For vessel owners, potential buyers, brokers, and maritime professionals alike, accessing official information about a documented boat can make a major difference in planning, purchasing, and compliance decisions. At The Vessel Documentation E-Portal, our online tools make that easier than ever—especially with our convenient and secure Coast Guard search by name feature.
Whether you’re looking to confirm a vessel’s documentation status or begin the process of researching a vessel’s history, our Coast Guard search by name is a reliable starting point.
What is a Coast Guard Search by Name?
A Coast Guard search by name allows users to look up public documentation records for vessels registered with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The Coast Guard maintains these records, which contain a range of important details about a documented vessel’s status.
Through The Vessel Documentation E-Portal, users can perform this type of search quickly and securely. All you need is the vessel name—or in some cases, other identifying information such as the official number—to begin your inquiry.
What Information Does the Coast Guard Search by Name Provide?
When you perform a Coast Guard search by name through our portal, you can access a detailed summary of available public data tied to the vessel in question. This information is pulled from the Coast Guard’s documentation database and may include the following:
- Vessel Name: The officially documented name of the vessel.
- Official Number: A unique identifier issued to the vessel by the USCG, which does not change even if ownership or registration changes.
- Hull Identification Number (HIN): When available, this number adds another layer of identity verification.
- Vessel Endorsement: This indicates what type of activities the vessel is legally permitted to engage in—whether recreational, commercial, fishing, or coastwise trade.
- Hailing Port: The city and state listed on the Certificate of Documentation.
- Vessel Dimensions: Including overall length, breadth, depth, gross tonnage, and net tonnage.
- Issue Date of Certificate of Documentation: The exact date the current documentation was granted by the USCG.
- Expiration Date: The date when the current Certificate of Documentation will no longer be valid if not renewed.
This search can provide peace of mind for vessel owners confirming their documentation is active, buyers researching vessels before purchase, or brokers performing due diligence for their clients.
Can I Only Search by Vessel Name?
No. While searching by vessel name is one of the most common methods, it is not the only option available through our platform.
Our Coast Guard search tool allows you to search by several key identifiers, including:
- Vessel Name
- Official Number
- Hull Identification Number (if applicable)
The ability to search by multiple data points helps users who may only have partial information or who are looking to verify a vessel’s identity across more than one source.
You can begin a Coast Guard search by name or other identifiers directly through our secure platform here.
Why Would Someone Use a Coast Guard Search by Name?
There are many reasons individuals and companies choose to use a Coast Guard search by name through our portal. Some of the most common include:
- Verifying Documentation Status: Before making a purchase or entering into a contract involving a vessel, it’s important to ensure the vessel’s documentation is up-to-date.
- Confirming Endorsements: Understanding what a vessel is legally permitted to do can influence business decisions, insurance policies, and operational planning.
- Checking Expiration Dates: Vessel owners often use the tool to double-check the expiration date of their documentation to avoid lapses.
- Due Diligence for Financing or Charters: Financial institutions, charter companies, and brokers use this data to assess risk and eligibility.
- General Research or Historical Interest: Maritime historians, journalists, and enthusiasts may use this data to track vessels of interest or to gather background information.
What Information Is Not Included in the Search?
While the Coast Guard search by name can provide a wealth of valuable data, there are important limitations to understand. Notably, this type of search does not include private or financial information, such as:
- Current or Previous Owners: Ownership records are considered private and are not listed in public search results.
- Liens or Mortgages: Any financial encumbrances or claims against the vessel—such as a Preferred Ship Mortgage—will not appear in a standard vessel search.
- Chain of Title: You won’t find any ownership history or transfer records.
If you need any of the above information, the correct step is to request an Abstract of Title.
What Is an Abstract of Title?
An Abstract of Title is a more in-depth legal document that provides a complete recorded history of a documented vessel. Unlike a basic Coast Guard search by name, an Abstract includes:
- Ownership History: A list of all recorded owners over time.
- Recorded Mortgages and Liens: Information about any Preferred Ship Mortgages, releases, or other financial encumbrances.
- Transfer Records: Details about when and how ownership was transferred, including legal instruments used.
- Satisfactions and Releases: Confirmation that liens or mortgages have been discharged or satisfied.
If you need to determine whether a vessel is free of liens or has a clean title, the Abstract of Title is the correct document to request.
The good news? You can apply for one easily through The Vessel Documentation E-Portal. Our system allows you to complete your Abstract request online, and we’ll handle the submission process for you.
How Does the Vessel Documentation E-Portal Help with This Process?
At The Vessel Documentation E-Portal, we’ve created a streamlined, mobile-optimized environment that makes it faster and easier to manage vessel documentation. From searching records to submitting official forms, we serve as a one-stop platform for all your documentation needs.
Here’s how we help with the Coast Guard search by name:
- Accessible Platform: You can complete searches from any device—desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.
- Secure Interface: Your search data is protected with encryption and handled with care.
- Up-to-Date Access: Our search tool connects with current USCG data to provide reliable information.
- Additional Services: If your search leads you to take further steps—like applying for an Abstract of Title, renewing documentation, or changing ownership—we have the forms you need, all in one place.
We are not a government agency, but we provide easier access to official forms and tools in a way that’s user-friendly, intuitive, and available around the clock.
Do I Need to Create an Account to Use the Search Tool?
No. You don’t need to create an account or go through a lengthy sign-up process to perform a Coast Guard search by name through our site. It’s designed for simplicity, so you can get the information you need with minimal effort.
Users may choose to register for more complex actions like form submission or tracking previous filings, but they don’t need an account for basic vessel information searches.
What If the Vessel I’m Searching For Doesn’t Appear?
There are several reasons a vessel might not appear in your search results:
- The vessel is not documented: Only documented vessels appear in this database. State-registered vessels without federal documentation will not show up.
- Incorrect search data: A misspelled vessel name or incorrect number may yield no results. Be sure to double-check what you’ve entered.
- Recent documentation updates: If the vessel was just documented, the Coast Guard’s database may not yet reflect the changes.
If you’re unsure whether the information you have is correct, try searching with multiple identifiers or consult your broker, seller, or lender for accurate data.
Start Your Coast Guard Search by Name Today
Finding vessel information should not be difficult. At The Vessel Documentation E-Portal, our Coast Guard search by name function empowers you to access the essential details about any documented vessel, all from the convenience of your home, office, or dock.
When you need deeper insight, such as lien history or previous owners, our Abstract of Title form is just a few clicks away. And if you’re ready to take the next step—whether that means renewing your Certificate of Documentation, changing the vessel’s name, or transferring ownership—we’re ready to help with that too.
Visit The Vessel Documentation E-Portal today and perform your Coast Guard search by name to get started.