Ishkeesh Marine Services
USCG Vessel Documentation
Federal documentation handled correctly — from initial filing to ownership transfer. We know Gulf Coast vessels and we know the paperwork.
Why USCG Documentation?
Required for Financing
Virtually all marine lenders require USCG documentation to secure a Preferred Ship’s Mortgage. If you’re financing a purchase, this is step one.
Coastwise Trade & Commercial Use
Commercial vessels 5+ net tons operating in U.S. waters must be documented. Charter boats, workboats, fishing vessels — all require it.
International Travel
A Certificate of Documentation is your vessel’s federal passport — recognized by customs officials worldwide as proof of U.S. nationality and ownership.
Clean Chain of Title
Documentation establishes a federal chain of ownership. When buying or selling, a documented vessel is easier to transfer and harder to dispute.
Services & Pricing
All USCG filing fees are passed through at cost — no markup on government fees.
Initial USCG Documentation
First-time documentation. Includes preparation of all required forms, review for accuracy, and electronic submission to the NVDC.
+ $133 USCG filing fee (passed through at cost)
Ownership Transfer / Exchange
Transferring a documented vessel to a new owner. Bill of sale preparation, CG-1340 form, and exchange application. We handle this at closing on brokerage sales.
+ $84 USCG filing fee (passed through at cost)
Annual Renewal
Keep your Certificate of Documentation current. We file your renewal through the NVDC eStorefront. Recreational vessels may renew up to 5 years at once.
+ $26/year USCG fee (passed through at cost)
Abstract of Title / Title Search
Pre-purchase due diligence. Complete ownership history and lien status from the NVDC — checking for preferred mortgages, notices of claim, and other encumbrances. Essential before closing.
Includes NVDC search fees
Preferred Ship’s Mortgage Recordation
Recording a lender’s mortgage against a documented vessel to establish priority as a maritime lien. Required by most marine lenders at closing.
+ USCG recording fees (per page, passed through at cost)
Louisiana / Mississippi State Registration
Louisiana requires documented vessels to also maintain state registration with the LDWF. We can handle both filings together.
+ State filing fees (passed through at cost)
Questions about which service you need? Contact us — no charge for a consultation.
Start Your Application
Fill out the form below and a documentation specialist will contact you within one business day.
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Common Questions
Does my vessel qualify for USCG documentation?
Any vessel measuring at least 5 net tons (roughly 26 feet or longer) and wholly owned by a U.S. citizen is eligible. Commercial vessels of this size operating in U.S. waters are required to document. Recreational vessels have the option.
I’m buying a boat through Ishkeesh — do I need this?
If the vessel is already documented, we’ll handle the Ownership Transfer at closing. If you’re financing, your lender will almost certainly require USCG documentation and a Preferred Ship’s Mortgage. We coordinate all of this as part of the closing process.
How long does it take?
The NVDC typically processes electronic applications in 2–6 weeks. Renewals are generally faster. We ensure your application is complete and error-free to avoid delays.
Do I still need Louisiana state registration if I document with USCG?
Yes — Louisiana requires documented vessels to also maintain state registration with the LDWF. You’ll display a state sticker but not state registration numbers. We can handle both filings together.
What documents do I need to provide?
For initial filing: builder’s certificate or MCO, bill of sale, and proof of U.S. citizenship. For a transfer: existing COD and a bill of sale. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed after your inquiry.