approval.
What options exist for vessels not eligible for standard documentation?
If your vessel does not meet eligibility requirements for documentation (e.g., under 5 net tons), you may need to follow State registration requirements instead.
How do I document my vessel for recreational use?
Recreational vessel owners can voluntarily apply for documentation by submitting:
- Form CG-1258.
- Title or proof of ownership for the vessel.
- Evidence of compliance with tonnage requirements.
Who oversees the documentation process?
The National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) handles issuance and updates to Certificates of Documentation. For initial applications, renewals, or title transfers, contact the NVDC or use reputable online resources for guidance. We make this process easier every step of the way.
What is the difference between endorsements on a Certificate of Documentation?
- Registry Endorsement – Allows vessels to engage in foreign trade.
- Coastwise Endorsement – Required for vessels transporting merchandise or people between US ports or engaging in fisheries.
- Recreational Endorsement – For vessels used exclusively for pleasure purposes.
- Fishery Endorsement – For vessels engaging in fishing within US jurisdiction.
How often does documentation need to be renewed?
Vessel documentation is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to remain compliant. Renewal reminders are typically issued, but it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure timely renewal. Some vessels can be renewed for up to five years in advance.
What penalties apply for non-compliance?
Failing to properly document a vessel when required can result in fines, seizure of the vessel, or losing trade privileges.
Who can apply for vessel documentation?
To apply for vessel documentation, there are specific ownership and citizenship requirements that must be met. These requirements are in place to ensure that documented vessels remain under the control of U.S. citizens or entities that comply with federal laws. The eligibility criteria include:
- Individual Ownership: The vessel must be owned by a U.S. citizen or multiple U.S. citizens. Each individual owner must be able to provide proof of their U.S. citizenship, typically through documentation such as a passport, birth certificate, or other official records.
- Partnerships: If the vessel is owned by a partnership, all partners must be U.S. citizens. Documentation must provide evidence of the citizenship of each partner to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
- Corporations: If the vessel is owned by a corporation, ownership must meet specific U.S. citizenship thresholds depending on the type of endorsement being applied for:
- Coastwise and Fishery Endorsements: At least 75% of the equity interest in the corporation must be owned by U.S. citizens. This ensures that control remains primarily within the U.S. for vessels operating in coastwise trade or commercial fishing.
- Other Endorsements: For some endorsements, such as recreational endorsements, 51% U.S. citizen ownership may suffice. However, each endorsement has its own specific requirements.
Applicants must provide supporting documentation with their application to verify ownership and citizenship, including corporate structure documents, partnership agreements, and proof of individual citizenship. Once approved, the U.S. Coast Guard will issue a Certificate of Documentation (COD) that specifies the vessel’s endorsements and authorizes its activities under federal law.
How Can CG Portal Help?
We make it easy to apply for vessel documentation, to maintain it, to learn more about a vessel, and many other services. Learn more at our portal and discover how we can help you.