Yes, you can look up information for Coast Guard Documented Vessels, which includes their official identification numbers, using specific online resources. This process allows access to key details about a vessel.
Looking Up Documented Vessel Information
For vessels that are documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, rather than state-registered, you can search for their information through a dedicated system. The CGMIX Coast Guard Port State Information Exchange is the primary platform where this data is accessible. This tool is designed to provide public access to certain vessel details.
How to Search for Vessel Information
To successfully retrieve information on a documented vessel, you generally need one of the following identifiers:
- Vessel Name: If you know the exact name of the boat.
- Hull Identification Number (HIN): A unique 12-character serial number found on the boat's transom.
- Official Number: A federal identification number assigned by the Coast Guard, similar to a registration number for documented vessels.
You can input any of these details into the search interface of the CGMIX Coast Guard Port State Information Exchange to initiate your lookup.
What Information Can Be Found?
Once a successful search is performed using one of the above criteria, the system will typically reveal comprehensive vessel information. This data is crucial for various purposes, including verifying ownership, checking vessel status, or simply gathering details about a specific documented boat.
The search results often include, but are not limited to, the following details:
| Information Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | The official name under which the boat is documented. |
| Official Number | The unique federal identification number assigned to the vessel. |
| Hull Identification Number (HIN) | The unique serial number identifying the hull. |
| Flag | The country under which the vessel is registered or documented. |
| Vessel Type | Classification of the vessel (e.g., recreational, commercial). |
| Service | Information regarding the vessel's primary use or operational status. |
This lookup capability provides a transparent way to access public records for federally documented vessels, distinguishing them from boats that are typically registered with individual state agencies.
