What is USCG Documentation?

 

U.S. Coast Guard documentation is an optional means of registering a vessel.   It does not replace state registration, but it does allow NOT displaying the state registration numbers.  This is nice for a classic vessel.  The vessel 'name' and 'home port' serve as the registration numbers.  The big advantage to the purchaser is that the Documentation records provide a central place where all title information for the vessel is kept.  Therefore it is much easier to ensure clear title on a documented vessel. 

The Empress is a documented vessel.  It's home port is Seattle, Washington.