There are many factors that should be considered before obtaining US Coast Guard (USCG) Documentation for your boat. This includes determining whether your vessel is eligible, and the benefits that Documentation can provide you.

Documenting a boat requires you to permanently affix your vessel’s identifying information (typically the name of the vessel and its hailing port, or the ship station) on the transom. This information should be clearly visible to any person onboard your boat at all times.

What is a Vessel Documentation Number (VIN)?
A Vessel Documentation Number (VIN) is a 12- or 14-character serial number that uniquely identifies a vessel. The VIN may be found on a certificate of documentation CG-1270 or on the boat itself.

The VIN may also be found on a stern light or on an electronic chart plotter. The VIN is a required component of the Coast Guard’s boat registration and licensing process.

The VIN also happens to be the official VIN number of the United States, a designation that will remain for the life of the vessel. A digitized database of this information is maintained at the National Vessel Documentation Center, a part of the USCG. The most important function of the VIN is to facilitate vessel identification and tracking. This enables the USCG to respond quickly and accurately to emergencies on the water and improve safety for mariners by reducing theft of vessels and their cargo. For more information on this important service, visit the Coast Guard website.

What is a Vessel Identification Number (VIN)?
The Vessel Identification Number (VIN) is a unique twelve digit number assigned by the manufacturer to distinguish one vessel from another. Similar to the serial number on an automobile, it is used to identify boats and deter theft.

Those who purchase or lease boats must know the vessel’s VIN. It is usually engraved in the fiberglass or a metal plate permanently attached to the transom.

When the legal owner of a vessel dies, the person gaining the boat from an estate will need to transfer the vessel registration. They can do so by obtaining a bill of sale and the owner’s registration card or a transfer paper title.

The Hull Identification Number, or HIN, is a 12-character number required on all vessels manufactured since 1972. It is a standardized us coast guard documentation format.

What is a Vessel Registration Number (VIN)?
A Vessel Registration Number (VIN) is the identifying code for a specific boat. It is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for a vehicle.

The United States Coast Guard requires a vessel to display its VIN. This is done by painting or displaying a decal (using stickers) on each side of the forward half of the boat.

These decals must be bold, block letters at least three inches tall and read from left to right. They also must be a contrasting color to the background of the boat. The registration numbers must be separated by spaces equal to the width of a letter besides “I”.

What is a Vessel Certificate of Documentation (COD)?
A Vessel Certificate of Documentation (COD) is a legal instrument issued by the United States Coast Guard that establishes the ownership and nationality of your vessel. This is unlike state titling or registration.

For vessels of five net tons or more, a COD is required under 46 CFR part 67. This means you can’t operate your boat without one.

It must be kept on board at all times. Besides being an important legal document, it also allows you to take advantage of government-subsidized facilities.

You may need a COD to engage in certain trades, such as fishery, coastwise, or registry. You may be able to obtain one for these purposes through an application process.