Bill passes Congress allowing 5-year USCG documentation
Date Posted: February 3, 2016
Source: USCG

USCGDocument-3.jpg

A bill that would require the Coast Guard to offer 5-year vessel documentation renewal is on its way to the President's desk and is extremely likely to become law – a great benefit for active cruisers (funding the Coast Guard is good for boaters, too). From a press release:

The House of Representatives unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that supports and strengthens the United States Coast Guard – one of our Nation’s five armed services – in its critical missions to save lives, safeguard our shores, and protect living marine resources. The bill, which passed the Senate in December, now goes to the President for his signature.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 4188) authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission through fiscal year 2017, and includes provisions to improve Coast Guard mission effectiveness, help modernize the Service’s aging vessels and other assets, and reform U.S. maritime transportation laws. The bill, a product of negotiations between the House and the Senate, includes many provisions from a similar Coast Guard bill that unanimously passed the House in May.

The section pertaining to 5-year renewals of Certificates Of Documentation from the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015:

Sec. 311. Certificates Of Documentation For Recreational Vessels

While Coast Guard certificates of documentation (COD) are not required for recreational vessels, many owners elect to document their vessels to facilitate passage into foreign ports and to preclude them from having to abide by state registration requirements. However, the Coast Guard requires CODs be renewed on an annual basis and does not allow owners to carry them in electronic form. This presents an unnecessary administrative burden on vessel owners. This section would require the Coast Guard to develop a COD for recreational vessels that is valid for five years. 

Comment Submitted by Chief Engr Bob - February 12, 2016
If there is a ships mortgage on the boat the lender will require documentation if the vessel qualifies under the old requirement based on hull volume. This gives the Lender a lien on the boat anywhere in the world. A good mail forwarding service like SBI (St Brendan's Isle will get your mail to you wherever you are.
Comment Submitted by Tom Murn - February 8, 2016
Great Effort. It will be interesting to see what is charged for a 5 yr certificate. Hope it isn't 5x the current cost. After all, it shouldn't have any significant cost over the administrative processing of a 1 yr cert.
Comment Submitted by Mike Ahart, Waterway Guide News Editor - February 5, 2016
Let's also give well-deserved credit to the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) for working with congressional contacts to make this happen. Thanks, folks!
Comment Submitted by Janice - February 5, 2016
This is great news as it is many times difficult to get the paper copy every year depending on where you are cruising. Really appreciate the USCG efforts!
Comment Submitted by KMcShane - February 4, 2016
Who says government can't work...good for the USCG
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