Commercial Coast Guard Registration Renewal Made Simple

Protecting the waters that surround the United States is no easy task. With expansive coastlines and a number of key ports and shipping lanes, ensuring the safety of our waterways is paramount to supporting the American economy. For their part, the United States Coast Guard is committed to monitoring federal waters and enforcing safety regulations. A vital aspect to that mission is maintaining a registry of commercial vessels that operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Should you own such a vessel, you will want to stay on top of your Coast Guard registration renewal.

You should think of your registration as a centrally important document to your commercial or industrial fishing business. Just as you would not cast your lines without the appropriate commercial fishing permits, you also should not navigate the EEZ without a current Coast Guard registration.

Which Boats Require a Coast Guard Registration?

When you first purchased a boat, you may not have anticipated the need to complete so much paperwork. In owning and managing a business, the number of forms and documents that you need to keep track of can make your head spin. Still, there are core documents that are important to how your business functions, and your Coast Guard registration is just such a document.

If your boat has a net weight exceeding five tons and you are fishing in the EEZ, you will need to register your vessel with the United States Coast Guard. In doing this, you will need to complete an application for documentation, also called a “CG-1258.” This form will prompt you for some basic information about yourself and your boat.

Additionally, you will need to provide proof of ownership. This can be done with a bill of sale (CG-1340), a builders certificate (CG-1261), or a state registration. You will also need to submit an application for simplified measurement (CG-5397) if this is the first time your vessel has been documented.

How to Get a Coast Guard Registration Renewal

Once you have obtained your Coast Guard registration, it will be valid for a period of one year. As your registration nears expiration, you will receive a formal notice from the Coast Guard. You can complete your renewal document by hand and package it with the requisite fee. From there, you can mail it to the Coast Guard’s offices for processing. 

There is also a more convenient avenue for obtaining a registration renewal. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we offer an easy-to-read web form that allows you to apply for a renewal online. We are a private service that is committed to assisting busy commercial fishermen as they seek the documents they need via the web.

Looking for Commercial Fishing Permits? We Can Help

Whether you need Coast Guard documentation or a commercial fishing permit, we can help. In exploring our site’s navigation, you will see that we offer permits and licenses for all major United States fishing regions. To learn more about our services, contact us today.