F.A.Q.

Who needs vessel documentation?

To be eligible for USCG documentation, a vessel must meet certain criteria such as size (at least 5 net tons) and must be wholly owned by a citizen of the United States. Vessels that meet those requirements and are to be used for certain commercial activities must be documented.

Vessels that meet the above requirements and are used exclusively for recreational or sporting purposes do not need to be documented. However, they can be documented, should the vessel owner choose to do so.

Do coast guard documented vessels have to be registered in Connecticut?

Yes. 

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment, “all vessels must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Evidence of ownership must be submitted at the time of registration. Upon receipt of the application and fee, an identification number will be assigned and a certificate of number/registration will be issued along with two validation decals.” 

For more information, call them at (860) 434-8638. 
Vessel Documentation Through the Vessel Registrar Center 
Through our site, interested parties can apply for federal documentation for their vessel.

What is the Registry Endorsement?

This is the USCG documentation endorsement for engaging in international/foreign trade. Additionally, it allows the vessel to engage in any international/foreign employment a Coastwise or Fishery endorsement is not required for.

How Can I Check My Vessel Documentation?

Do you want to check the expiration date of your vessel documentation? All you have to do is to look at your current Certification of Documentation. If you look on the lower-left corner of the front page, you’ll find the boat documentation’s expiration date.

What endorsement should I choose for my vessel?

When it comes to vessel documentation, you should choose the endorsement that fits how you plan to use the vessel. If you are just going to use the vessel for fun, to have a good time, then your endorsement should be for “Recreation.” You should also choose that endorsement if you are just registering your vessel so that you can apply for a Preferred Ship’s Mortgage.

On the other hand, if you are going to use your vessel for commercial purposes, then you may be required to register it and choose the correct endorsement accordingly.

For example, if you are going to use your vessel for transporting people and/or merchandise on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, then you’re going to want to choose the “Coastwise” endorsement.

Does the sale of a boat with documented vessel registration need to be notarized?

Yes, it does. If you are transferring ownership of a vessel with documented vessel registration, then either the back of the CG-1270 Certificate of Documentation or the CG-1340 Bill of Sale has to be notarized. This has to be done. It is required.
Documented Vessel Forms That Must Be Notarized
At the Vessel Registrar Center, vessel owners can use this form for their initial vessel documentation.

Do coast guard documented vessels have to be registered in New Jersey?

In particular circumstances, yes. 

According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “if a boat is operated in New Jersey waters in excess of 180 days OR if the owner leases, owns, maintains, or rents space in New Jersey for storage, mooring, or servicing of the vessel on other than a transient basis, the documented vessel must be registered in New Jersey. Documented vessels do not receive NJ titles.”