If you’re trying to confirm whether a U.S. vessel is currently documented with the Coast Guard — and when that Vessel’s COD Expiration Date is set to expire — the Vessel Documentation E-Portal makes the process clear and user-friendly. Through its USCG Vessel Search function, users can search for publicly available data associated with U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels, including the Certificate of Documentation (COD) expiration date.
The Vessel Documentation E-Portal pulls directly from U.S. Coast Guard data, offering accurate and current results. By entering basic search parameters such as the vessel’s name or official number, you can instantly access a range of documentation-related facts — all from a secure and easy-to-navigate platform.
What Is a Certificate of Documentation (COD)?
A Certificate of Documentation, or COD, is a federally issued certificate that proves a vessel is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. This certificate includes information such as the vessel’s official number, name, hailing port, and eligibility for specific trade endorsements (e.g., coastwise or fishery). The COD must be renewed annually unless the vessel qualifies for multi-year renewal.
Knowing when a vessel’s COD is set to expire is crucial for owners, buyers, lenders, and others with a legal or financial interest. The Vessel Documentation E-Portal helps facilitate this transparency by offering public access to expiration dates and other related information.
What Information Is Included in a USCG Vessel Search on the Portal?
When you use the USCG Vessel Search tool on the Vessel Documentation E-Portal, the following types of information may be displayed:
- Vessel Name: The current documented name of the vessel.
- Official Number: A unique number assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Hull Identification Number (HIN): Often used to confirm a vessel’s identity.
- Flag: Typically, “United States” for documented vessels.
- Service Type: The vessel’s authorized trade — such as recreational, coastwise, or fishery.
- Vessel Type: Such as sailing vessel, motor yacht, commercial fishing boat, etc.
- Hailing Port: The city and state appearing on the stern of the vessel.
- Gross Tonnage and Net Tonnage: Important measurements used for regulatory and commercial purposes.
- Year Built: The year the vessel was completed.
- Documentation Status: Whether the vessel is currently active, expired, or pending renewal.
- COD Expiration Date: The exact date when the current Certificate of Documentation will expire.
This information is valuable when researching a vessel for sale, preparing to submit a renewal, or checking for consistency during vessel transfers or financing — such as when applying for a Preferred Ship Mortgage.
Can I Find the Owner’s Name Through This Search?
No. The owner’s name and contact information are not available through the USCG Vessel Search feature on the Vessel Documentation E-Portal. That information is protected and not included in public vessel records. Anyone seeking ownership details will need to request an Abstract of Title, which the Vessel Documentation E-Portal also offers as a separate service.
This ensures that while vessel data is accessible for transparency, sensitive personal or corporate information remains safeguarded.
Can I See If a Vessel Has a Preferred Ship Mortgage or Other Lien?
No, the standard USCG Vessel Search provided by the Vessel Documentation E-Portal does not include lien or encumbrance information, such as whether a Preferred Ship Mortgage has been recorded against the vessel. This level of detail is only available by requesting an Abstract of Title.
An Abstract of Title is a complete history of the vessel’s documentation, including previous owners, transfers, and any Preferred Ship Mortgages or recorded liens. If you’re a potential buyer, lender, or legal advisor, obtaining an Abstract is the appropriate way to verify whether there are any outstanding claims against the vessel.
The Vessel Documentation E-Portal simplifies the Abstract of Title request process, allowing you to submit your request online and receive updates as your request is processed.
How Do I Use the Vessel Documentation E-Portal to Look Up a COD Expiration Date?
- Visit the Portal: Go to the Vessel Documentation E-Portal website.
- Navigate to the Search Tool: Choose the USCG Vessel Search feature.
- Enter Search Criteria: Input either the vessel’s Official Number (recommended for accuracy) or the Vessel Name. The Official Number is the fastest and most precise method.
- View Search Results: The portal will return current data associated with the vessel, including:
- COD expiration date
- Documentation status
- Trade endorsement (recreational, coastwise, fishery)
- Vessel characteristics (hailing port, type, tonnage, etc.)
This search can be helpful in several situations:
- Verifying whether the current documentation is up-to-date before completing a sale
- Planning for renewal prior to expiration
- Ensuring continuity of documentation during legal or financial transactions
What Happens If the COD Has Already Expired?
If a vessel’s Certificate of Documentation has expired, it must be renewed to regain valid status. The Vessel Documentation E-Portal allows vessel owners to submit renewal forms online, reducing the chance of delay or rejection. Renewing promptly is essential, particularly if you’re preparing for regulatory inspections, financing, or sale.
A Preferred Ship Mortgage cannot be filed against a vessel with an expired COD. That makes keeping track of expiration dates — and knowing exactly where to find them — essential for vessel owners and lenders alike.
What Are My Next Steps After Finding the COD Expiration Date?
Depending on your reason for looking up a vessel’s COD expiration date, your next steps may include:
- Filing for renewal through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal
- Requesting an Abstract of Title to investigate ownership history or liens
- Initiating a Preferred Ship Mortgage application (after confirming the COD is valid)
- Correcting vessel details if there are inconsistencies in the public record
- Confirming documentation eligibility prior to submitting forms for endorsement changes, re-documentation, or transfer of ownership
Every one of these actions can be handled directly through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal, which serves as a one-stop hub for vessel documentation services.
Is There a Fee to Use the Search Tool on the Vessel Documentation E-Portal?
The USCG Vessel Search function is available for public use without cost through the portal. However, filing for renewals, requesting an Abstract of Title, or submitting a Preferred Ship Mortgage application will involve service and government processing fees.
The E-Portal ensures transparency in its pricing and lets you know in advance if any charges apply for the services you need.
Why Is the COD Expiration Date So Important for a Preferred Ship Mortgage?
To be eligible for a Preferred Ship Mortgage, the vessel must:
- Be documented under the laws of the United States
- Hold a current, valid Certificate of Documentation
- Be free of expiration or suspended status
Lenders rely on the COD’s validity when issuing financing. Therefore, checking the expiration date through the Vessel Documentation E-Portal is a practical first step for any party involved in a mortgage agreement. The portal streamlines this process, helping users avoid costly delays or oversights that could interfere with funding.
The Vessel Documentation E-Portal offers a fast, accessible, and accurate way to find a vessel’s COD expiration date and so much more. While ownership and lien data are not available through the search, users can request an Abstract of Title for those details — and then proceed confidently with renewals, mortgage filings, or sales.
Whether you’re a vessel owner, buyer, lender, or maritime professional, the portal simplifies every step of the documentation process.