— WikiTags —

Wildcard Character - Definitions
Manufacturer Code - Definitions
State Registration Code - Definitions
FOIA Request - Guidelines
Abstract of Title - Definitions
State Registration Records - Databases

— WikiLinks —

PSIX Search Input Screen
PSIX Search Instructions

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Introduction

Jul 24, 2023 - The Port State Information Exchange (PSIX) is a Coast Guard vessel database that offers information about boats operating in U.S. waters. This includes data about documented vessels and state registered boats. The system also contains details about contacts with both domestic and foreign vessels. Although updated on a weekly basis, it does maintain archived records.

Access

The vessel database search lookup is free of charge and openly available to the general public. The input screen can be accessed online by visiting the WikiLinks.

Search Criteria

The PSIX database can be searched by multiple criteria including the vessel name, official USCG documentation number, state registration number and hull identification number. These can be further qualified by the vessel flag field, vessel service field, build year field and whether active or out of service field.

The Vessel Name field can be searched by the vessel name or a state registration number (no spaces or dashes) which is often substituted for lack of a name. This field also accommodates the "%" wildcard character (see WikiTags).

The Primary Vessel Number field can be searched by an official documentation number or state registration number (no spaces or dashes). This field also accommodates the "% wildcard character (see WikiTags) which is helpful in bringing up all state registrations (see State Identification Code in WikiTags).

The Hull Identification Number field also accommodates the "%" wildcard character (see WikiTags). This is helpful when unsure of an existing number or character and can be used to bring up all records for a particular manufacturer (See Manufacturer Identification Code in WIKI Tags).

Search Results

PSIX search results are based on the variables provided. Multiple returns are possible and you can then select the vessels of interest. This will provide more detailed information including vessel particulars and US Coast Guard contacts. This service provides information about most current and previously documented vessels, although the availability of state records is a bit sketchy. Further information on found vessels can be obtained by ordering a USCG abstract of title, a FOIA request or a record printout from the respective state (see WikiTags).

Conclusion

The PSIX database is a bit cumbersome and may not be all inclusive, especially on state registrations. Data provided are also very basic, although this can be a great resource in determining a vessel's documentation status or perhaps whether state registered.

Credits and References

Jul 24, 2023 - Page revised.
Contributor - Vessel Title Services

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