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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-30 Origin: Site
Determine Vessel Eligibility: The vessel must have a minimum net tonnage of 5 and be legally owned by a U.S. citizen, enterprise, or organization.
Prepare Documentation: Provide proof of ownership, such as a sales invoice, builder's certificate, or previous registration documents; along with the owner's proof of citizenship.
Check Vessel Name Availability: Verify if the selected vessel name conflicts with existing ones through the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Obtain Hull Identification Number (HIN): If the vessel does not have an HIN, obtain it from the manufacturer or apply through the relevant authority.
Complete Application Form: Download and fill out the initial registration application form, which can be submitted via NVDC's online portal.
Pay Fees: Pay the corresponding registration fees based on the vessel type and the type of registration service required.
Await Approval: The NVDC will review the application materials. If there are no issues, a Certificate of Documentation (COD) will be issued.
Certificate of Documentation (COD): Issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, it serves as proof of the vessel's legal registration and must be properly kept on board.
Inspection Certificate: The vessel must undergo inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard or other accredited organizations to ensure compliance with safety, structural, and equipment standards. The certificate is issued upon passing the inspection.
Proof of Financial Responsibility Certificates: Including Performance Certificate and Casualty Certificate, issued by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). These certificates prove that the vessel owner has the financial capacity to bear operational risks and liabilities for passenger injuries or fatalities.
Captain's Competency Certificate: Depending on the vessel's tonnage and operational nature, the captain must hold a corresponding captain's license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, such as the Master 25/50/100 Ton License.
Other Relevant Certificates: Additional certificates may be required, such as Safety Equipment Certificate, Pollution Prevention Certificate (e.g., MARPOL Certificate), and Load Line Certificate. The specific requirements depend on the vessel's operating area and purpose.
