If you would like to know the estimated timeframe for applications processed by the National Vessel Documentation Center, you may check the NVDC Case Processing Dates. This table show the latest completed application wait times (updated weekly):

NVDC Processing Delays

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/09/2019 12:16 PM EDT

The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is currently experiencing processing delays related to Certificate of Documentation (COD), Abstracts of Title (A/T), and other documentation requests due to performance issues associated with its Information Technology (IT) System.

NVDC staff are fully aware of the importance of timely documentation issuance on commerce and they strive to provide the best possible customer service to all of the 300,000+ customers they serve annually and the USCG has formed an internal Integrated Product Team (IPT) to take corrective action addressing IT System performance issues, which will facilitate NVDC’s ability to provide improved response time to service requests from the maritime industry.

Certificate of Documentation (COD) Guidance During Application Processing Delays

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/15/2019 03:34 PM EDT

The National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is experiencing delays in the time necessary to issue a Certificate of Documentation (COD) due to performance issues associated with its Information Technology (IT) System. The Coast Guard recognizes the need to minimize the effect on the maritime community. The following guidance is provided:

Vessels Engaged on Domestic Voyages Only (Coastwise/Fisheries): Vessel(s) with an expired COD may continue to operate domestically on the previously issued trade endorsements provided a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC. Vessel owners should be prepared to present evidence, upon request, to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) or the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC), that a renewal application was submitted.

New Construction/Initial Certification (All Trade Endorsements): In accordance with the Marine Safety Manual, Vol. II, an initial COI may be completed before the COD is issued provided the NVDC has received the application for documentation. Vessel representatives should be prepared to present evidence that the application was submitted to the NVDC to the OCMI.

Engaged on International Voyage (Registry Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage on international voyages and are subject to Port State Control may request a letter from CG-CVC for continued operation. Requests for a letter confirming vessel registry by the United States should be sent to FlagStateControl@uscg.mil and include objective evidence that a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC.

Recreational Vessels (Recreational Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage in recreational use shall not be subject to COD related enforcement action, provided the vessel owner can present evidence that the renewal application was submitted to the NVDC.