California Yacht and Ship Licensing Practice Exam

The main idea is that vessel documentation should be carried on the vessel so it can be readily shown to authorities during inspection or in foreign or domestic voyages. The certificate of documentation proves the vessel’s nationality and legal status, and having it on board ensures it’s available when needed.

There are practical exceptions: if the vessel is non-self-propelled and not engaged in foreign trade, federal documentation isn’t required, so the document doesn’t need to be kept on board. If the vessel is in storage or out of the water and not in active service, you may not have to keep it on the vessel at all times; the documentation can be submitted to an officer or kept in safekeeping as appropriate.

Keeping the paperwork at the owner’s home, in the harbor master’s office, or exclusively at the National Coast Guard Doc Center is not the standard practice for day-to-day operation. The key is having it aboard, with the noted exceptions for non-self-propelled, stored, or out-of-service situations.