Back in January, the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) got backed up on issuing new and renewed certificates of documentation for vessels of all types, due to the partial government shutdown. The U.S. Coast Guard issued guidance to mariners with expired or expiring vessel documentation, telling them to continue vessel operations as long as an application had been submitted to NVDC.

Apparently, the backlog continues, as new guidance was issued yesterday, advising vessel operators to continue operations with expired certificates of documentation, provided an application has been received by NVDC. Please click the image to read the guidance document and see how that may apply to you.