Question:
Why can't I find vessel ownership information anymore?
Answer:
On June 12, 2017, the Coast Guard removed certain personally identifiable information (PII) from the Merchant Vessels of the U.S. file. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552a, the Coast Guard may not publicly disclose PII via publication of the Merchant Vessels of the U.S. unless a request for the information is listed as a routine use under the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) System of Records or the Homeport System of Records. System of Records Notices may be accessed at https://www.dhs.gov/system-records-notices-sorns.


Question:
Is there any way I can obtain vessel ownership information?
Answer:
The public may request certified copies of a vessel’s Certificate of Documentation or an Abstract of Title via the National Vessel Documentation Center at www.uscg.mil/nvdc. Requests for any other associated documents or data would require a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. FOIA requests may be submitted by following the instructions at www.uscg.mil/foia.