67.57 – Extent of Title Evidence Required for Initial Documentation

(a) Vessels never registered under any system:
(1) Where a coastwise or Great Lakes endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in §67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with §67.53(d).
(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the owner for whom it was built is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in §67.99. Any other applicant must present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c) or (d) of §67.53.       (3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, the only title evidence required for a vessel being documented by the first owner of the vessel is the certification of the builder (form CG–1261) described in §67.99, or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Any other applicant must also present title evidence in accordance with either paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(2) of §67.53.

NOTE: Manufacturer’s Certificates of Origin are sometimes used as shipping documents for vessels, and may recite as the first owner a person other than the person for which the vessel was built. Therefore, a chain of title which begins with a Certificate of Origin will be deemed incomplete.

(b) Vessels previously registered under the laws of a State or a foreign government:
(1) Where a coastwise or a Great Lakes endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with §67.53(d).
(2) Where a fishery endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph
(b), (c), or (d) of §67.53.
(3) Where a registry or recreational endorsement is sought, title evidence must be presented in accordance with paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of §67.53