Menu

What Kind of Proof of Vessel Ownership Do I Need If I'm Documenting Sea Time on a Boat That I Own?

Own a boat? For USCG sea time, you'll need specific proof of ownership. Learn what's accepted and how to document your experience.

2 mins read・Apr 20, 2023
On this page

The proof of vessel ownership you submit to the USCG must list your name as the owner, and must also match the vessel identification information you use on your CG-719S form. Acceptable proof of ownership may include, although is not limited to:

  • Vessel documentation
  • Title
  • Proof of insurance
  • Bill of sale
  • State registration
Steering wheel of a boat on the water, illustrating proof needed for documenting sea time for USCG captains license.

If I own multiple boats do I need to provide Proof of Ownership for each boat to get my USCG license?

Yes, you will need to provide proof of ownership for every vessel you are submitting to the USCG if you own the boat.

The USCG will only accept sea time that is accompanied with proof of ownership. If you are attesting to your own sea time on your own boats, make sure to sign both parts of section III of the 719S form.

What's the best way to track down proof of ownership documentation for vessels that I sold years ago?

We recommend looking through any old documentation to find anything that has your name and a vessel ID on it before you create your sea service letters or CG-719S form, as these need to match. If you do not have any records of your ownership of the vessel you can contact your insurance agent, the state where it was registered, or anyone else you can think of that may have some type of documentation that has your name and the vessel ID number on it that indicates you are the owner of the boat, such as a marina where you kept the boat, or a boat storage facility where you kept it on the hard.

Will a picture of my boat work for proof of ownership?

No, Photos of vessels are not acceptable as proof of ownership. If you are not the owner of the vessel, someone with knowledge of your service must attest to its accuracy and validity in the proper location on the form by signing it and completing the associated required information.

Devices showing MM-SEAS platform for managing USCG MMC renewal, upgrades, applications, and sea service records.

We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!

MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Pro inside of the site.

No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application, you can choose to have the MM-SEAS staff create a perfect application, handle the USCG application fees and work with the USCG on your behalf to resolve any issues for a flat fee of $349 or you can choose to submit on your own.

Pro MM-SEAS members get access to unlimited live 1 on 1 calls with one of our USCG Licensing Specialists. We've found that answering questions live with screen sharing in a video call makes both of our lives easier. Pro MM-SEAS members can access these features inside of MM-SEAS under License Guidance.

Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license? We're here to help.

No matter if it is your first MMC, your second Upgrade or your fifth Renewal USCG Licensing is easy with MM-SEAS.
Sign Up for Free
Always Free | $349 if you file with us (Includes pay.gov fees)

About the author

Nate Gilman
Nate Gilman
Captain
Follow

Nate has over 15 years of professional maritime experience and has hawsepiped his way to a 3rd Mate Unlimited Endorsement with full STCW compliance. He is proud veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps.

What our customers are saying

Your MMC, your way

Do it yourself, get expert help, or hand it off start to finish — let’s get your USCG License done right.
Free
You will always have access
Start for Free
File on your own
Renewing or getting your first U.S. Coast Guard License? Let our simple and easy-to-use checklists guide you.
See how MM-SEAS Free works →
Optional
$349 for a Perfect Application
‍(Includes pay.gov fees)
$99 a year
Upgrade to Pro at anytime
Start for Free
Live expert license help
Get unlimited personal support to renew and upgrade your Merchant Mariner Credential while progressing in your career.
See how MM-SEAS Pro works →
Optional
$349 for a Perfect Application
‍(Includes pay.gov fees)
$899 a year
Upgrade to Admiral at anytime
Start for Free
We do your MMC for you
Have a dedicated licensing expert handle everything for your USCG License, from start to finish with unlimited guidance.
See how MM-SEAS Admiral works →
Included
Unlimited Perfect Applications (Includes pay.gov fees)
Recent Posts