Where Must A Vessel’s Registration Number Be Displayed

When you operate a boat that is registered with the United States Coast Guard, you are issued a unique number that identifies the vessel. That number must be visible on your boat, but you might be asking “where must a vessel’s registration number be displayed”. If that’s the case, you are in the right place. Properly displaying your boat’s number is required and must be placed where it can be seen. Use this guide to get it done correctly.

What is a Documented Vessel?
Before going any further, it pays to understand what constitutes a registered vessel, which allows you to determine which guidelines apply to you and which ones might not. For the purposes of this article, if your boat is registered with the United States Coast Guard, it will have a registration number. This is not the same as registering your boat at the state level, and in some cases, you may need to do both. Eligibility for USCG registration is the following:
At least 5 net tons

Completed application with the National Vessel Documentation Center
Have a hull number
Owners must be US citizens
At least 25 feet in length
Where Does the Registration Number Come From?
When you register your boat with the United States Coast Guard, the registration number comes from the National Vessel Documentation Center. You must apply through this entity to get a valid number from the US Coast Guard. You will receive your registration number when your application is approved.

Vessel Marking Requirements
The official number for your vessel is typically 6 or 7 digits and is unique to your boat. If you sell your boat, the number goes with it, as it is used to identify the watercraft, not the owner. The number must be displayed correctly on the boat. This must be done permanently and in a way that discourages alteration. It must be visible on the interior of the boat, whereas a state registration number is typically found on the bow of the vessel. Follow these guidelines when affixing the number inside your boat:

Must be block type Arabic numerals
At least three inches high
Located on the structural part of the hull
Must be permanent so alteration or removal is obvious
How to Mark Your Vessel
Just as there are guidelines about what your vessel number must look like (characters, size, etc.), there are also guidelines regarding how to mark it. As mentioned above, the registration number must be permanently attached to the interior of the boat. This can be done using a plaque or plate that is nailed or screwed onto the boat. Again, it must be in such a way that if it is tampered with, it’s immediately obvious.

The question “where must a vessel’s registration number be displayed,” is a good one and one that many boat owners ask. Because there are important regulations regarding how and where to place your registration number, it makes sense to become familiar with the guidelines so you can follow them properly. Contact the US Vessel Documentation Center today for more information and to find answers to your questions about displaying your registration number.

Changing Name Of Boat And Hailing Port Explained

When you register your boat with the United States Coast Guard, it’s given a unique number that identifies it. While this number will stay with the boat, even if it’s sold, the name of the boat and its hailing port can be changed. Rules for Changing name of boat and hailing port can be a bit overwhelming, but this guide will help you understand the process so you can get it done quickly and efficiently. Remember that properly documenting your vessel is a federal requirement so being sure it’s correct will save you a lot of time, trouble and even money.

What Does it Mean to be a Documented Vessel?
A documented vessel is one that it registered with the United States Coast Guard, rather than being registered in the state. However, you can register your boat in both locations. Commercial vessels with a volume of 5 net tons or more must be registered with the US Coast Guard. Pleasure boats of at least 26 feet in length and a volume of 5 net tons must also be registered with the USCG. Upon registration completion, your boat will be given its identifying number.

Where is the Name on a Boat
There are regulations regarding putting the name on a boat. If your boat already has a name that you are keeping, chances are it’s already displayed in the correct location. However, if you plan to change the name, you will need to know how and where to do so. Most importantly, the name must be displayed on the hull of the boat and must be easily visible. Some types of boats also display the name on both sides of the bow or stern.

Where is the Hailing Port on a Boat?
Like the name of your boat, its hailing port must also be displayed somewhere visible on the exterior or the vessel. However, you can’t put it just anywhere. The hailing port must be in a visible location on the stern or both sides of the watercraft. It can also be marked on the hull. In both locations, the hailing port must be easy to read and be large enough to be seen by other boaters.

What is a Hailing Port?
This is the port from which a documented vessel originates. This is often where the owner or managing agent of the boat lives but doesn’t have to be. Your hailing port can be anywhere and some boat owners choose states with regulations they can adhere to, while others choose a place where they use the boat to a large extent. Wherever your hailing port happens to be, it is required by the United States Coast Guard to have your hailing port displayed on the stern of your boat. You can liken the hailing port as the home for your boat.

Do you need help or have questions about the rules about changing name of boat and/or hailing port on documents? You know it’s important to have your vessel properly registered with the United States Coast Guard and US Vessel Documentation Center can help. Contact us today for the assistance you need in facilitating the entire process.

How To Check Coast Guard Documentation Status

Fortunately, the process for checking your Coast Guard documentation status is fairly easy and doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to figure out. Once you’ve submitted the initial documentation, you can also check back on the application process to see where you’re at in getting it completed. You can also check to see what the current processing times are.

Remember, that most vessels are required to be documented with the United States Coast Guard, so it’s important to make sure your documentation is in order and current at all times. Here’s what you need to know about checking your status.

What is US Coast Guard Documentation
This is similar to how you title a car, truck or SUV, but applies specifically to watercraft. It is a federal requirement for most vessels and is used as a way to identify the boat and its owner, as well as other important data. Much like your vehicle, updating your registration is required on a consistent basis, typically every year, so you need to be sure you are keeping it current or you may face fines and penalties, including being docked until your paperwork is current.

Checking Your Vessel Status
The best way to check the status of your application is to visit the National Vessel Documentation Center. In addition to providing you with information about your current application, the site also assists you with other important forms relating to your boat and has plenty of information about all things related to keeping your boat properly documented.

Checking on Documentation
There’s also a way to check to see if a boat is documented at all. Remember, that boats of certain types are required to be registered with the United States Coast Guard, including those that have a volume of 5 net tons or more, and those that are at least 26 feet in length. There are some ways to check to see if a watercraft is registered, including the following:

Does the vessel have an official United States Coast Guard number?
Is the name displayed on the bow?
Does the bow have a state registration number?
Is there a name and/or hailing port displayed on the stern?
You can use the Vessel Documentation Center website to cross reference information to be sure it’s a valid and unique US Coast Guard number. You can also look up the boat using the name or hull identification number (HIN), as well as doing a Certificate of Documentation search.

How Long Does an Application Take to Process?
The standard wait times vary and tend to go up when more applications are in the queue. You can check the current processing times on the Vessel Documentation Online site, but the following is also to be expected:

Initial COD (fishery): 10 days
Initial COD (recreational): 70-80 working days
COD renewal: 15 days
Notice of claims of lien: 4 months
Satisfaction of ship mortgage: 4 months
Abstract of Title: 5-10 business days

If you want to check your Coast Guard documentation status, it’s easy to do and can give you a good idea of how long your wait will be. If you need help facilitating the process or have questions along the way, our FAQ section can assist you with all the answers you may need.

List Of Common Abbreviations In A Vessel Abstract Of Title

Your boat’s Abstract of Title is an important document that you need to keep on hand at all times. However, it’s often filled with abbreviations that can be overwhelming and confusing. For that reason, it’s a great idea to become familiar with the most common acronyms that you might see on your Abstract of Title. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

What is the Abstract of Title?
The short answer to this question is that the Abstract of Title is the collection of all relevant documents submitted to the United States Coast Guard for a boat. This paperwork is important because it proves ownership, proves that the registration is current and valid and other vital data pertaining to the vessel. Keep in mind that the Abstract of Title only contains documents that are accepted by the US Coast Guard for recording during the time it’s registered with the USCG.

If you are buying a boat, it’s a good idea to compare the data, particularly the vessel’s numbers, with that on the Abstract of Title. Mistakes need to be corrected and could be due to a simple mistake but might also be the result of fraud or other criminal activity.

Common Abbreviations to Be Aware Of
Keeping this list of abbreviations on hand will help you cross reference information as you memorize the acronyms that are important to know. There may be others that don’t appear on this list, but for now make sure to get familiar with the following.

AF – Affidavit

AGPM – Assignment of Preferred Mortgage

AGCL – Assign Notice/Claim of Lien

AGM – Assignment of Mortgage

APM – Assumption of Preferred Mortgage

AMCL – Amend Notice/Claim of Lien

AMM – Amend Mortgage

AMPM – Amend Preferred Mortgage

APPM – Assumption of Preferred Mortgage

ASSN – Association

BKCY – Bankruptcy

BS – Bill of Sale

CORP – Corporation

CP – Community Property

CPRS – Community Property w/ Survivorship

CSVR – Conservator

CTO – Court Order

DG – Deed of Gift

EXX – Executor/Executrix

FCL – Foreclosure

 FLPM – Fleet Preferred Mortgage

FRF – Forfeiture

GP – General Partner/General Partnership

ILA – Interlender Agreement

INC – Incorporated

JT – Joint Tenants

JTRS – Joint Tenants w/ survivorship

JV – Joint Venture

LP – Limited Partner/Limited Partnership

LTD – Limited

LQ – Liquidation

MRG – Merger

MTG – Mortgage

NCL/CL – Notice of Claim of Lien

ONC – Owner Name Change

OPL – Operation of Law

OT – Other

PM – Preferred Mortgage

PR – Personal Representative

RCVR – Receiver

SB – Subordination Agreement

SCL – Satisfaction of Claim of Lien

SMTG – Satisfaction of Mortgage

SPM – Supplement to Mortgage

SPPM – Supplement to Preferred Mortgage

TBE – Tenants by Entirety

TIC – Tenants in Common

TI – Transfer of Interest

TSTE – Trustee

TSTM – Trustee, Mortgagee

UTA – Under Trust Arrangement

WVR – Waiver

Here are a few other abbreviations you might encounter as part of the process of examining your Abstract of Title:
AT – Abstract of Title

CFR – Code of Federal Regulations

COD – Certificate of Documentation

COO – Certificate of Ownership

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

IMO – International Maritime Organization

NVDC – National Vessel Documentation Center

USCG – United States Coast Guard USC or US Code – United States Code

US – United States

NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

OMB – Office of Management and Budget

Do you need help organizing your Abstract of Title? Do you have questions about what the abbreviations mean? You’re in the right place. Contact the US Vessel Documentation Center today for the assistance you need.

How To Name Your Boat The Right Way – Rules For Naming Uscg Documented Vessels

There’s a certain amount of fun and creativity involved with giving your boat a name. However, there are some rules that go along with USCG documented vessels and their moniker. Whether you’re naming a brand new boat or renaming an existing boat, there are regulations that you must adhere to. Understanding these guidelines before you become attached to a certain name is important. Keep reading for the information you need.

What is a USCG Documented Vessel?
Before getting to boat naming rules, it’s a good idea to determine if your boat is a USCG documented vessel. Some watercraft are registered with the state and don’t always have to follow the same rules. Those registered with the United States Coast Guard are done so at the federal level and have an official number, hailing port and vessel name (which you may have decided to change).

What Not to Name Your Boat
There are millions of choices when it comes to naming your boat, but there are some rules about what you can’t name it. Stay away from names that are sexist, racist or contain foul language, including swear words. It’s also a good idea to skip names that would embarrass others or cause any trouble to other boaters. Submitting an application with such names will likely result in having your paperwork rejected.

Tips for Choosing a Boat Name
The fun part about naming your boat is the opportunity to be creative and witty. Give it some thought so you choose a name you’ll be happy with for years to come. Here are some tips to get you started:

Keep it short and simple – not only does the name need to fit on the exterior or the boat, but a concise choice is easier to relay in case of emergency.
Pick something fun – puns and play on words are usually a good place to come up with a name. Inside jokes are another way to inspire the perfect boat name.
Honor loved ones – whether a person is living or has died, it’s nice to honor someone who is important to you by naming your boat after them. Boats tend to have female names, so keep that in mind.
Be creative – your boat name must be unique so get creative and come up with something that is completely original. There are several online databases you can consult if you need more inspiration and to rule out names that are already taken.
Consider your personality, passion or occupation – these are great ways to come up with a fitting name for your boat. Anything you love can become a one of a kind boat name that tells others who you are.
Rules for Naming a Boat
Here are the rules for naming your boat, as set forth by the USCG:

Letters must be of the Latin alphabet and numbers must be Roman or Arabic numerals

Cannot be longer than 33 characters
Your boat name must be visible on your boat, but there are no restrictions to font, color or type.

Do you need help facilitating the boat naming process for USCG documented vessels? You can rely on the Vessel Documentation Online.

The Difference Between Boat History Report Vs. Vessel Abstract Of Title From Uscg

Do you need a boat history report or an abstract of the title? If you don’t know, this article is for you. When you buy a boat, it makes sense to find out as much about it as you can so that you can determine if it’s the right choice for you or not. You can find out about financials, accidents, current ownership, and much more. But the boat’s history tells a different story than an abstract of title. This article explains the differences so you know which one you need.

United States Coast Guard Documentation
When it comes to boat documentation, being registered with the US Coast Guard has distinct advantages. With an official number, the paperwork relating to a given boat is easier to access because it must be filed with the Coast Guard. The Certificate of Documentation issued by the USCG is a good place to look for boat-related information, including the abstract of title and other paperwork that gives you clues about the boat where it’s been, and what it’s been through.

What is Included in a Boat History?
Some boats are not required to register with the United States Coast Guard. If that’s the case, you won’t find the boat history as part of the paperwork. In most cases, you will have to work with a private company that can look up the hull identification number and use it to find out about a vessel’s history. The boat history will give you information that includes the conditions of the boat, as well as if it has suffered through a storm, emergency, accident, collision, theft, flooding, fire, hurricane, or other incidents that cause damage. This might not mean a boat isn’t a good choice, but it pays to be informed before you make a purchase.

What is Included in an Abstract of Title?
The abstract of the title includes everything that has been submitted to the United States Coast Guard as it pertains to the boat in question. That includes data about the current owner, bank, and financial information. You can find out about past owners, see bills of sale, lien information, and much more. An abstract of title is useful if you want to know more about the logistics of a specific boat, though it likely won’t include the same information as a boat history and you may want to procure both items before you buy a certain boat.

Why Get Either Option?
As mentioned above, getting your hands on a vessel’s history and abstract of title is a good idea if you are planning to buy a boat. Not only will this tell you important information about the vessel, but it can also help you make the decision whether it’s the right choice for you or if you should keep looking. You can often access both a boat history and an abstract of the title online after paying a fee. A boat history costs between $20 and $60, while you can expect to pay $50 to $80 for an abstract of title.

Do you need more help facilitating the process of getting a boat history report or abstract of the title? Contact the US Vessel Documentation Online and we can assist you.

Can You Rename A Boat And Should You?

If you’ve recently purchased a boat or you decide your boat’s current name isn’t working for you, you may be wondering if can you rename a boat. The short answer is yes, but there’s a bit more that goes into it than simply making the decision to make the switch. Changing what your vessel is called requires some paperwork and cosmetic changes to your boat. Read through this information to help you decide if a name change is the right step for you or not.

Is Renaming a Boat Bad Luck?
If the thought of bad luck is keeping you from renaming your boat, you can rest assured that it’s safe to do so. While there is a long held traditional belief that changing a boat’s name can anger the spirits, the truth is that these are just superstitions. However, there are rituals and ceremonies that sailors have used to change their boat’s name while also appeasing the gods and you can choose to use one if you so desire.

Reasons to Rename a Boat
There are a multitude of reasons to give your boat a new name. Perhaps it’s named after someone you no longer like or have in your life. Maybe it’s second hand and the name it came with makes you cringe. A name that doesn’t match your interests or personality is another good one to consider switching. Overall, if for any reason you don’t like the name of your boat, feel free to change its name to something you do like.

How to Choose a Good Boat Name
There are loads of tips for choosing a name for your boat, but the ultimate goal is to pick a moniker that means something to you. A name that has a personal significance to you is a good idea, whether you name it after someone you love, you pick a name that displays a personal interest or hobby, or you go with something that is a pun on sea life. Make sure it’s a name you want displayed on your boat and that you won’t decide you don’t like down the road. Creativity is fun and is something you can employ when you name your boat. It’s also a good idea to check and see if the name you are considering is already in use.

Rules for Naming Your Boat
There are some official guidelines in place that dictate what you name your boat. If you apply for a name change that doesn’t adhere to these rules, your name change is likely to be rejected. Your boat’s name cannot be longer than 33 characters and cannot contain any vulgar, offensive or swear words. It cannot use words that are the same or close to those used to ask for emergency help on the water. Feel free to be creative, but use your common sense as well so that you find a name that is unique to you, but that will be approved by those in charge.

Now that the question ”can you rename a boat” has been answered, do you need help to do so? The US Vessel Documentation Center is able to provide all the assistance you need.