Deletion From Documentation
Delete a vessel from USCG vessel documentation with step by step instructions.
BoatWiki - Guidelines
Introduction
March 1, 2024 - The vessel documentation deletion guidelines present step by step instructions on how to go about deleting a vessel from Coast Guard documentation. The process is relatively straight forward and there is no fee involved unless accompanied by certain requests or items that need to be simultaneously processed. These are described in the steps that follow.
Step - 1 - Determine the documentation status.
Certain conditions must exist before a vessel can be deleted. If there are any outstanding mortgages, these must be retired before the deletion can take place. An outstanding notice of claim of lien will not prevent the deletion process, although it will remain on record. There are also certain restrictions on transferring a commercially endorsed vessel to citizens of a foreign country without an approval from the Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Step - 2 - Prepare any ancillary submissions.
The deletion request may be accompanied by an instrument of transfer such as a bill of sale, transfer of Interest, deed of gift, or by completing the reverse side of the certificate of documentation. This is highly recommended if you are no longer the owner so it can be reflected on the records. You can also record a satisfaction of mortgage. If there are any fees involved, you may include a check or credit card payment form as shown in the WikiTags.
Step - 3 - Complete the deletion request.
The deletion request can be downloaded from BoatWiki's form repository as listed in the WikiTags. Be sure to provide all the information as applicable and check the appropriate boxes. There is no charge for the filing request itself. However charges do apply when requesting a letter evidencing the removal and for the recordation of any instruments of transfer. There is no additional cost for a blue ribbon certification if applicable. The request must be signed by an owner or owner's agent.
Step - 4 - Submit the items.
The request and any ancillary items can be submitted by regular mail or email. Copies of all such items is sufficient with no need to follow up by sending the originals. If sent by email they must be converted and attached in Adobe PDF format. See the submission options in the WikiTags for more information. Your submissions should be accompanied by a transmittal cover letter as shown in the WikiTags
Step - 5 - Confirm the deletion.
If your submission was sent by email, the documentation center should return an acknowledgment. You may otherwise check the online progress as listed in WikiTags or contact the NVDC directly.
Conclusion
The deletion process is very important in placing the Coast Guard and general public on notice of such action. Written evidence is also required for most subsequent registration or titling applications on the state and foreign levels. Please help others by WikiSharing any comments related to these guidelines.
Credits and References
March 1, 2024 - Page revised.
