What are the Boat Renaming Rules?

Vessels documented with the USCG are required to display their official name and hailing port, in accordance with Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If you intend to alter your vessel’s name or change the hailing port, you can complete the relevant USCG documentation form.

The chosen name for your vessel must be composed of Latin alphabet letters or Arabic/Roman numerals. It should not surpass a total of 33 characters.

In terms of content, the name must not be the same as, either in actuality or phonetically, any word(s) used for seeking assistance on the water. Furthermore, the name should not include or be phonetically identical to offensive, profane, or inappropriate language, or ethnic/racial slurs. Employ your common sense.

For further information on the process of renaming a boat, click on this link.