How To Change Name of USCG Vessel Efficiently

Your fishing boat’s name is part of its identification and often, is something meaningful to you. However, there are some instances when you might want to change the name of a USCG vessel. There are a variety of reasons for this, but regardless of why, there is a process you must follow to get the change done legally and correctly. If you want to change your boat’s name, this guide will help you each step of the way. 

Reasons to Change the Name of a USCG Vessel

While some feel it’s bad luck to change a boat’s name, there are a variety of circumstances that may call for it. 

• Superstitions – there are several superstitions that go with renaming a boat, but some feel that giving it a new name helps avoid misfortune on the water. 
• Personal preference – if your tastes, life circumstances, interests, hobbies, or sentiments change at any point during your life, you may decide to rename your boat accordingly. 
• Legal obligation – if your fishing boat’s current name doesn’t meet regulations, you will need to choose a new one for it that adheres to the guidelines. 
• New ownership – if you buy a boat with a name you don’t like, you are certainly welcome to change it, following the proper protocol for doing so. 

Steps to Take When You Change a Boat’s Name

Following the right course of action for changing your vessel’s name is the best way to expedite the process and ensure that it goes through without a hitch. 

• Research the new name – make sure it hasn’t already been taken and that it is compliant with the regulations. The National Vessel Documentation Center is a good place to do this research.
• Notify the US Coast Guard – if your boat is documented at the federal level, you will need to notify the Coast Guard of the name change. 
• Provide documentation – along with the name change form, you will also need to submit additional paperwork, which may include the bill of sale, proof of ownership, and past certificates of documentation.
• Pay the fees – when you submit your name change application, you will also need to pay the associated fees. The exact amount of your processing fees depends on the type and size of the vessel, as well as how quickly you request processing to proceed. 
• Store the new certificate – once you receive your new documentation, with the new name recorded, you will need to store it in a safe location, where you can get to it, if needed. 
• Update state registration – if you also have your boat registered at the state level, you will need to notify the proper authorities of the name change, including submitting any required paperwork and paying any associated fees. 
• Update the vessel – you will need to remove the boat’s old name and update it with the new name, following all regulations for how and where it must be displayed on your vessel. 

We are here to help you through the process of changing the name of a USCG Vessel. Contact the Commercial Fishing Permits Center today to get started.