What is a vessel certificate of documentation, and why is it important?

Vessel certificate of documentation is the unique identifier that the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) assigns to each vessel that meets the appropriate requirements. Vessel documentation is essentially a national registry of vessels that serves numerous important purposes, much like Social Security numbers serve for people.

Background Information on Vessel Registration

Given our country’s initial heavy reliance on marine transportation, vessel registration was one of the first systems our government set up in the 11th Act of the First Congress. The rules and regulations that cover vessel registration and certificate numbers are located in Title 46 CFR part 67.

The statutes detail topics to vessel registration, including:

• their purpose;
• which vessels are eligible for documentation;
• exemptions;
• types of endorsements available; and
• the build and tonnage requirements for documented vessels.

It’s important to note that if your vessel does not meet the tonnage requirements (at least five net tons) for national documentation, you may check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for information about registering your vessel with the state to obtain a vessel certificate number.

Why is vessel documentation important?

A vessel certificate of documentation serves several purposes. First, it helps verify ownership and permits a vessel to be subject to preferred mortgages. A preferred mortgage is maritime lien, which the USCG explains, “enjoys a certain priority in the event of default.” There are also other helpful purposes it serves:

• Provides identity – at international ports, having vessel documentation provides evidence of nationality; it shows that the vessel sails under the U.S. flag.
• Enables commerce – ship registration enables it to take part in commerce with minimal legal red tape.
• Allows participation in trades – having a vessel certificate with endorsements enables a vessel to participate in certain trades, such as the fishing industry, the recreational industry, or unrestricted coastwise trade, dredging or towing.

Documented Vessel Database

Once your vessel has been registered, it will be listed in the Merchant Vessels of the United States (CG 408). This database lists basic vessel information for all documented U.S. merchant and recreational vessels documented. It contains information such as:

• vessel dimensions;
• tonnage;
• build; and
• ownership information.

For more information about obtaining a copy of the Merchant Vessels of the United States, you can contact National Technical Information Service at 800-553-6847 or visit the National Technical Information Service website and search "Merchant Vessels of the United States."

Adhering to Rules Regarding Vessel Certificate of Documentation

After your vessel has been registered and you receive your vessel documentation, you’ll need to mark your vessel appropriately.

You’ll need to display your number in Arabic numerals on some interior structural part of the hull in a clearly visible location. Your certificate numbers should be preceded by the abbreviation “NO,” must be a minimum of three inches high, and must be affixed in such a way that “alteration, removal or replacement would be obvious and cause some scarring or damage to the surrounding hull area.”

For more information on vessel registration and other marine industry topics, peruse the blog on Marine Education Textbooks.