State numbering, federal documentation and pollution placards
1The lesson in plain words
Most US motorboats need state numbering or federal documentation. Placard duties depend on size; sewage rules also apply to small boats.
State numbering
Unless federally documented or otherwise exempt, a recreational boat with propulsion machinery must be numbered in its state of principal use (33 CFR 173). Carry the state-issued Certificate of Number on board. Display the number on both sides of the bow in block letters at least 3 in (7.6 cm) high, with the state’s sticker next to it. Report a sale, an address change or theft within 15 days.
Federal documentation
A US-citizen-owned boat of at least 5 net tons (a measure of internal volume, not weight) may be Coast Guard documented. Carry the original, current Certificate of Documentation. Recreational validity is 1–5 years. Mark the name and hailing port (the place named as the boat’s home port) together on the exterior in letters at least 4 in high. Permanently mark the official number, preceded by NO., on a visible interior structural part in numerals at least 3 in high.
States still apply
A documented boat is not free of state taxes or equipment rules; many states also require registration and a sticker. It does not display state-assigned bow numbers.
Oil and garbage
Boats 26 ft and longer with a machinery space post an oil discharge placard (at least 5 × 8 in). US boats of 26 ft and longer post a garbage placard (at least 4 × 9 in). Ocean-going US boats of 40 ft and longer need a written waste management plan if engaged in commerce or fitted with a galley and berths. Plastic may never be thrown overboard.
Sewage
An installed toilet needs a marine sanitation device (MSD). Certified Types I and II treat sewage; Type III holds it for pump-out and needs no certification label. Boats over 65 ft use Type II or III. Never discharge untreated sewage within 3 NM of shore. Discharge treated sewage only where permitted; inland freshwater restrictions also apply. In No Discharge Zones, retain all sewage for pump-out and secure the system against discharge.
2Key data
- State number on the bow
- Block letters ≥ 3 in, both sides
- Documentation
- ≥ 5 net tons, US owners; 1–5 years (since Dec 2023)
- Oil placard
- Boats ≥ 26 ft with machinery space; ≥ 5 × 8 in
- Garbage placard
- Boats ≥ 26 ft; ≥ 4 × 9 in
- Waste management plan
- Ocean-going US boats ≥40 ft: commercial OR galley and berths
3Key points
- 1
Unless exempt, undocumented motorboats need state numbering; carry the Certificate of Number.
- 2
Documented boats (≥ 5 net tons, US owners) carry the original Certificate of Documentation.
- 3
Recreational documentation now lasts 1 to 5 years, as the owner chooses.
- 4
Oil: 26 ft+ with machinery space. Garbage: 26 ft+. Waste plan: ocean-going US boats 40 ft+, commercial or galley and berths.
- 5
Use a compliant MSD; discharge only where permitted. In No Discharge Zones, retain sewage and secure the system against discharge.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: A documented boat needs nothing from the state.
Right: Many states still require registration and a sticker, and state taxes and equipment rules apply.
Wrong: A photocopy of the Certificate of Documentation is fine on board.
Right: Carry the original, current certificate. A photocopy is not accepted.
Wrong: Treated sewage may be discharged anywhere within 3 NM.
Right: Never discharge untreated sewage within 3 NM; treated discharge is allowed only where permitted. In No Discharge Zones, retain all sewage and secure the system against discharge.
5Practice case & exam keys
You buy a documented 34 ft cruiser with a galley, berths and a toilet. Your home state requires documented boats to register. Your first overnight stop is in a No Discharge Zone. What must you arrange before departure?
Show the answer
Transfer the documentation to your name; carry the original, current certificate, valid for 1–5 years. Register with your state and show its sticker, without state bow numbers. Post oil and garbage placards. Check the MSD complies and secure the system against discharge. At 34 ft, this boat does not trigger the 40 ft waste-plan requirement; retain sewage for pump-out in the zone.
Exam keys
- Unless exempt: undocumented motorboats need state numbers ≥3 in on both bows; Certificate of Number on board.
- Documentation: ≥ 5 net tons, US owners, original certificate, 1–5 years.
- 26 ft+: oil placard with machinery space (5 × 8 in); US boats also need a garbage placard (4 × 9 in).
- Installed toilet: compliant MSD; retain sewage and secure the system against discharge in No Discharge Zones.
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