Get Your Boat Certified - An Introduction to the National Vessel Documentation Center

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) manages federal vessel documentation through the National Vessel Documentation Center.

A Certificate of Documentation is a requirement for the operation of vessels of 5 net tons in certain trades, serves as evidence of vessel nationality, and permits a vessel to be subject to preferred mortgages under 46 U.S.C.

What is a Certificate of Documentation?

A Certificate of Documentation is a national vessel documentation center title issued by the Coast Guard to establish ownership and nationality of a boat. It is a one-time process for application and renewal with a low annual fee.

A documented vessel identifies itself through a six digit number called the Documentation Number (also known as the Official Number). The Number remains with the vessel through all subsequent owners and is marked on the interior hull or main beam.

Commercial vessels over five net tons are required to have documentation if they will engage in commercial operations such as carrying passengers, hauling freight or commercial fishing. Vessel build and owner citizenship requirements are more stringent for commercial vessels.

A Certificate of Documentation shows the USCG has granted endorsements for a vessel to conduct a specific trade. Endorsements include fishery, coastwise, registry and recreation.

How do I apply for a Certificate of Documentation?

A Certificate of Documentation, or COD, is the top of the line for vessel titling and registration. It serves as both a certificate of nationality and an authorization to operate in specific trades, such as offshore oil and gas exploration.

It also serves as a means of securing preferred mortgages, which are legally protected by the US Coast Guard.

This certification is a good idea for any owner, but it becomes especially important for commercial operators.

The documentation process takes about one week if all parties are prepared to comply with the required documentation requirements.

Getting started involves filling out an Application for Document (CG-1258) and paying the appropriate fees.

The NVDC will be glad to assist with any questions you may have during the application process. Contact the center via email or phone at (855) 822-6111 for more information on how to get your boat certified and registered. You can order online or visit one of our locations in New York, Boston, San Francisco and Miami to discuss your unique needs in person.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Certificate of Documentation?

Vessels that measure over five net tons and are wholly owned by a United States citizen or citizens can apply for a Certificate of Documentation from the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). This type of registration is used mainly for international purposes, as Customs officials universally recognize the COD as proof of ownership.

Some owners choose to document their vessels for several reasons, including tax savings and to make it easier to finance a boat. A documented vessel may also qualify for preferred mortgages from lending institutions.

In addition, some states designate a preferred tax status for documented vessels. Additionally, documented vessels may be eligible for a Preferred Ship Mortgage under 46 U.S. Code Chapter 313 which makes it easier to obtain a loan from a bank.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Documentation?

Obtaining a Certificate of Documentation (COD) is not as complicated as it may seem. However, there are some requirements you should know before getting started.

Depending on your vessel’s intended usage, you may need different endorsements for your COD. The most common endorsements include fishery, coastwise, registry and recreation.

Boaters who own commercial vessels, such as those that carry passengers or haul freight, must also have their boats federally documented. In addition, their vessels must meet more stringent vessel build and owner citizenship standards.

Exemptions from the requirement to be documented include all Coastwise qualified, non-self-propelled vessels that operate in coastwise trade within a harbor, on rivers or lakes (except the Great Lakes) and the internal waters or canals of any state. The USCG has also set up additional exceptions for certain types of boats.

Navigating the World of Vessel Documentation Records

If you’re looking to find information about a specific vessel, here are some tips to help simplify the search. Getting the most out of your research can make all the difference in finding the information you’re after.

Whether you’re searching for a boat history or want to know how to get vessel documentation, there are many resources available online. Let’s take a look at some of them!

The HIN Number

A HIN (hull identification number) is a unique 12-digit number that distinguishes one vessel from another. Similar to the VIN number on an automobile, this identifier helps prevent theft and allows law enforcement agencies to trace a boat when it is stolen.

The HIN is also known as the manufacturer’s hull code and is a permanent label affixed to the hull of most boats. It contains information about the boat’s country of origin, builder, and serial number.

In the United States, a HIN is required for all new recreational craft manufactured or imported on or after November 1, 1972. It can be applied for by the manufacturer or by the owner of the vessel at the time of registration.

Beginning with August 1, 1984, manufacturers were also required to affix a duplicate secondary HIN somewhere on an unexposed location inside the boat or beneath a fitting or item of hardware. This duplicate HIN is not visible to the operator but allows authorities to identify the boat if the primary HIN on the transom is removed or damaged.

The Official Number

The Official Number is a six to seven-digit number issued by the Coast Guard upon initial application for documentation and remains with the vessel through subsequent owners. It is carved into the main beam and remains unchanged for the rest of the vessel’s life, even if the port of registry or ship’s name changes.

It is used for tracking, control, surveillance, and vessel documentation. It enables flag states to accurately manage vessels, gives national authorities information they can use to police their waters more effectively and helps bring clarity and consistency to legal records.

The IMO scheme was introduced in 1987 and made mandatory in 1994 through SOLAS regulation XI/3. Specific criteria were agreed for passenger ships of 100 gross tonnage and above and all cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and above.

The Vessel’s Name

A vessel is any type of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. Federal statutory law defines a vessel as a “watercraft or any artificial contrivance, including any equipment or device, that is designed, built, and intended to be operated on water or that can be used in connection with the operation of such a craft or any artificial contrivance.”

A documented vessel is identified by a permanent number carved or bonded to its hull. This number acts as a theft deterrent.

The official number is preceded by the letters “NO.” It must be marked on a clearly visible interior structural part of the hull, at least three inches high. It must also be secured in a permanent manner and located where easily accessible upon inspection.

The official number must remain with the vessel indefinitely. It is a primary identifier that can be referenced when determining the name, hailing port, trade endorsements, specifications and transfers of ownership.

The Owner’s Name

The owner’s name is a vital piece of information in determining the correct retrieval of data from a vessel data base. It is the most common and most often used entry field in all vessel retrieval programs.

The Coast Guard requires the owner’s name and proper hailing port to be permanently marked on a documented vessel. This is especially important in states that require registering and/or titling of vessels.

When a vessel is returned to documentation with a complete chain of title and citizenship evidence, it may be eligible for a Coastwise endorsement. A Coastwise endorsement is a nice to have but is not required for most vessels that are simply operated on pleasure waters or recreational pursuits.

If you only need to retrieve abbreviated data for a single vessel, enter a partial name. You should get an abbreviated listing of up to 20 vessels based on that part of the name you entered. Alternatively, you can select (click on) a vessel name in hypertext to receive complete documentation data for that craft.

Style Up Your Kitchen with Modern Kitchen Cabinets

Looking for better ways to transform your kitchen into a more beautiful and attractive space? Look no further than this comprehensive guide! In this time of era, almost everything is modified, and giving your kitchen a touch of it would be a perfect idea to add flavor to it. Using modern kitchen cabinets will help you achieve the look.

Why do people choose modern kitchen cabinets?

Things are evolving. Every day there’s a new thing; an invention, or at least an improvement in something that exists already. Could be technology, fashion, talent, not to forget interior designing among others. With every new or improved thing, comes uniqueness and that’s what most people would want in their kitchen. Considering it’s among one of the most visited rooms in anyone’s home. How else would you want that touch of uniqueness; modification, rather than having modern kitchen cabinets?

In this article, we will get to explore reasons why having modern kitchen cabinets is just what you need to enhance the interior outlook of your kitchen.

They come in varieties

Different companies come up with different ideas concerning the designs, colors and materials of the modern kitchen cabinets. This means there are more than enough sources to window shop and get yourself the ones you desire.

They are locally available

You can always have them designed for you locally. With the new technology, you don’t have to worry about how you can get a certain modern kitchen cabinet that you saw online but can’t ship it due to the expenses that come with it. There are tons of sites and shops where you can visit online and get that desired cabinet that you saw online made for you locally.

Adds beauty to your kitchen

It’s modern; it’s unique. It comes with its own perfect style that also looks expensive and elegant. It’s just hard not to notice every time you get in the kitchen.

They are durable

They stay in good condition for a longer time compared to old models. This is because they are designed in such a way that they are resistant from stains and water; the material used, paint…

They require low maintenance

Also, they have their specific detergent cleaners and own rugs to make sure their outlook is not damaged in case of dust or spills.

They offer enough storage space

Modern kitchen cabinets offer ample space for storage which is a major help to those families that have lots of kitchen appliances.

Why they are not in everyone’s kitchen

There are a number of reasons why not everyone has them in their kitchens. Let’s get to know some of the reasons.

They are expensive

With modernity everything is expensive. They tend to use more advanced and improved products and tools to make it last longer which increases the cost for purchasing. Also fixing requires a skilled laborer, not everyone can afford all that.

Different preferences

Despite being in the modern days, not everyone prefers modern kitchen cabinets. There are those that prefer having traditional kitchen cabinets, not because they can’t afford them, but because they choose to embrace traditional cabinets. Also, most people think anything traditional is warm and inviting compared to the modern ones. Different people have different preferences.

How to make the modern kitchen cabinets better?

Below are some of the things that could be done in order to make modern kitchen cabinets stand out.

Glass-front cabinets

Glass-front kitchen cabinets are a good example of modern kitchen cabinets. They are best used if you want all your favorite items stored in the cabinets displayed. However, you have to keep whatever that is stored inside clean and tidy. The good feature about them is that you can add a decorative wallpaper at the back.

All-white

All-white kitchen cabinets are most people’s first choice or the best. It never goes out of style. Being a bright color, it helps reflect enough natural light to your space creating an illusion of space. Most people prefer them when it comes to the resale value. It’s also an easy color to work with as easily goes with many other colors and different kinds of finishing.

All-black

I bet unlike all white, having all-black kitchen cabinets has never crossed your mind. Having black cabinets with a striking matte finish just screams elegance. You can always pair the kitchen cabinets with golden handles or just choose a no-handle style to make them sleek. If you’re a busy person, or have kids and/or pets, black is better since you won’t have to be cleaning their surfaces every time there’s a spill or dust.

Modern wood

With the new interesting ideas over time, wood cabinets don’t have to be considered old-fashioned anymore. Thanks to their simple yet stunning look.

 

What to consider before purchasing modern kitchen cabinets?

Before you decide to purchase the modern kitchen cabinets, there are certain reasons you’d need to consider. Below are some of them

Quality

This is the most important feature to consider. Getting yourself a poor quality won’t do you good in terms and of maintenance, durability, and also its beauty won’t last for long. Always ensure you look for the best quality.

Cost

You should do some proper research on how much it’s going to cost you in terms of purchasing, installing and maintaining them. It’s better to go for the price you can afford so your kitchen can remain in style.

Space

The space you intend to fix the cabinets should also be among the major factors to keep in mind before making your final decision. This is because as you go to purchase your cabinets you need actual measurements as they are built to fit a specific space.

Availability

You should also consider where you are planning to buy your modern kitchen cabinet from, this could either be:

On online shopping platforms

Nearby furniture shop.

Conclusion

With all that said, I believe you have enough information about the use of modern kitchen cabinets. Feel free to reread this article as many times as you want for clarification.

Style Up Your Kitchen with Modern Kitchen Cabinets

Looking for better ways to transform your kitchen into a more beautiful and attractive space? Look no further than this comprehensive guide! In this time of era, almost everything is modified, and giving your kitchen a touch of it would be a perfect idea to add flavor to it. Using modern kitchen cabinets will help you achieve the look.

Why do people choose modern kitchen cabinets?

Things are evolving. Every day there’s a new thing; an invention, or at least an improvement in something that exists already. Could be technology, fashion, talent, not to forget interior designing among others. With every new or improved thing, comes uniqueness and that’s what most people would want in their kitchen. Considering it’s among one of the most visited rooms in anyone’s home. How else would you want that touch of uniqueness; modification, rather than having modern kitchen cabinets?

In this article, we will get to explore reasons why having modern kitchen cabinets is just what you need to enhance the interior outlook of your kitchen.

They come in varieties

Different companies come up with different ideas concerning the designs, colors and materials of the modern kitchen cabinets. This means there are more than enough sources to window shop and get yourself the ones you desire.

They are locally available

You can always have them designed for you locally. With the new technology, you don’t have to worry about how you can get a certain modern kitchen cabinet that you saw online but can’t ship it due to the expenses that come with it. There are tons of sites and shops where you can visit online and get that desired cabinet that you saw online made for you locally.

Adds beauty to your kitchen

It’s modern; it’s unique. It comes with its own perfect style that also looks expensive and elegant. It’s just hard not to notice every time you get in the kitchen.

They are durable

They stay in good condition for a longer time compared to old models. This is because they are designed in such a way that they are resistant from stains and water; the material used, paint…

They require low maintenance

Also, they have their specific detergent cleaners and own rugs to make sure their outlook is not damaged in case of dust or spills.

They offer enough storage space

Modern kitchen cabinets offer ample space for storage which is a major help to those families that have lots of kitchen appliances.

Why they are not in everyone’s kitchen

There are a number of reasons why not everyone has them in their kitchens. Let’s get to know some of the reasons.

They are expensive

With modernity everything is expensive. They tend to use more advanced and improved products and tools to make it last longer which increases the cost for purchasing. Also fixing requires a skilled laborer, not everyone can afford all that.

Different preferences

Despite being in the modern days, not everyone prefers modern kitchen cabinets. There are those that prefer having traditional kitchen cabinets, not because they can’t afford them, but because they choose to embrace traditional cabinets. Also, most people think anything traditional is warm and inviting compared to the modern ones. Different people have different preferences.

How to make the modern kitchen cabinets better?

Below are some of the things that could be done in order to make modern kitchen cabinets stand out.

Glass-front cabinets

Glass-front kitchen cabinets are a good example of modern kitchen cabinets. They are best used if you want all your favorite items stored in the cabinets displayed. However, you have to keep whatever that is stored inside clean and tidy. The good feature about them is that you can add a decorative wallpaper at the back.

All-white

All-white kitchen cabinets are most people’s first choice or the best. It never goes out of style. Being a bright color, it helps reflect enough natural light to your space creating an illusion of space. Most people prefer them when it comes to the resale value. It’s also an easy color to work with as easily goes with many other colors and different kinds of finishing.

All-black

I bet unlike all white, having all-black kitchen cabinets has never crossed your mind. Having black cabinets with a striking matte finish just screams elegance. You can always pair the kitchen cabinets with golden handles or just choose a no-handle style to make them sleek. If you’re a busy person, or have kids and/or pets, black is better since you won’t have to be cleaning their surfaces every time there’s a spill or dust.

Modern wood

With the new interesting ideas over time, wood cabinets don’t have to be considered old-fashioned anymore. Thanks to their simple yet stunning look.

 

What to consider before purchasing modern kitchen cabinets?

Before you decide to purchase the modern kitchen cabinets, there are certain reasons you’d need to consider. Below are some of them

Quality

This is the most important feature to consider. Getting yourself a poor quality won’t do you good in terms and of maintenance, durability, and also its beauty won’t last for long. Always ensure you look for the best quality.

Cost

You should do some proper research on how much it’s going to cost you in terms of purchasing, installing and maintaining them. It’s better to go for the price you can afford so your kitchen can remain in style.

Space

The space you intend to fix the cabinets should also be among the major factors to keep in mind before making your final decision. This is because as you go to purchase your cabinets you need actual measurements as they are built to fit a specific space.

Availability

You should also consider where you are planning to buy your modern kitchen cabinet from, this could either be:

On online shopping platforms

Nearby furniture shop.

Conclusion

With all that said, I believe you have enough information about the use of modern kitchen cabinets. Feel free to reread this article as many times as you want for clarification.

Style Up Your Kitchen with Modern Kitchen Cabinets

Looking for better ways to transform your kitchen into a more beautiful and attractive space? Look no further than this comprehensive guide! In this time of era, almost everything is modified, and giving your kitchen a touch of it would be a perfect idea to add flavor to it. Using modern kitchen cabinets will help you achieve the look.

Why do people choose modern kitchen cabinets?

Things are evolving. Every day there’s a new thing; an invention, or at least an improvement in something that exists already. Could be technology, fashion, talent, not to forget interior designing among others. With every new or improved thing, comes uniqueness and that’s what most people would want in their kitchen. Considering it’s among one of the most visited rooms in anyone’s home. How else would you want that touch of uniqueness; modification, rather than having modern kitchen cabinets?

In this article, we will get to explore reasons why having modern kitchen cabinets is just what you need to enhance the interior outlook of your kitchen.

They come in varieties

Different companies come up with different ideas concerning the designs, colors and materials of the modern kitchen cabinets. This means there are more than enough sources to window shop and get yourself the ones you desire.

They are locally available

You can always have them designed for you locally. With the new technology, you don’t have to worry about how you can get a certain modern kitchen cabinet that you saw online but can’t ship it due to the expenses that come with it. There are tons of sites and shops where you can visit online and get that desired cabinet that you saw online made for you locally.

Adds beauty to your kitchen

It’s modern; it’s unique. It comes with its own perfect style that also looks expensive and elegant. It’s just hard not to notice every time you get in the kitchen.

They are durable

They stay in good condition for a longer time compared to old models. This is because they are designed in such a way that they are resistant from stains and water; the material used, paint…

They require low maintenance

Also, they have their specific detergent cleaners and own rugs to make sure their outlook is not damaged in case of dust or spills.

They offer enough storage space

Modern kitchen cabinets offer ample space for storage which is a major help to those families that have lots of kitchen appliances.

Why they are not in everyone’s kitchen

There are a number of reasons why not everyone has them in their kitchens. Let’s get to know some of the reasons.

They are expensive

With modernity everything is expensive. They tend to use more advanced and improved products and tools to make it last longer which increases the cost for purchasing. Also fixing requires a skilled laborer, not everyone can afford all that.

Different preferences

Despite being in the modern days, not everyone prefers modern kitchen cabinets. There are those that prefer having traditional kitchen cabinets, not because they can’t afford them, but because they choose to embrace traditional cabinets. Also, most people think anything traditional is warm and inviting compared to the modern ones. Different people have different preferences.

How to make the modern kitchen cabinets better?

Below are some of the things that could be done in order to make modern kitchen cabinets stand out.

Glass-front cabinets

Glass-front kitchen cabinets are a good example of modern kitchen cabinets. They are best used if you want all your favorite items stored in the cabinets displayed. However, you have to keep whatever that is stored inside clean and tidy. The good feature about them is that you can add a decorative wallpaper at the back.

All-white

All-white kitchen cabinets are most people’s first choice or the best. It never goes out of style. Being a bright color, it helps reflect enough natural light to your space creating an illusion of space. Most people prefer them when it comes to the resale value. It’s also an easy color to work with as easily goes with many other colors and different kinds of finishing.

All-black

I bet unlike all white, having all-black kitchen cabinets has never crossed your mind. Having black cabinets with a striking matte finish just screams elegance. You can always pair the kitchen cabinets with golden handles or just choose a no-handle style to make them sleek. If you’re a busy person, or have kids and/or pets, black is better since you won’t have to be cleaning their surfaces every time there’s a spill or dust.

Modern wood

With the new interesting ideas over time, wood cabinets don’t have to be considered old-fashioned anymore. Thanks to their simple yet stunning look.

 

What to consider before purchasing modern kitchen cabinets?

Before you decide to purchase the modern kitchen cabinets, there are certain reasons you’d need to consider. Below are some of them

Quality

This is the most important feature to consider. Getting yourself a poor quality won’t do you good in terms and of maintenance, durability, and also its beauty won’t last for long. Always ensure you look for the best quality.

Cost

You should do some proper research on how much it’s going to cost you in terms of purchasing, installing and maintaining them. It’s better to go for the price you can afford so your kitchen can remain in style.

Space

The space you intend to fix the cabinets should also be among the major factors to keep in mind before making your final decision. This is because as you go to purchase your cabinets you need actual measurements as they are built to fit a specific space.

Availability

You should also consider where you are planning to buy your modern kitchen cabinet from, this could either be:

On online shopping platforms

Nearby furniture shop.

Conclusion

With all that said, I believe you have enough information about the use of modern kitchen cabinets. Feel free to reread this article as many times as you want for clarification.