Placement of USCG Number Placard

[stg099]

For those of you with documented boats, where did you mount/affix your registration number? Our new (to us) 370 Sundancer is now USCG documented, so I've ordered the USCG number placard with our new # from Boatoutfitters and need to permanently mount it on the boat.

The engine room on a bulkhead sounds like the most logical space, however I was curious if anyone has mounted in an interior space such as a bilge storage area. In addition, as I read it it needs to be "permanently affixed". I plan to use adhesive of some sort, but am curious if I need to add rivets/screws as well?

Any advice or pictures would be helpful, as I'd like to ensure I'm both compliant, and don't make a mess and have to do this over again.

Thanks!

 

[FootballFan]

Maybe I am major out of compliance here - but I don't think I have the documentation # posted anywhere.

The HULL NUMBER from the manufacturer is permanently affixed to a bulkhead in the Engine room.

I carry the current Certificate of Documentation in a file on the boat.

 

[sbw1]

For those of you with documented boats, where did you mount/affix your registration number? Our new (to us) 370 Sundancer is now USCG documented, so I've ordered the USCG number placard with our new # from Boatoutfitters and need to permanently mount it on the boat.

The engine room on a bulkhead sounds like the most logical space, however I was curious if anyone has mounted in an interior space such as a bilge storage area. In addition, as I read it it needs to be "permanently affixed". I plan to use adhesive of some sort, but am curious if I need to add rivets/screws as well?

Any advice or pictures would be helpful, as I'd like to ensure I'm both compliant, and don't make a mess and have to do this over again.

Thanks!

Ours was mounted on the engine room wall using 5200. The plaque is red cedar coated with 15 applications of high gloss marine varnish. The boat has been boarded by the coast guard on two occasions and passed muster with Feds.

 

[techmitch]

Maybe I am major out of compliance here - but I don't think I have the documentation # posted anywhere.

The HULL NUMBER from the manufacturer is permanently affixed to a bulkhead in the Engine room.

I carry the current Certificate of Documentation in a file on the boat.

Yep, "major out of compliance" the way I understand it.

 

[spikedaddy99]

Mine is mounted on the bridge under my sink. Interesting place, but it was done by the Original Owner. Took me forever to find it since I was looking in the ER. Adhesive should be fine.

 

[FootballFan]

OK. Satisfied I am compliant. The number goes with the boat, not the owner.

Just didn't recall doing anything special after I bought the boat (and transferred documentation).

 

[Henry Boyd]

Ours is on one of the main stringers in the engine room. There is a macabre side to the location. One purpose is to allow the major structure to be identified by a diver in the event of a sinking. So not only must it be accessible, but also mounted to something permanently attached to the hull.

 

[b_arrington]

To add that the requirements, the placard has to be both permanently attached to the structure of the boat AND affixed in such a way to that removal would leave obvious markings. IE, you can't just attach with a screw or sticky tape. Screws and something like 5200 would be fine.

 

[stg099]

Thank you all, extremely helpful insight and nice to know you've been boarded and that your locations have passed inspection.

 

[ocgrant]

Yep mine is mounted to a wall in the engine room. I was boarded by CG first hour of owning this boat it was funny because they asked if I had a doc placard, I told him I saw a pic of it on the survey and know it is in the engine compartment. There were 4 Coasties that boarded and they all look at the biggest guy and the tell him you are the newbie climb down there in the check it. Mind you we are cruising the ICW at 6 knts and it is 90 degrees this poor guy climbs down there and it was hot like hell he can barely fit engines are running and he yells out the number, the other guys made him read it 3 times messing with him until they say yeap that is right you can come up....

 

[be_prepared]

For reference, from the CG National Vessel Documentation Center:
National Vessel Documentation Center - FAQ (uscg.mil)

"HOW DO I MARK MY VESSEL?
The official number assigned to documented vessels, preceded by the abbreviation "NO." must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals at least three inches high on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious and cause some scarring or damage to the surrounding hull area.

The name and hailing port of a recreational vessel must be marked together on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull. The vessel name of a commercial vessel must also be marked on the port and starboard bow and the vessel name and the hailing port must also be marked on the stern. All markings may be made by any means and materials that result in durable markings and must be at least four inches in height, made in clearly legible letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals. The "hailing port" must include both a place and a State, Territory, or possession of in the United States. The state may be abbreviated."