Navigating the National Vessel Documentation Center: A Guide to Vessel Documentation
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) manages vessel documentation, which is a form of federal titling or registration. It provides evidence of vessel ownership and nationality.

USCG documentation is generally preferred over state titling, especially in certain trades. It also provides a preferred status for bank loans and permits a vessel to be subject to preferred vessel mortgages.

Requirements for Documentation
Documentation is a national form of vessel registration and permits vessels to enter certain restricted trades such as coastwise trade and the fisheries. It is mandatory for commercial vessels five net tons and over (26 feet in length and up) and voluntary for recreational vessels five net tons and over.

The name and hailing port of every documented vessel must be clearly marked on some visible exterior part of the hull where it can be seen. The name may be chosen by the owner, but it cannot contain or be phonetically identical to obscene or indecent language, nor can it contain or be phonetically identical to racial or ethnic epithets.

When a mortgage or claim of lien is satisfied or released, the satisfaction or release instrument must clearly recite the book and page where that mortgage or claim of lien is recorded, together with other information sufficient to identify that encumbrance. This is a requirement for both first preferred mortgages and supplements to mortgages.

Requirements for State Registration
Whether you’re registering your car, truck or motorcycle for the first time or renewing it, state registration requirements are important. They may vary based on the type of vehicle, but the most basic requirements are typically the same.

For example, you’ll need to have proof of insurance and a valid odometer reading when you register your vehicle. Additionally, you’ll likely need to pay taxes and fees.

You should also be aware that if you’re a lobbyist, you may have to register with your local government in addition to your state. You’ll need to list your business address and the real party in interest on whose behalf you’re lobbying.

Section 7 of the NVRA requires that States designate voter-registration agencies. These agencies can be State or local government offices, such as public libraries, schools and vessel documentation , city and county clerks’ offices, marriage license offices, fishing and hunting license offices, and government revenue offices. In addition, if a nongovernmental office provides public assistance and services to persons with disabilities, it may be designated as a voter-registration agency.

Requirements for Hailing Ports
Ports are a key part of global economy, enabling transportation and services of essential resources such as food, water, energy, and goods. They also play an important role in regional economic development and social inclusion.

To make sure that they are able to operate effectively, ports have to meet requirements for documentation and other legal compliance issues. In addition, they need to be able to communicate with other government agencies and businesses about vessel operations.

The best way to meet these requirements is with a properly documented vessel. For example, a documented vessel must have an identifying name and hailing port that are clearly readable and displayed in some exterior integral part of the hull. In addition, the vessel must have an identifying number that is a well-designed and easy to read.

Requirements for Marking
Markings are a key part of the documentation process and must be durable and in English. The markings may include a name, identification number, instructions, cautions, weight, specification, or UN marks.

Vessels must display the official vessel number in block-type Arabic numerals of at least three inches high on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be preceded by the designation “NO.” and permanently affixed so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious.

Commercial vessels must also have a clearly readable display with their vessel name and hailing port in one location on the hull (typically the stern). Letters must be a minimum of 3 inches high in vertical block characters and have spaces or hyphens equal to their width to clearly separate them.

Whether you’re documenting your own vessel or transferring it to another, it’s a good idea to consult an AVDA member for advice and assistance. They can help you obtain the necessary instruments such as bills of sale, preferred vessel mortgages, and notices of claim of lien.