Vessel Documentation Updates from the U.S. Coast Guard

Temporary Certificate of Documentation

This summer, the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) resumed issuing Temporary Certificates of Documentation (TCODs) to recreational vessel owners with applications pending as of the end of May (if those applications were accurate and complete).

These TCODs are issued in a format that varies from the permanent COD; they are printed in letter format on blue paper embedded with security features. The TCODs contain the managing owner’s name and address, the vessel’s HIN number and official number, and they are signed by the Director. The documents are mailed directly to the address on file for the managing owner.

The TCOD must be maintained on a vessel at all times when the vessel is being operated. It will be valid until:

1. One year from the issue date of the letter; OR

2. The vessel is issued a permanent COD; OR

3. There is a written notice issued by the NVDC that the vessel is not eligible for documentation; OR

4. There is an ownership change to the vessel before the permanent COD is issued.

While the TCOD is in effect, the vessel will be considered a documented vessel of the U.S., subject to all applicable rights and responsibilities by law. To be eligible for a TCOD, the owner/vessel must meet nationality and citizenship requirements, provide proper title evidence, and submit all applicable fees and signed documents. TCODs will not be re-issued if destroyed, lost, or mutilated; certified copies are available for $4.00.

New Certificate of Documentation Renewal Fee

Effective November 10, 2014, the renewal cost for Certificates of Documentation (CODs) will be $26.00. The final rule establishing this fee was published on August 12, 2014.

Anyone with a COD that expires after November 10, 2014 must submit a payment of $26.00 with the CG-1280 application for renewal.Submissions for late renewals must be received within 30 days of the expiration date of the COD.The late fee remains $5.00, but the $26.00 renewal fee must be included with any late submissions for CODs that expire after November 10^th.

Payment methods:

• Check
• Money Order
• Credit Card (with accompanying CG-7042 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)

*Checks and money orders must be made out to the U.S. Coast Guard.

*Application fees are non-refundable.