National Vessel Documentation Center
REVISED 12/21
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is Vessel Documentation?
Vessel documentation is a national form of registration. It is one of the oldest functions of
Government, dating back to the 11th Act of the First Congress. Documentation provides
conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, provides for unhindered commerce
between the states, and admits vessels to certain restricted trades, such as coastwise trade and the
fisheries. Since 1920, vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred
mortgages on documented vessels.
Must my vessel be documented?
Vessels of five net tons or more used in fishing activities on navigable waters of the U.S. or in
the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or used in coastwise trade must be documented unless the
vessel is exempt from documentation. Coastwise trade is generally defined as the transportation
of merchandise or passengers between points in the U.S. or the EEZ. In addition, towboats
operating between points in the U.S. or the EEZ or between the EEZ and points in the U.S. and
dredges operating in the U.S. or the EEZ must be documented.
What vessels are exempt?
Vessels that do not operate on the navigable waters of the U.S. or in the fisheries in the EEZ, are
exempt from the requirement to be documented. Also exempt are Coastwise qualified, non-self-
propelled vessels used in coastwise trade within a harbor, on the rivers or lakes (except the Great
Lakes) of the U.S., or the internal waters or canal of any state.
Are there different types of documentation?
Yes. A Certificate of Documentation (COD) may be endorsed for fishery, coastwise, registry, or
recreation. Unless the COD currently restricts the vessel from recreational use, any documented
vessel may be used for recreational purposes, regardless of its endorsement, but a vessel
documented with only a recreational endorsement may not be used for any other purpose.
Registry endorsements are generally used for foreign trade. Owners of commercial vessels less
than 79 feet in overall length may find more information here: Marine Safety Center Tonnage
Division.
National Vessel Documentation Center
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What are the requirements for documentation?
The basic requirements for documentation are to demonstrate ownership of the vessel, U.S.
citizenship, and eligibility for the endorsement sought. A vessel must measure at least five net
tons and, with the exception of certain oil spill response vessels, must be wholly owned by a
citizen of the U.S.
How do I notify you of my change of address and who may submit a change of address
request for the COD?
Only the Managing Owner of the vessel may authorize a request for a change of address. There
is no charge for change of address.
46 CFR 67.113(e): ”Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner
shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.”
Third party requests for address changes must be accompanied by written authorization
from the managing owner.
Notify NVDC of any change by using one of the following methods:
1. E-mail your request as a pdf attachment to: [email protected];
2. Annotate change of address on the CG-1280 Certificate of Documentation renewal notice (at
the time of renewal) before returning it via mail;
Include your Official Number, both the old and new address, and contact information (your name
and telephone number).
How do I obtain vessel documentation regulations?
Title 46 CFR part 67 (Vessel Documentation regulations) may be found in text and PDF formats
on the web.
Where may I obtain information on documented vessels?
The "Merchant Vessels of the United States" (CG 408) lists the names of U.S. merchant and
recreational vessels documented under the laws of the United States. It provides vessel
dimensions, tonnage, build (if available), and ownership information. The last printed version
was in 1994. This information is now available in an electronic format at: United States Coast
Guard Homeport, search for "Merchant Vessels of the United States" and choose the desired
format.
National Vessel Documentation Center
REVISED 12/21
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Where can I get Instructions and Forms for documenting my vessel?
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-
5P/Inspections-Compliance-CG-5PC-/National-Vessel-Documentation-Center/National-Vessel-
Documentation-Center-Instructions-and-Forms/
How do I order products online?
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is
pleased to announce its rollout of an expanded online ordering system, the NVDC eStorefront,
beginning January 1, 2022.
The eStorefront, accessible through NVDC’s website ORDER PRODUCTS ONLINE
(www.uscg.mil/nvdc), will provide customers with an efficient means to electronically apply
for products directly with the USCG NVDC. Customers can securely apply for a multi-
year (one-five year) Certificate of Documentation (COD) for recreational vessels, one-
year CODs for vessels with commercial and/or registry endorsements, or request an Abstract of
Title (A/T) and/or Certified Copy of COD (CCOD).
Not all products and services offered by NVDC will be immediately available; additional
enhancements are planned to rollout in phases over the next 12 months. During the transition
period, customers can still visit pay.gov directly to order one year CODs, A/Ts and CCODs.
Visit NVDC’s FAQ page for additional information.
