To qualify for documentation, a vessel must admeasure five (5) net tons (by volume) and it must be owned and commanded by an individual that is a citizen of the United States.

Federal documentation is required for vessels engaging in commercial trades.

The Documentation Office of the US Coast Guard keeps an abstract of title on each documented vessel. It reflects the vessels financial history and shows the chain of owners from time of build or start of documentation.

The US Coast Guard issues a Certificate of Documentation.
It serves a dual purpose.

• First it is a Certificate of Nationality.
• Second, it is an authorization for the vessels use (specific trade or pleasure).

Lending institutions may record a Preferred Ship Mortgage on a vessel. This maritime lien enjoys a certain priority in case of default.

Lending institutions need to give their consent should an owner decide to make any changes in documentation such as:

• ownership change
• name change of vessel
• hailing port change
• change of trade.