USCG Certificate of Ownership Overview

What you should know about a USCG Vessel Certificate of Ownership.

A USCG Certificate of Ownership is an official statement issued through the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). It confirms the most recent owner of record, the vessel’s documentation status, and any open encumbrances listed on the Abstract of Title. Unlike the full Abstract, which lists every filing from the beginning of documentation, the Certificate of Ownership condenses the most important entries. Each certificate is reviewed by a documentation officer to identify potential errors or conflicts.

Certificate of Ownership Usage

The certificate of ownership, which differs from a certificate of documentation, is utilized primarily in situations where a USCG certification is required for legal, insurance or financing purposes in respect to a documented vessel. However, it can also serve as a convenience for anyone who does not have the expertise for interpreting an Abstract of Title. This is especially true for older vessels with lots of recordings in formats that have changed over time.

Purpose of a Certificate of Ownership

The Certificate of Ownership is used in situations where official USCG verification is required. Common scenarios include legal transactions involving vessel marine insurance requirements and financing or mortgage purposes. It is also helpful for vessel buyers, sellers, or brokers who may not have the expertise to interpret a full Abstract of Title. This is especially valuable for older vessels, where historical records may be extensive and in outdated formats.

Certificate of Ownership vs. Documentation

It is important not to confuse a Certificate of Ownership(COO) (form CG-1330) with a Certificate of Documentation (COD) (form CG-1270). The Certificate of Documentation is the vessel’s official registration certificate. It proves that a vessel is actively documented and must be carried onboard at all times. It lists details such as the vessel name, official number, hailing port, and endorsements. The Certificate of Ownership does not serve as registration. Instead, it is a certified summary of ownership and encumbrances, drawn from the Abstract of Title. It is primarily for legal, financial, and insurance purposes and does not authorize the vessel to operate. In short: the COD is like the vessel’s “registration,” while the COO is like a certified ownership report.

When Certificates of Ownership are Available

A Certificate of Ownership is only available for documented vessels that have an active or historical record in the USCG system. Documented vessels, either current or expired, can receive a Certificate, reflecting the information in their Abstract of Title. Vessels having never documented with the USCG cannot receive a Certificate, as no record exists to certify ownership. For vessels with an expired Certificate of Documentation, the Certificate of Ownership may still be issued, but it may not reflect any ownership changes after expiration unless the vessel was re-documented.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Ownership

The Certificate of Ownership is issued exclusively by the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). To obtain one, you must: Submit a request to the NVDC using a form provided by the NVDC and and the applicable fee listed on their pricing schedule. Ordering information is available through the references for this overview.

Important Considerations

While a Certificate of Ownership is a reliable summary, vessel owners and buyers should use caution if the vessel’s Certificate of Documentation has expired. Ownership may have also have changed hands without re-documentation. In these cases, the Certificate of Ownership may not reflect the most current situation and a full Abstract of Title may be necessary for to determine such lapses.

Conclusion

A USCG Certificate of Ownership provides a simplified, certified record of vessel ownership and encumbrances. It is a valuable tool for legal, financial, and insurance purposes, as well as for individuals who want a clear summary of vessel records. However, it is only available for vessels with a USCG documentation history and the Abstract of Title remains the most comprehensive source for detailed research.

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