A Certificate of Documentation must remain on board a documented vessel according to 46 CFR 67.313.
That states, under “Requirement to have Certificate of Documentation on board,” that “the person in command of a documented vessel must have on board that vessel the original Certificate of Documentation currently in effect for that vessel.”
Additionally, that does not apply “to non-self-propelled vessels not engaged in foreign trade,” and “when the vessel is in storage or out of the water.”
Use this form to apply for initial USCG boat documentation.
This form can be used to renew boat documentation.