In order to change the name of a US Coast Guard Documented Vessel, you must first complete the appropriate forms required to update the National Vessel Documentation Center’s database with the new vessel name (CG-1258). Once filed and returned, you may remove the previous name and add the new name. If the vessel has a mortgage or lien on record, you must first apply for permission from the mortgagee or lienholder to change the name of the vessel.
Completing this form will automatically renew your Vessel Documentation for one year, unless you elect to have multiple extra years added to your documentation.
NOTE: All Coast Guard Documented Vessels MUST display their registered names at all times.
To proceed with the Vessel Name Change Webform, you may proceed to the following link:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/vessel-name-hailing-port-change/
The name designated:
(1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals;
(2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; and
(3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.
(d) Until such time as the owner of a vessel elects to change the name of a vessel, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to vessels validly documented before January 1, 1994.
Marking requirements are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Volume II:
§ 67.123 Name and hailing port marking requirements.
(a) For vessels other than those covered in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the name of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the port and starboard bow and the stern of the vessel. The hailing port of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the stern of the vessel.
(b) Vessels with square bow. For vessels having a square bow, the name of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the bow in a manner to avoid obliteration. The name and hailing port must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the stern.
(c) Recreational vessels. For vessels documented exclusively for recreation, the name and hailing port must be marked together on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull.
(d) The markings required by paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, which may be made by the use of any means and materials which result in durable markings, must be made in clearly legible letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals not less than four inches in height.
