How to do a PSIX Search for vessel
Table of Contents
You can search U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessels by Vessel Name, Official Number, or Hull Identification Number (HIN) using the Coast Guard Port State Information Exchange (PSIX) system.
🔗 Official PSIX Search Portal:
https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
What Information You’ll Find in a PSIX Search
A PSIX search provides publicly available data about any documented vessel, including:
- Vessel Information — Name, Official Number, HIN, Flag, and Vessel Type
- Vessel Particulars — Dimensions, build year, and other specifications
- Service Information — Operating status and service type
- Tonnage Information — Gross and net tonnage details
- Vessel Documents & Certifications — Issuance and expiration dates for the Certificate of Documentation (COD)
Information You Won’t Find
As of 2018, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as the Managing Owner’s name and address has been removed from public view for privacy reasons. These details are not available through PSIX or any other free public Coast Guard database.
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How to Find Vessel Ownership and Lien History
If you need to identify the Managing Owner, view ownership history, or check for liens and encumbrances, you must request an official U.S. Coast Guard Abstract of Title.
- Processing Time: 1–2 business days through us
- Issued By: National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC)
- Fee: $25-75 depending how you do it.
- Includes: Complete ownership history, lien recordings, and chain of title
How to Get a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Documentation
Anyone may also request a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Documentation (COD) for any U.S. Coast Guard documented vessel. This document includes the Managing Owner’s name and address, as well as the vessel’s endorsement information (e.g., recreational, coastwise, fishery, or registry).
Example: U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Search by Name
To see how the PSIX system works, visit the PSIX search page, enter a vessel name (for example, B Nauty shown below), and click Search. You’ll be able to review vessel details, current documentation status, and related certifications instantly:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PSIX Search
What is the PSIX database?
PSIX (Port State Information Exchange) is the U.S. Coast Guard’s public database that provides vessel information, documentation details, and certification data for documented vessels. It’s designed primarily for transparency and safety, not for ownership verification.
What is CGMIX used for?
CGMIX (Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange) is the Coast Guard’s central online hub for multiple maritime databases, including PSIX. It allows the public to search for vessel documentation data, approved equipment, port state control records, and more.
Is PSIX the same as the NVDC database?
No. PSIX is a public-facing summary database maintained by the Coast Guard, while the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) holds the official ownership and lien records. To get complete title history, you must order an Abstract of Title from the NVDC.
Can I find the vessel owner’s name or address for free?
No. The U.S. Coast Guard removed all Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from PSIX in 2018 for privacy reasons. To see the Managing Owner’s name and address, you must order either:
- An Abstract of Title, or
- A Certified Copy of the Certificate of Documentation.
Does PSIX show lien or mortgage information?
No. PSIX does not show lien or mortgage details. That information is only available through the Abstract of Title, which lists all recorded liens and encumbrances.
How often is PSIX updated?
The Coast Guard updates PSIX daily. Vessel status, expiration dates, and certification information are synchronized with the NVDC database each night.
Can I search by Hull Identification Number (HIN)?
Yes. PSIX allows searches by Vessel Name, Official Number, or Hull Identification Number (HIN). However, not all older vessels may have a HIN listed, especially those built before 1972.
What’s the difference between a PSIX record and an Abstract of Title?
| PSIX Record | Abstract of Title |
|---|---|
| Free, public database | Paid, official report |
| Shows vessel specs and documentation status | Shows ownership and lien history |
| No owner names or addresses | Includes owner names, addresses, and lien details |
| Updated daily | Historical record issued on request |
![Vessel Search by Name [FREE]](https://www.boat-abstract.com/title/wp-content/uploads/Vessel-Search-by-Name-FREE.png)