F.A.Q.

A vessel documentation endorsement identifies the type of activity a documented vessel is authorized to conduct under U.S. law. Whether you’re operating a vessel commercially, using it for recreation, or chartering it internationally, the right endorsement is key to legal compliance.

At the Vessel Registrar Center, we provide vessel owners with streamlined access to U.S. Coast Guard documentation services. One essential component of this system is the “endorsement” attached to a vessel’s Certificate of Documentation (COD). 
What to Remember About Endorsements 
A common misconception is that vessel documentation is a one-size-fits-all certificate. In reality, the endorsement reflects how the vessel is allowed to operate and is closely tied to its use, size, and eligibility. Not all vessels qualify for every endorsement. The right endorsement depends on the type of operation and the owner’s citizenship status.


 The Primary Types of Boat Documentation Endorsements
Our portal makes it easier to apply for initial documentation with your preferred endorsement, as well as to change or remove an endorsement as your needs evolve. With our support, the process can be completed quickly, correctly, and without unnecessary delays.
 Coastwise Endorsement
The Coastwise endorsement allows a vessel to transport passengers or merchandise between points in the United States or its territories. This is one of the most regulated endorsements and is reserved for vessels that meet strict requirements under U.S. law, including the Jones Act. 

Only vessels that are built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and not registered in a foreign country are eligible for this endorsement. Depending upon your circumstances, you can apply for a MARAD waiver through our site. 

Because of the stringent criteria involved, this endorsement plays a critical role in protecting domestic maritime trade.

Our portal provides the Coastwise endorsement as part of the initial documentation process. If your vessel qualifies and you intend to use it commercially within U.S. waters, this endorsement is essential.
 Fishery Endorsement
The Fishery endorsement allows the vessel to engage in commercial fishing operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the United States. Similar to the Coastwise endorsement, this requires the vessel to be built in the U.S. and owned by a U.S. citizen or qualifying entity. It is governed by Title 46 of the U.S. Code and enforced by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Owners who plan to operate in the fishing industry should secure this endorsement to comply with federal regulations. Attempting to engage in these operations without the proper endorsement can result in fines, enforcement actions, and loss of documentation status.

Our platform makes it easy to apply for or add a Fishery endorsement, either during the initial documentation or through a subsequent modification.
 Registry Endorsement
The Registry endorsement is commonly used for vessels engaged in international trade or activities that don’t qualify under the Coastwise or Fishery endorsements. These include vessels used for foreign commerce, dredging, or towing in international waters. Registry endorsements are available to vessels owned by U.S. citizens or eligible foreign-controlled entities under certain exemptions.

This type of endorsement is often selected by vessel owners who are planning to operate globally or who are entering into a bareboat charter arrangement. Because it grants international recognition, the Registry endorsement is useful for vessels traveling to foreign ports or under foreign charter agreements.

Through our portal, you can request this endorsement as part of your documentation package. If you need to convert your endorsement due to changing business goals, we also offer support for that process.
 Recreational Endorsement
The Recreational endorsement is designed for vessels used solely for pleasure and not engaged in any commercial activity. It is the only endorsement available to foreign-built vessels that meet all other eligibility criteria for U.S. documentation. Recreational vessels do not need to meet the same construction or trade restrictions as commercial vessels, which makes this a popular option for individual owners and families.

If your vessel is used exclusively for leisure and personal enjoyment, the Recreational endorsement is often the right choice. Many people choose to document their recreational vessels instead of relying solely on state registration, especially when traveling between states or internationally.

Our portal simplifies the process of obtaining or maintaining this endorsement. Whether you are applying for your initial COD or renewing an existing one, we can help ensure the Recreational endorsement is properly filed.
 Eligibility Requirements for Endorsements
 How to Know Which One You Qualify For
Eligibility for each endorsement varies depending on the vessel’s origin, purpose, and ownership. In general:

Coastwise and Fishery endorsements are reserved for U.S.-built vessels owned by U.S. citizens.
Registry endorsements can be issued to U.S.-owned vessels engaged in foreign commerce or other eligible international activities.
Recreational endorsements are more flexible. All vessels can be used for recreation but these can solely be used recreationally.

If you're unsure which endorsement is best suited to your vessel, our platform offers guidance based on how you intend to use your boat. We also help review your documentation before it is submitted to ensure that your selected endorsement aligns with your eligibility and intended operations.
 When to Update Your Endorsement
Vessel operations can change over time, and so can your documentation needs. If you're transitioning from commercial to recreational use—or the reverse—you’ll need to update your vessel's endorsement. Similarly, if you’ve refit your vessel for fishing operations or entered into a new charter agreement, the endorsement should be updated accordingly.

To change an endorsement, the vessel must continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the new endorsement being sought. For example, a foreign-built vessel documented for recreational use may not qualify for a Coastwise endorsement later on. That’s why it’s important to verify eligibility before attempting to switch.

Our portal allows you to file for an endorsement change with ease. We help ensure your application is complete and properly submitted to the USCG for processing. This includes ensuring the correct forms are used and that any required supporting documentation is included.
 How Our Help Simplifies the Process
Changing or removing an endorsement requires meeting USCG rules and providing proper evidence—not just submitting a form. We review your filing to avoid common mistakes, reducing the chances of delay or rejection. You can access our services online at any time, making it easy to manage changes no matter where you're located.

We assist with related filings, like replacing a lost COD or transferring documentation after a sale. Each form is processed securely through our portal, giving you confidence and convenience in every submission.
 Why Endorsements Matter for Vessel Documentation Compliance
Endorsements aren't optional—they’re a legal requirement that defines how your vessel is allowed to operate. Operating without the correct endorsement may lead to penalties, restrictions, or removal from the documented vessel registry.

With our help, you can avoid those issues by ensuring your endorsement is correct, current, and appropriate for your operations. We offer tools to manage every stage of vessel documentation, from initial application to changes, renewals, and deletions. By keeping your endorsement accurate, you not only stay in compliance—you also protect your investment and maintain your vessel’s full value.

Whether you're new to vessel documentation or updating a longtime registration, our portal is built to help you navigate the endorsement process with clarity and confidence. We help vessel owners get the right endorsement initially and keep it current as their needs or operations change.

If you’re ready to apply for or modify your vessel documentation endorsement, the Vessel Registrar Center is here to help.

 

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.” 

Interested parties can find vessel ownership information by applying for an Abstract of Title. 

An Abstract of Title will include the managing owner of a documented vessel as well as the ownership history of a vessel and the status of any encumbrances/liens on the vessel. 

Use this form to apply for an Abstract of Title. 

To discover if a documented vessel has an outstanding lien or mortgage against it (or had one in the past that was satisfied), vessel owners can apply for an Abstract of Title. 

This form will contain that information about encumbrances such as liens and mortgages. Additionally, the Abstract will include information about the vessel’s current ownership as well as its chain of ownership. This information was removed from vessel documentation searches sometime in 2018. 

Use this link to apply for a USCG Abstract of Title.

To be eligible for USCG vessel documentation, the Coast Guard requirements for boats include citizen requirements, size (tonnage) requirements, and marking requirements. 

First, according to 46 CFR 67.5, “any vessel of at least five net tons wholly owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States is eligible for documentation. This includes, but is not limited to, vessels used exclusively for recreational purposes and vessels used in foreign trade.” 

US Coast Guard Boat Documentation Advantages
Yes. Documented vessels are allowed into certain trades, such as the fisheries or engaging in coastwise trade (such as transporting people and/or merchandise) on the navigable waters of the United States or the Exclusive Economic Zone. Eligible vessels are unable to do so without documentation. 

Furthermore, vessel documentation often makes clearing customers easier, dealing with foreign ports and the like. 
Documented Vessels Can Apply for a Preferred Ship's Mortgage
USCG documentation makes it possible for financial institutions to offer a Preferred Mortgage. For a majority of vessel owners who wish to finance a vessel, they will most likely have to document their vessels. 

Use this form to apply for initial US Coast Guard boat documentation.

Vessel owners who wish to do so can use this form to apply for a Preferred Ship's Mortgage.
Endorsements and Vessel Documentation Laws
When documenting a vessel, vessel owners must choose an endorsement for their vessel. Examples of these include "Registry," "Coastwise," "Fishery," and "Recreational." All vessels can be used recreationally but vessels with a "Recreational" endorsement can only be used for recreation.

You can rename your vessel using the vessel documentation form for Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port. 

You can complete this form at this national vessel documentation link.

No. 

You do not need a title for Coast Guard documented vessels. 

Vessels that are documented do not have titles. Instead, they maintain Certificates of Documentation. Depending on the laws in your state, your vessel may need to be registered with the state as well.
Documented Vessel Eligibility
If you are a citizen of the United States and your vessel measures at least five net tons, then your vessel is eligible for documentation.

Use this link to apply to make yours a Coast Guard documented vessel. 

This documentation provides for unhindered commerce between states, admits vessels to restricted trades (such as the fisheries and coastwise trade), and provides conclusive evidence of nationality.
Maintaining Your Vessel Documentation 
Coast Guard vessel documentation has to be renewed every year. However, this can be renewed for 1-5 years from the date of issuance. Vessel owners can use this link to renew vessel documentation.

Documented vessels are those which have a valid Certificate of Documentation from the US Coast Guard. These vessels are wholly owned by an American citizen (or citizens) and measure at least five net tons. 

Use this link to apply for initial US Coast Guard boat documentation. 

Documented vessels never have “titles,” instead they have Certificates of Documentation. 

On some interior structural part of the vessel’s hull, the vessel’s Official Number (following the abbreviation “NO.”) will be marked in block-type Arabic numerals that are at least three inches in height. 

You should also be able to find the vessel’s name and hailing port on the vessel’s transom or “back end.” 

If you’re unable to find the Official Number, Certificate of Documentation, and so forth, you can search for the vessel using its HIN (Hull Identification Number) through our site. 

The HIN is printed or engraved on the vessel’s aft starboard corner.

Use this link to conduct a US vessel documentation search. 

The vessel will appear in the results if it has been documented.

Vessel owners can use this link to renew boat registration. 

Documentation must be renewed annually. Through our site, vessel owners will have the option to renew their documentation for up to five years in advance. 

This only pertains to Federal documentation through the United States Coast Guard. In regards to State registration, refer to the rules in your particular state. 

Renewing less than 60 days before the expiration date is recommended. Renewing more than 60 days prior to expiration will issue renewal with a new expiration and issuance date, thus shortening the documentation’s period of validity. 

Vessel owners can renew their documentation up to 30 days after the expiration date. 

After that period, vessel owners cannot “renew” their documentation. However, they can reinstate it. Vessel owners can use this link to reinstate their vessel documentation.

Yes. For all intents and purposes, a HIN (Hull Identification Number) can be thought of as a boat's serial number. Similar to a VIN that you would find on a car, a HIN is a unique 12 to 14-character number which identifies a boat. 

Every boat that was manufactured or imported on or after November 1st, 1972 must have a HIN. Any vessels that were imported or manufactured before that are not required to have one. 

To find a HIN, check the boat’s transom, on the starboard side within two inches of the transom’s top. Should the vessel not have a transom, you will most likely find the HIN on the starboard outboard side of the hull, within a foot of the stern.

Yes. 

Vessel owners can use this link to conduct a Coast Guard registered vessel search. 

Using either a HIN (Hull Identification Number) or Official Number, users can find a vessel’s flag, its Official Number, HIN, name, service information, tonnage information, dimensions, and even when its Certificate of Documentation was issued as well as when it will expire. 

This search cannot be used to find the owner of a vessel. However, those interested in finding the owner of a vessel as well as if there are any encumbrances (such as mortgages and/or liens) against a vessel can use this link to apply for an Abstract of Title.