View Rule

The Coast Guard proposes changes to its regulations describing what steps States must take before the Coast Guard can certify the States’ titling systems for undocumented vessels. The proposed changes would align those steps with the provisions of the Uniform Certificate of Title Act for Vessels (UCOTA-V). This should make it easier for States to obtain Coast Guard certification for preferred mortgage status, which benefits a State’s vessel owners and financial institutions that provide financing for vessel purchases. Moreover, a State’s certification entitles it to participate in the Coast Guard’s Vessel Identification System (VIS), which helps provide positive vessel identification and deter vessel theft. This notice of proposed rulemaking promotes the Coast Guard’s maritime safety and security missions.