NASBLA Public Library

Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act (UCOTVA)

The Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act (UCOTVA) was drafted by the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) in collaboration with boat manufacturers, dealers, marine lending institutions, state boating law administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Passed in 2011, the act aims to deter fraud, enhance consumer protection, and establish consistent vessel titling laws across states.

Key Components of UCOTVA

• Establishes uniform vessel titling laws for all states and territories.

• Prevents theft and fraud by providing a standardized system for vessel identification.

• Protects consumers by requiring titles to disclose previous hull damage that could affect a vessel’s seaworthiness.

Why UCOTVA is Important
Many states do not require vessel titles to indicate whether a boat has been damaged or salvaged. As a result, buyers may unknowingly purchase structurally compromised boats, putting safety at risk. This issue becomes particularly concerning after hurricanes or other natural disasters, where damaged vessels are often sold for salvage, cosmetically repaired, and resold without disclosure of prior damage.

States That Have Adopted UCOTVA
As of now, the following states and territories have implemented UCOTVA:

• Virginia (2013)

• Connecticut (2014)

• District of Columbia (2015)

• Hawaii (2018)

• Florida (2019)

• Alabama (2022) 

Expanding UCOTVA nationwide would strengthen protections for consumers, reduce fraud, and create a more transparent marketplace for vessel sales.

For additional information, please contact Caroline Mantel.