Completing a USCG COD Renewal Online

With summer in full swing, you are likely eager to get your boat on the water. As a commercial fisherman, you are especially motivated, as spending large swaths of time out at sea is key to your livelihood. Before you leave the dock and drop your nets, however, it could not hurt to double-check that all of your United States Coast Guard (USCG) documentation is in good order. In particular, you are going to want to make sure that your Certificate of Documentation (COD) is valid. Staying on top of your USCG COD renewal is a must if you wish to continue legally operating your vessel and commercial fishing business, and there are ways in which you can complete this process online.

At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we are a private service that specializes in assisting business owners such as yourself in getting your Coast Guard documentation online. We also feature a plethora of easy-to-use web forms for applying for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fishing permits. Read on to learn more about how you can complete your Coast Guard COD renewal online in just moments.

What Is a USCG Certificate of Documentation?

If you have some background in boat ownership, you most likely know a thing or two about registering your boat with the appropriate state agency. A Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation is a similar piece of paperwork, though it instead registers your boat at the federal level. All commercial vessels operating on federal waters will require a COD, and recreational vessels measuring five tons or more have the option to obtain one.

A COD establishes the ownership and nationality of a boat. They can allow for easier travel to international ports, and they offer an aesthetic benefit in that you will not need to paint a number on the exterior of your vessel–the boat’s name and hailing port will suffice.

What Is a USCG COD Renewal, and How Often Is it Necessary?

In the past, the Coast Guard called for the renewal of a COD every year. Currently, they are in the process of transitioning to a five-year window. You will typically receive a notice that your COD is set to expire 45 days ahead of its due date. You have the option of completing this process with paper documents sent via mail to the Coast Guard’s office, or you can use a streamlined, private service such as ours at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center.

Why You Should Work With Us

If you are a business owner, your free time is likely scarce. You need to focus as much time as possible on bringing in your catch so that you can provide a livelihood for yourself and your crew. With that in mind, do you really have time for a trip down to the post office? By using our web forms, you can process your COD renewal in just minutes. We also employ an SSL-encrypted web portal, ensuring the secure transmission of your data. To find out more, visit our helpful FAQ page today.