DOCUMENTATION OF VESSELS

• Citation: 46 CFR Part 67
• Sections: 141

§ 67.1 Purpose.

A Certificate of Documentation is required for the operation of a vessel in certain trades, serves as evidence of vessel nationality, and permits a vessel to be subject to preferred mortgages.

§ 67.3 Definitions.

The following definitions are for terms used in this part.

Acknowledgment means:

(1) An acknowledgment or notarization in any form which is in substantial compliance with the Uniform Acknowledgments Act, the Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act, the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, or the statutes of the State within which it is taken, made before a notary public or other official authorized by a law of a State or the United States to take acknowledgment of deeds;

(2) An acknowledgment or notarization before a notary or other official authorized to take acknowledgments of deeds by the law of a foreign nation which is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, 1961, provided that the acknowledgment or notarization is accompanied by the certificate described in Article 4 of that Convention; or

(3) Any attestation which is substantially in the following form:

State:

County:

On [date] the person(s) named above acknowledged execution of the foregoing instrument in their stated capacity(ies) for the purpose therein contained.

Notary Public

My commission expires: [date]

Captured vessel means a vessel which has been taken by citizens of the United States during a period of war and is thereafter condemned as a prize by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Certificate of Documentation means form CG-1270, when issued by the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

Citizen, unless expressly provided otherwise, means a person meeting the applicable citizenship requirements of subpart C of this part as a United States citizen.

Coastwise trade includes the transportation of passengers or merchandise between points embraced within the coastwise laws of the United States.

Commandant means the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.

Documentation officer means the Coast Guard official who is authorized to process and approve applications made under this part, and record instruments authorized to be filed and recorded under this part.

Documented vessel means a vessel which is the subject of a valid Certificate of Documentation.

Endorsement means an entry which may be made on a Certificate of Documentation, and which, except for a recreational endorsement, is conclusive evidence that a vessel is entitled to engage in a specified trade.

Note:

Rulings and interpretations concerning what activities constitute coastwise trade and the fisheries can be obtained from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 799 9th Street NW., Washington DC 20001 (Cargo Security, Carriers and Immigration Branch).

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) means the zone established by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030, dated March 10, 1983 (48 FR 10105, 3 CFR, 1983 Comp., p. 22).

Fisheries includes processing, storing, transporting (except in foreign commerce), planting, cultivating, catching, taking, or harvesting fish, shellfish, marine animals, pearls, shells, or marine vegetation in the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Forfeited vessel means a vessel:

(1) Which has been adjudged forfeited by a Federal District Court to the Federal Government of the United States for a breach of its laws; or

(2) Which has been forfeited under an administrative forfeiture action to the Federal Government of the United States for a breach of its laws; or

(3) Which has been seized by the Federal Government of the United States for a breach of its laws and which has been sold at an interlocutory sale, the proceeds of which have been adjudged forfeited by a Federal District Court to the Federal Government of the United States. A vessel is considered forfeited within the meaning of this definition even if the proceeds, though adjudged forfeited to the United States, do not actually accrue to the United States.

Hull means the shell, or outer casing, and internal structure below the main deck which provide both the flotation envelope and structural integrity of the vessel in its normal operations. In the case of a submersible vessel, the term includes all structural members of the pressure envelope.

Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin means a certificate issued under the law or regulation of a State, evidencing transfer of a vessel from the manufacturer as defined in 33 CFR part 181 to another person.

National Vessel Documentation Center means the organizational unit designated by the Commandant to process vessel documentation transactions and maintain vessel documentation records. The address is: National Vessel Documentation Center, 792 T.J. Jackson Drive, Falling Waters, WV 25419. Telephone: (800) 799-VDOC (8362).

New vessel means a vessel:

(1) The hull and superstructure of which are constructed entirely of new materials; or

(2) Which is constructed using structural parts of an existing vessel, which parts have been torn down so that they are no longer advanced to a degree which would commit them to use in the building of a vessel.

Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means the Coast Guard official designated as such by the Commandant, under the superintendence and direction of a Coast Guard District Commander, who is in charge of an inspection zone in accordance with regulations set forth in 46 CFR part 1.

Person means an individual; corporation; partnership; limited liability partnership; limited liability company; association; joint venture; trust arrangement; and the government of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of the United States or a State; and includes a trustee, beneficiary, receiver, or similar representative of any of them.

Registration means a certificate of number issued pursuant to rules in 33 CFR part 173, a record under the maritime laws of a foreign country, or a certificate issued by a political subdivision of a foreign country.

Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

State means a State of the United States or a political subdivision thereof, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

Superstructure means the main deck and any other structural part above the main deck.

United States, when used in a geographic sense means the States of the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States, except that for purposes of § 67.19(c)(3) trust territories are not considered to be part of the United States.

Vessel includes every description of watercraft or other contrivance capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, but does not include aircraft.

Wrecked vessel, under the provisions of 46 U.S.C. 12107, means a vessel which:

(1) Has incurred substantial damage to its hull or superstructure as a result of natural or accidental causes which occurred in the United States or its adjacent waters; and

(2) Has undergone, in a shipyard in the United States or its possessions, repairs equaling three times the appraised salved value of the vessel.

§ 67.5 Vessels eligible for documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons wholly owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States is eligible for documentation under this part. This includes, but is not limited to, vessels used exclusively for recreational purposes and vessels used in foreign trade.

§ 67.7 Vessels requiring documentation.

Any vessel of at least five net tons which engages in the fisheries on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone, or coastwise trade, unless exempt under § 67.9(c), must have a Certificate of Documentation bearing a valid endorsement appropriate for the activity in which engaged.

§ 67.9 Vessels excluded from or exempt from documentation.

(a) A vessel of less than five net tons is excluded from documentation.

(b) A vessel which does not operate on the navigable waters of the United States or in the fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone is exempt from the requirement to have a Certificate of Documentation.

(c) A non-self-propelled vessel, qualified to engage in the coastwise trade is exempt from the requirement to be documented with a coastwise endorsement when engaged in coastwise trade:

(1) Within a harbor;

(2) On the rivers or lakes (except the Great Lakes) of the United States; or

(3) On the internal waters or canals of any State.

(d) A vessel exempt from the requirement to be documented by paragraph (b) or (c) of this section may be documented at the option of the owner, provided it meets the other requirements of this part.

§ 67.11 Restriction on transfer of an interest in documented vessels to foreign persons; foreign registry or operation.

(a) Unless approved by the Maritime Administration—

(1) A documented vessel or a vessel last documented under the laws of the United States may not be placed under foreign registry or operated under the authority of a foreign country.

(2) A documented vessel or a vessel last documented under the laws of the United States owned by a citizen of the United States as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501, may not be sold, leased, chartered, delivered, or otherwise transferred to any person who is not a citizen of the United States as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501.

(b) The restrictions in paragraph (a)(2) of this section do not apply to a vessel that has been operated only as:

(1) A fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101;

(2) A recreational vessel; or

(3) Both.

Note:

For purposes of carrying out its responsibilities under the provisions of this part only, the Coast Guard will deem a vessel which has been documented exclusively with a fishery or recreational endorsement or both from the time it was first documented, or for a period of not less than one year prior to foreign transfer or registry, to qualify for the exemption granted in paragraph (b) of this section.

(c) The exemption in paragraph (b) of this section does not relieve all vessels from meeting the fishery endorsement requirements of this part. If your vessel is less than 100 feet in length and is a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101, you must meet the fishery endorsement requirements set out in this part. Each vessel 100 feet and greater in length applying for a fishery endorsement is regulated by the Maritime Administration requirements found in 46 CFR part 356.

§ 67.12 Right of appeal.

Any person directly affected by a decision or action taken under this part by or on behalf of the Coast Guard may appeal therefrom in accordance with subpart 1.03 of this chapter.

§ 67.13 Incorporation by reference.

(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of change in the Federal Register and the material must be available to the public. All approved material may be inspected at the U.S. Coast Guard, National Vessel Documentation Center, 792 T.J. Jackson Drive, Falling Waters, WV 25419 and is available from the source indicated in paragraph (b) of this section or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

(b) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this part and the section affected is as follows:

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22181

Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 55DC, Guideline: Codes For Named Populated Places, Primary County Divisions, And Other Locational Entities of the United States and Outlying Areas (1987)—67.119

§ 67.14 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

(a) Purpose. This section collects and displays the control numbers assigned to information collection and recordkeeping requirements in this subchapter by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ). The Coast Guard intends that this section comply with the requirements of 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(3) which requires that agencies display a current control number assigned by the Director of the OMB for each approved agency information collection requirement.

(b) Display.

46 CFR part or section where identified or described

Current OMB control No.

Part 67

1625-0027

Part 68

1625-0027

§ 67.15 Form of document—all endorsements.

(a) The form of document is a Certificate of Documentation, form CG-1270.

(b) Upon application in accordance with subpart K of this part and determination of qualification by the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, a Certificate of Documentation may be issued with a registry, coastwise, fishery, or recreational endorsement.

(c) A Certificate of Documentation may bear simultaneous endorsements for recreation and more than one trade, including operation under 46 CFR part 68.

Note:

Where a vessel possesses a Certificate of Documentation bearing more than one endorsement, the actual use of the vessel determines the endorsement under which it is operating.

§ 67.17 Registry endorsement.

(a) A registry endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in the foreign trade; trade with Guam, American Samoa, Wake, Midway, or Kingman Reef; and any other employment for which a coastwise, or fishery endorsement is not required.

(b) Any vessel eligible for documentation under § 67.5 is eligible for a registry endorsement.

§ 67.19 Coastwise endorsement.

(a) A coastwise endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in unrestricted coastwise trade, dredging, towing, and any other employment for which a registry or fishery endorsement is not required.

(b) If eligible for documentation and not restricted from coastwise trade by paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, the following vessels are eligible for a coastwise endorsement:

(1) Vessels built in the United States (§ 67.97);

(2) Forfeited vessels (§ 67.131);

(3) Vessels granted coastwise trading privileges by special legislation (§ 67.132);

(4) Wrecked vessels (§ 67.133);

(5) Captured vessels (§ 67.134); and

(6) Vessels purchased, chartered, or leased from the Secretary of Transportation by persons who are citizens of the United States (46 U.S.C. 57109).

(c) A vessel otherwise eligible for a coastwise endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section permanently loses that eligibility if:

(1) It is thereafter sold in whole or in part to an owner:

(i) Not a citizen as defined in subpart C of this part, or

(ii) Not a person permitted to document vessels pursuant to 46 CFR part 68;

(2) It is thereafter registered under the laws of a foreign country;

(3) It undergoes rebuilding as defined in § 67.177 outside of the United States; or

(4) It is a crude oil tanker of 20,000 deadweight tons or above, and after October 17, 1978, has segregated ballast tanks, a crude oil washing system, or an inert gas system installed outside of the United States as defined in § 67.3.

(d) A vessel otherwise eligible for a coastwise endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section loses that eligibility during any period in which it is:

(1) Owned by a corporation which does not meet the citizenship requirements of § 67.39(c);

(2) Owned by a partnership which does not meet the citizenship requirements of § 67.35(c); or

(3) Mortgaged to a person not identified in § 67.233(b).

§ 67.21 Fishery endorsement.

(a) A fishery endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in the fisheries as defined in § 67.3, subject to Federal and State laws regulating the fisheries, and in any other employment for which a registry or coastwise endorsement is not required. A fishery endorsement entitles a vessel to land its catch, wherever caught, in the United States.

(b) If eligible for documentation and not restricted from the fisheries by paragraph (c) of this section, the following vessels are eligible for a fishery endorsement:

(1) Vessels built in the United States (§ 67.97);

(2) Forfeited vessels (§ 67.131);

(3) Vessels granted fisheries privileges by special legislation(§ 67.132);

(4) Wrecked vessels (§ 67.133); and

(5) Captured vessels (§ 67.134).

(c) A vessel otherwise eligible for a fishery endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section permanently loses that eligibility if it undergoes rebuilding as defined in § 67.177 outside of the United States.

(d) A vessel otherwise eligible for a fishery endorsement under paragraph (b) of this section loses that eligibility during any period in which it is:

(1) Owned by a partnership which does not meet the requisite citizenship requirements of § 67.35(b);

(2) Owned by a corporation which does not meet the citizenship requirements of § 67.39(b); or

(3) Chartered or leased to an individual who is not a citizen of the United States or to an entity that is not eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement, except that time charters, voyage charters and other charters that are not a demise of the vessel may be entered into with Non-Citizens for the charter of dedicated Fish Tender Vessels and Fish Processing Vessels that are not engaged in the harvesting of fish or fishery resources without the vessel losing its eligibility for a fishery endorsement.

(e) A vessel operating with a fishery endorsement on October 1, 1998, under the authority of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, or a purse seine vessel engaged in tuna fishing outside of the EEZ of the United States or pursuant to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Treaty may continue to operate as set out in 46 U.S.C. 12113(c)(3), provided that the owner of the vessel continues to comply with the fishery endorsement requirements that were in effect on October 1, 1998.

(f) An individual or entity that is otherwise eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement shall be ineligible if an instrument or evidence of indebtedness, secured by a mortgage of the vessel, to a trustee eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement is issued, assigned, transferred, or held in trust for a person not eligible to own a vessel with a fishery endorsement, unless the Commandant determines that the issuance, assignment, transfer, or trust arrangement does not result in an impermissible transfer of control of the vessel and that the trustee:

(1) Is organized as a corporation that meets § 67.39(b) of this part, and is doing business under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Is authorized under those laws to exercise corporate trust powers which meet § 67.36(b) of this part;

(3) Is subject to supervision or examination by an official of the United States Government or a State;

(4) Has a combined capital and surplus (as stated in its most recent published report of condition) of at least $3,000,000; and

(5) Meets any other requirements prescribed by the Commandant.

For vessels greater than or equal to 100 feet in length, approval of such an arrangement from the Maritime Administration will be accepted as evidence that the above conditions are met and will be approved by the Commandant. For vessels less than 100 feet, a standard loan and mortgage agreement that has received general approval under 46 CFR 356.21 will be accepted as evidence that the above conditions are met and will be approved by the Commandant.

§ 67.23 Recreational endorsement.

(a) A recreational endorsement entitles a vessel to pleasure use only.

(b) Any vessel eligible for documentation under § 67.5 is eligible for a recreational endorsement.

Note:

A vessel having a Certificate of Documentation endorsed only for recreation may be bareboat chartered only for recreational use. Guidance on the elements of a valid bareboat charter should be obtained through private legal counsel.

§ 67.30 Requirement for citizen owner.

Certificates of Documentation may be issued under this part only to vessels which are wholly owned by United States citizens. Pursuant to extraordinary legislation at 46 U.S.C. 12118 (Bowater Amendment) and 46 U.S.C. 12117 (Oil Pollution Act of 1990), Certificates of Documentation with limited endorsements may be issued in accordance with part 68 of this chapter to vessels owned by certain persons who are not citizens as defined in this part.

§ 67.31 Stock or equity interest requirements.

(a) The stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart encompass: title to all classes of stock; title to voting stock; and ownership of equity. An otherwise qualifying corporation or partnership may fail to meet stock or equity interest requirements because: Stock is subject to trust or fiduciary obligations in favor of non-citizens; non-citizens exercise, directly or indirectly, voting power; or non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the entity. The applicable stock or equity interest requirement is not met if the amount of stock subject to obligations in favor of non-citizens, non-citizen voting power, or non-citizen control exceeds the percentage of the non-citizen interest permitted.

(b) For the purpose of stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart, control of non-fishing industry vessels includes an absolute right to: Direct corporate or partnership business; limit the actions of or replace the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, or any general partner; direct the transfer or operations of any vessel owned by the corporation or partnership; or otherwise exercise authority over the business of the corporation or partnership. Control does not include the right to simply participate in these activities or the right to receive a financial return, e.g., interest or the equivalent of interest on a loan or other financing obligations.

(c) For the purpose of this section, control of a fishing industry vessel means having:

(1) The right to direct the business of the entity that owns the vessel;

(2) The right to limit the actions of or to replace the chief executive officer, the majority of the board of directors, any general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity that owns the vessel;

(3) The right to direct the transfer, the operation, or the manning of a vessel with a fishery endorsement.

(d) For purposes of meeting the stock or equity interest requirements for citizenship under this subpart where title to a vessel is held by an entity comprised, in whole or in part, of other entities which are not individuals, each entity contributing to the stock or equity interest qualifications of the entity holding title must be a citizen eligible to document vessels in its own right with the trade endorsement sought.

§ 67.33 Individual.

An individual is a citizen if native-born, naturalized, or a derivative citizen of the United States, or otherwise qualifies as a United States citizen.

§ 67.35 Partnership.

A partnership meets citizenship requirements if all its general partners are citizens, and:

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, at least 50 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership, at each tier of the partnership and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the partnership is owned by citizens or the vessel qualifies under § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

§ 67.36 Trust.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or recreational endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) Each of its trustees is a citizen; and

(2) Each beneficiary with an enforceable interest in the trust is a citizen.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust, at each tier of the trust and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a trust arrangement meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the equity interest in the trust is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

§ 67.37 Association or joint venture.

(a) An association meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

(b) A joint venture meets citizenship requirements if each of its members is a citizen.

§ 67.39 Corporation.

(a) For the purpose of obtaining a registry or a recreational endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It is incorporated under the laws of the United States or of a State;

(2) Its chief executive officer, by whatever title, is a citizen;

(3) Its chairman of the board of directors is a citizen; and

(4) No more of its directors are non-citizens than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum.

(b) For the purpose of obtaining a fishery endorsement, a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) At least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation, at each tier of the corporation and in the aggregate, is owned by citizens.

(c) For the purpose of obtaining a coastwise endorsement a corporation meets citizenship requirements if:

(1) It meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and at least 75 percent of the stock interest in the corporation is owned by citizens; or

(2) It meets the requirements of § 68.60 or § 68.105 of this chapter.

(d) A corporation which does not meet the stock interest requirement of paragraph (c) of this section may qualify for limited coastwise trading privileges by meeting the requirements of part 68 of this chapter.

§ 67.41 Governmental entity.

A governmental entity is a citizen for the purpose of obtaining a vessel document if it is an entity of the Federal Government of the United States or of the government of a State as defined in § 67.3.

§ 67.43 Evidence of citizenship.

When received by the Coast Guard, a properly completed original Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG-1258) establishes a rebuttable presumption that the applicant is a United States citizen.

§ 67.47 Requirement for Maritime Administration approval.

(a) The following transactions, among others, require approval of the Maritime Administration in accordance with 46 CFR part 221:

(1) Placement of the vessel under foreign registry;

(2) Operation of the vessel under the authority of a foreign country; and

(3) Sale or transfer of an interest in or control of the vessel from a citizen of the United States to a person not a citizen of the United States, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501.

(b) A Certificate of Documentation may not be issued for a vessel which subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation has undergone any transaction listed in paragraph (a) of this section, even if the owner meets the citizenship requirements of this subpart, unless evidence is provided that the Maritime Administration approved the transaction.

(c) The restriction imposed by paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to a vessel identified in § 67.11(b).

§ 67.50 Requirement for title evidence.

The owner of a vessel must present title evidence in accordance with one of the methods specified in this subpart:

(a) When application is made for a coastwise endorsement for a vessel which has not previously been qualified for such endorsement;

(b) For initial documentation of a vessel;

(c) When the ownership of a documented vessel changes in whole or in part;

(d) When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution, without dissolution of the partnership; or

(e) When a vessel which has been deleted from documentation is returned to documentation and there has been an intervening change in ownership.

§ 67.53 Methods of establishing title.

Title to a vessel may be established through one of the following methods:

(a) Simplified method without evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes chain of title from that registration to the present owner.

(b) Simplified method with evidence of build. The owner must produce a copy of the last registration of the vessel (State, Federal, or foreign) and evidence which establishes chain of title from that registration to the present owner along with evidence of the facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part.

(c) Complete chain of title, without evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner.

(d) Complete chain of title, with evidence of citizenship for each entity in that chain of title. The owner must provide evidence which establishes:

(1) The facts of build in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(2) A complete chain of title for the vessel from the person for whom the vessel was built to the present owner, accompanied by competent and persuasive evidence establishing the citizenship of each entity in the chain of title.

§ 67.55 Requirement for removal from foreign registry.

The owner of a vessel must present evidence of removal of the vessel from foreign registry whenever:

(a) The owner applies for initial documentation of a vessel that has at any time been registered under the laws of a foreign country; or

(b) The owner applies for reentry into documentation of a vessel that had been registered under the laws of a foreign country since it was last documented under the laws of the United States.

§ 67.57 Extent of title evidence required for initial documentation.

(a) Vessels never registered under any system:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG-1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG-1261) described in § 67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c) or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the first owner of the vessel is the certification of the builder (form CG-1261) described in § 67.99, or a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. Any other applicant must also present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(2) of § 67.53.

Note:

Manufacturer's Certificates of Origin are sometimes used as shipping documents for vessels, and may recite as the first owner a person other than the person for which the vessel was built. Therefore, a chain of title which begins with a Certificate of Origin will be deemed incomplete.

(b) Vessels previously registered under the laws of a State or a foreign government:

(1) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with § 67.53(d).

(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of § 67.53.

§ 67.59 Extent of title evidence required for change in ownership of a documented vessel.

When the ownership of a documented vessel changes, in whole or in part, the applicant for documentation must present:

(a) Title evidence in accordance with subpart E of this part to reflect all ownership changes subsequent to the last issuance of a Certificate of Documentation; and

(b) Where a registry, fishery, or recreational endorsement is sought, evidence of the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented except for a vessel:

(1) Identified in § 67.11(b); or

(2) For which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale under 46 CFR part 221.

(c) Where a coastwise endorsement is sought, evidence establishing the citizenship of all owners subsequent to the last owner for whom the vessel was documented with a coastwise endorsement, if such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard. If the vessel has never been documented with a coastwise endorsement, evidence must be presented to establish the citizenship of each owner of the vessel for whom such evidence is not already on file with the Coast Guard.

§ 67.61 Extent of title evidence required for vessels returning to documentation.

(a) When the owner of a vessel which has been deleted from documentation applies to have the vessel returned to documentation, the owner must, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, provide evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under documentation, and citizenship evidence for all owners in that chain of title.

(b) When a vessel is returned to documentation after having been under foreign registry, the owner must provide a copy of the last foreign registry, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under foreign registry. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

(c) The owner of a vessel identified in § 67.11(b) or for which the Maritime Administration has granted approval for transfer or sale, either by written order or by general approval in 46 CFR part 221, and which was under a State or Federal registration or titling system, must provide a copy of the last registration or title, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, if applicable, and evidence establishing the complete chain of title from the last owner under such registry or title. No citizenship evidence need be provided for owners in that chain of title.

Note:

Although vessels returned to documentation without a complete chain of title are not eligible for a coastwise endorsement, this does not preclude such an endorsement if the chain of title, with citizenship evidence, is completed at a later date.

§ 67.63 Extent of title evidence required for captured, forfeited, special legislation, and wrecked vessels.

(a) In the case of a captured or forfeited vessel, the owner must provide evidence establishing the chain of title from the judicial decree of capture or decree of forfeiture, or the evidence of administrative forfeiture described in § 67.131(b). Citizenship evidence for all owners in the chain of title is required only if a coastwise endorsement is sought.

(b) In the case of a vessel which is the subject of special legislation or a wrecked vessel, the owner must provide:

(1) For initial documentation of a vessel or return to documentation of a vessel deleted from documentation, a copy of the last Federal, State, or foreign registration, the evidence of removal from foreign registry required by § 67.55, if applicable, and evidence establishing the chain of title from the last registration. If a coastwise endorsement is sought, the owner must present citizenship evidence for all owners in the chain of title from the grant of special legislation or the determination by the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center that the vessel is eligible for documentation under 46 U.S.C. 12107.

(2) For a documented vessel, the title evidence reflecting all ownership changes subsequent to the last documented owner of record. In addition, unless the vessel qualifies for exemption under § 67.11(b) or the vessel is the subject of Maritime Administration approval for unrestricted transfer, citizenship evidence must be presented for all owners in that chain of title.

§ 67.70 Original owner.

The builder's certification described in § 67.99 serves as evidence of the original owner's title to a vessel.

§ 67.73 Transfers prior to documentation.

A transfer of vessel title prior to documentation may be evidenced by:

(a) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the builder's certification on form CG-1261;

(b) Completion of the transfer information on the reverse of the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin; or

(c) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part.

§ 67.75 Transfers by sale or donation subsequent to documentation.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, transfers of vessel title must be evidenced by a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part. Except as otherwise provided in subpart O of this part, each bill of sale must be accompanied by a declaration of citizenship from the new owner, executed on the appropriate Maritime Administration form described in § 67.211.

(b) The bill of sale form used may be form CG-1340 or form CG-1356, as appropriate.

(c) An applicant for documentation who cannot produce required title evidence in the form of an instrument eligible for filing and recording in accordance with subpart P of this part may apply for a waiver of that requirement in accordance with the provisions of § 67.89.

§ 67.77 Passage of title by court action.

(a) When title to a vessel has passed by court action, that passage must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

(b) When authority to transfer a vessel has been conferred by court action, that authority must be established by copies of the relevant court order(s) certified by an official of the court.

§ 67.79 Passage of title without court action following death of owner.

(a) When title to a vessel formerly owned in whole or in part by an individual now deceased passes without court action, an applicant for documentation must present:

(1) When title passes to a surviving joint tenant or tenants or to a tenant by the entirety, a copy of the death certificate, certified by an appropriate State official; or

(2) Where the laws of cognizant jurisdiction permit passage of title without court action, evidence of compliance with applicable State law.

(b) Passage of title subsequent to devolutions such as those described in paragraph (a) of this section, must be established in accordance with the remainder of this subpart.

§ 67.81 Passage of title in conjunction with a corporate merger or similar transaction.

When the title to a vessel has passed as the result of a corporate merger or similar transaction wherein the assets of one corporation have been transferred to another, the passage of title must be established by:

(a) Materials, such as a resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of the corporation which held title to the vessel before the transaction, which either unequivocally transfers all of the assets of the corporation or which specifically identifies the vessel as being among the assets transferred; and

(b) In jurisdictions where there is an official recognition of corporate mergers and similar transactions, a copy of such official recognition certified by the cognizant official of that jurisdiction.

§ 67.83 Passage of title by extra-judicial repossession and sale.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by reason of an extra-judicial repossession and sale, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the instrument under which foreclosure was made;

(b) An affidavit from the foreclosing party setting forth the reasons for foreclosure, the chronology of foreclosure, the statute(s) under which foreclosure was made, and the steps taken to comply with the relevant instrument and statute(s);

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant instrument and statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part from the foreclosing party as agent for the defaulting owner(s).

§ 67.85 Change in general partners of partnership.

When the general partners of a partnership owning a documented vessel change by addition, deletion, or substitution without dissolution of the partnership, the change must be established by a written statement from a surviving general partner detailing the nature of the change.

§ 67.87 Change of legal name of owner.

(a) When the name of a corporation which owns a documented vessel changes, the corporation must present certification from the appropriate governmental agency evidencing registration of the name change.

(b) When the name of an individual who owns a documented vessel changes for any reason, competent and persuasive evidence establishing the change must be provided.

§ 67.89 Waiver of production of a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording.

(a) When the evidence of title passage required by this subpart is a bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part, and the applicant is unable to produce a bill of sale meeting those criteria, the applicant may request that the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center waive that requirement.

(b) No waiver of the requirement to produce a bill of sale eligible for filing and recording may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written statement detailing the reasons why an instrument meeting the filing and recording criteria of this part cannot be obtained; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the passage of title.

§ 67.91 Passage of title pursuant to operation of State law.

When title to a documented vessel has passed by operation of State law for reasons other than those specified in this subpart, such passage must be established by:

(a) A copy of the statute permitting transfer of title to the vessel and setting forth procedures to be followed in disposing of the vessel;

(b) An affidavit from the party acting against the vessel, setting forth the basis for selling the vessel, and the steps taken to comply with the requirements of the statute under which title passes;

(c) Evidence of substantial compliance with the relevant statute(s); and

(d) A bill of sale which meets the criteria for filing and recording set forth in subpart P of this part from the acting party as agent for the owner(s) of record.

Note:

State law authorizing a marina to dispose of abandoned vessels is an example of passage of title by operation of law contemplated by § 67.91.

§ 67.95 Requirement for determination.

Evidence that a vessel was built in the United States must be on file for any vessel for which a coastwise or fishery endorsement is sought, unless the vessel is otherwise qualified for those endorsements under subpart J of this part.

§ 67.97 United States built.

To be considered built in the United States a vessel must meet both of the following criteria:

(a) All major components of its hull and superstructure are fabricated in the United States; and

(b) The vessel is assembled entirely in the United States.

§ 67.99 Evidence of build.

(a) Evidence of the facts of build may be a copy of either the original, completed form CG-1261 (Builder's Certification and First Transfer of Title), or other document containing the same information, executed by a person having personal knowledge of the facts of build because that person:

(1) Constructed the vessel;

(2) Supervised the actual construction of the vessel; or

(3) Is an officer or employee of the company which built the vessel and has examined the records of the company concerning the facts of build of the vessel.

(b) A vessel owner applying for documentation must file a separate certificate from each builder involved in the construction of the vessel.

(c) A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin is not evidence of the facts of build.

§ 67.101 Waiver of evidence of build.

(a) A vessel owner applying for documentation unable to obtain the evidence of build required by § 67.99 may apply for a waiver of that requirement to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center.

(b) No waiver of the requirement in § 67.99 to produce evidence of build may be granted unless the applicant provides:

(1) A written request for the waiver, explaining why the evidence required by § 67.99 cannot be furnished; and

(2) Competent and persuasive evidence of the facts of build.

§ 67.105 Requirement for determination.

The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel must be determined:

(a) For initial documentation;

(b) Whenever there is a change in the gross or net tonnage or dimensions of a documented vessel; or

(c) When the gross or net tonnage of a vessel returning to documentation has changed since the vessel was last documented.

§ 67.107 System of measurement; evidence.

(a) The gross and net tonnage and dimensions of a vessel for purposes of this part are determined in accordance with 46 CFR part 69.

(b) A certificate of measurement issued by an authorized official is the only acceptable evidence of the gross and net tonnage of a vessel measured in accordance with subpart B, C, or D of 46 CFR part 69. A certificate of measurement is not issued for vessels measured under subpart E of 46 CFR part 69 since the gross and net tonnage are determined as part of the documentation process.

§ 67.111 Assignment of official number.

(a) The owner of a vessel must submit an Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (form CG-1258) to the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center, to apply for an official number for the vessel when:

(1) Application is made for initial documentation of the vessel; or

(2) An existing vessel has been severed, with two or more vessels resulting. In this case, the official number of the original vessel is retired and the owner of each resulting vessel must apply for designation of a new official number.

(b) Upon receipt of form CG-1258, the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center will have an official number assigned to the vessel and furnish it to the vessel owner.

§ 67.113 Managing owner designation; address; requirement to report change of address.

The owner of each vessel must designate a managing owner on the Application for Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation; or Redocumentation (CG-1258).

(a) The managing owner of a vessel owned by one person is the owner of the vessel.

(b) The managing owner of a vessel owned by more than one person must be one of the owners. The person designated as managing owner must have an address in the United States except where no owner of the vessel has an address in the United States.

(c) The managing owner of a vessel owned in a trust arrangement must be one of the trustees.

(d) The address of the managing owner must be as follows:

(1) For an individual, any residence of the managing owner.

(2) For a partnership, its address:

(i) In the State under whose laws it is organized; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(3) For a corporation, its address:

(i) For service of process within the State of incorporation; or

(ii) Of its principal place of business.

(e) Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 30 days.