Renew Coast Guard Vessel Documentation: Commercial Purposes

If you are a commercial fisherman, you probably have a checklist that you review before you leave the dock. You make sure everything is packed, such as lines, safety items, and supplies. You also make sure your crew is accounted for. Maybe you even do a final maintenance check on your vessel to ensure that everything is running properly. Another item that you will want to double-check before heading out to sea is your vessel documentation. If your registration is expired, you will want to learn how to renew Coast Guard vessel documentation before you get out on the water.

Along with the proper commercial fishing permits, having a valid registration is critical to the legal operation of your business. You will want to make sure that you have copies of these documents on-board your vessel at all times. There can be stiff penalties for not having the proper documentation with you, so to avoid any fines or time stuck on land, you will want to stay on top of your renewals.

Does My Vessel Require Documentation?

When you operate a commercial fishing business, there can be a lot of paperwork to keep track of. Between permits, licenses, registrations, and titles, determining what you specifically need to carry for your vessel can call for a bit of research. With this in mind, does your boat require a United States Coast Guard Registration?

If you are operating a commercial vessel with a net weight greater than five tons, it is mandatory that you register it with the Coast Guard. To accomplish this, you will need to complete a Form CG-1258 and provide proof of ownership to the Coast Guard. Proof of ownership can be a bill of sale, a builders certificate, or a state registration. You may also need to submit an application for simplified measurement (Form CG-5397).

How to Renew Coast Guard Vessel Documentation

Once you register your vessel with the Coast Guard, that registration will be valid for a period of one year. In January of 2022, the Coast Guard began transitioning to a system where this will only be required once every five years, but if you have a previously-held registration, you should plan to do it annually.

You will receive a notification from the Coast Guard 45 days prior to the expiration of your current certificate. You can complete the renewal form, package it with the requisite fee, and mail it back to the Coast Guard for processing. You should make a copy of your registration renewal to keep in the event that there is a delay.

You can also renew your registration online by working with us at the Commercial Fishing Permits Center. We offer a streamlined web form that allows you to process your renewal quickly and comprehensively.

Obtain Your Commercial Fishing Permits Online

If you need additional fishing permits for your business, we can help. We have a wide array of online forms for obtaining commercial fishing permits in all regions. If you would like to learn more, our customer service representatives are standing by and ready to answer your questions.