I recently submitted USCG documentation to transfer ownership for a new to me Catalina 36. Does anyone have any recent feedback on how long it will take to have my documentation processed? It's been about 6 weeks now. I know they received my paperwork since they cashed the check I enclosed.
US Coast Guard Documentation turnaround time
- Thread starter envisionvenicefl
- Start date
On another recent thread there is a link to a GAO report on the Documentation service. In that report there is a chart showing the processing times for applications. There is considerable seasonal variation, so it is difficult to predict. I know last fall there were some staffing issues, presumably related to Covid. The person I was dealing with was unexpectedly out of work for about 6 weeks.
There is a link on the Documentation website that allows you to track paperwork. That may give you a better idea. Otherwise, past experience says 8 to 12 weeks is not unusual.
There is a link on the Documentation website that allows you to track paperwork. That may give you a better idea. Otherwise, past experience says 8 to 12 weeks is not unusual.
Thanks, I checked the NVDC website and they are currently processing recreational applications submitted in mid Dec. This would be a 10 week turnaround at this point.
Last time I did an initial documentation, it took approximately 12 weeks, during relatively normal times.
Renewals are very quick, usually less than 4 weeks; however, I am not sure with the current Covid situation. Just sent my annual renewal a couple weeks ago.
Renewals are very quick, usually less than 4 weeks; however, I am not sure with the current Covid situation. Just sent my annual renewal a couple weeks ago.
I renewed my doc online on Feb 12, Friday. I recv'd the new one Friday the 19th. I guess credit cards clear quicker than checks?
Online renewals are quick because the process is automated. That is not what the OP is doing.
New applications and transfers require more research and processing before they are issued. The process is not automated.
It is all about the timing of the application. See this chart from a recent GAO report about the time to process a recreational application.
Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Improve National Vessel Documentation Center Operations
The Coast Guard requires owners of certain commercial ships and other vessels to obtain vessel documentation—a form of registration. Owners of...
So, it has only been about 6 weeks since they received your application. There are a number of issues lately. The USPS has been struggling to maintain on-time delivery for months due to a variety of factors, such as increased mail traffic due to online shopping, decreased staffing due to Covid. And a Postmaster General who seems more intent on disabling the USPS than improving its service. Given these factors and the holiday rush it seems likely the application was not received in a timely manner which may account for the delay.
Once they receive the application, they review it for accuracy and completion. Believe it or not, some otherwise intelligent people seem to have difficulty completing forms. That inability slows down the process, the application has to be sent back to the applicant, corrected and returned. This simply slows down the entire process. Last fall I spent an inordinate amount of time correcting someone else's application for a boat I'm working on.
Once the review officer is satisfied the application is completed correctly, they have to search prior documentations to assure the chain of ownership is accurate and there are no liens or outstanding obligations for the vessel. Then, they can process the documentation. If in this process they discover some inconsistency or misinformation, then the application is placed on hold and a letter sent to the applicant explaining the problem. The more time spent dealing with incorrect or inaccurate applications, the less time to process everyone else's applications. This may be one reason Banks often require a professional documentation service when they hold a mortgage on the boat.
When there is an issue, there is a paper trail. There were 13 pages in the application that I was sorting out last fall, not counting the half dozen or emails and letters I sent. When I requested copies of the documents involved a person had to retrieve the paper files and scan them in order to send them to me.
Each day the applications are placed in a queue based on the order in which they were received. The applications are then reviewed based on their place in the queue.
The letters sent are not simple, you forgot to check this box, they are very legalistic and specific. They take this stuff seriously.
One thing the professional groups do is enclose a stamped post card with the application. The USCG would stamp the post card with the date the application was received and put it in the mail. That way you knew when the application was received.
and I’m 6 weeks behind.Let me know when you get yours ... I'm about 4 weeks behind you.
But I have “running papers” - basically a letter from documentation agent providing details of application with pertinent attachments. So that should keep me out of trouble for a few months...
Wow! makes me glade my boat is registered instead of documented. I walk into the DOL write a check and get my stickers.
Once documented, the renewals are very easy and quick. Login to the website, fill out a form, give em a credit card number and a week later the certificate shows up in the mail. Beginning next year, it gets even easier, do this once every 5 years. And we don't have any ugly registration numbers on our bows.