What Vessels are Exempt from Coast Guard Documentation?

Q: What Vessels are Exempt from Coast Guard Documentation?

Vessels that do not operate on the navigable waters of the U.S. or in the fisheries in the EEZ, are exempt from the requirement to be documented. Also exempt are Coastwise qualified, non-self-propelled vessels used in coastwise trade within a harbor, on the rivers or lakes (except the Great Lakes) of the U.S. or the internal waters or canal of any state.

US Code states that any vessel that does not operate on America’s navigable waters or EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) fisheries is exempt from a requirement to be documented.

The following vessels are exempt from Coast Guard documentation:

Vessels under 5 net tons

Non-self-propelled vessels that are Coastwise qualified and used for coastwise trade in the following areas:

- Within a harbor
- On rivers or lakes in the U.S., except the Great Lakes
- On internal waters or canals of any state

Owners of vessels that are exempt from documentation can still choose to document their vessels if they meet other requirements.

A Certificate of Documentation (COD) establishes a vessel’s nationality and ownership. Recreational vessels over five net tons can choose to document their vessel with the Coast Guard

Vessels measuring less than five net tons are excluded from documentation as well, according to Cornell law.

Non-self-propelled vessels which are qualified to engage in coastwise trade are exempt from the requirement to be documented with a coastwise endorsement even when they are in engaged in coastwise trade provided they are either within a harbor, on the internal.