We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Resources for Businesses My BBB
Share
Business Profile

License Services

Vessel Documentation Portal

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in License Services.

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 17 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 0 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

Sort by

Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/11/2024

    Type:Delivery Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I received notification from "National Documentation Portal" in Q2 of 2023 to renew the Coast Guard documentation for a vessel. I applied for a 5 year Document, application was accepted, I received a certificate for 1 year, and an email that stated I would receive a new document each year (file uploaded) . I have tried to contact the company to inquire about when I will receive this year's document, but the provided phone number is not answered, nor is email or information from a "live chat" session. I have since read on-line that this company is a SCAMMER. It needs to be shut-down at a minimum, and fees returned to customers who were scammed.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/12/2024

    Good Day,

    Please see the attached response to the BBB complaint we received from customer ********************************* with Complaint ID #********

    Thank you

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/21/2023

    Type:Order Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    This company appears to be posing as a ** government entity.

    Business Response

    Date: 06/23/2023

    Good Day,

    Please see that attached response to the complaint ID: ******** we received.

    Thank you

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/14/2023

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    We thought we were buying a 5 year renewal from the US Coast Guard. Instead we ended up buying a FAKE renewal from a fraud company pretending to be the US Coast Guard. I reached out to my credit card company as this company billed us $375 THREE times! They provided a fake contract so we lost our credit card dispute. I am currently trying another dispute with the ***** I filed a police report (attached) and I have also contacted the US Coast Guard as well. The US Coast Guard is conducting their own investigation as well. I am looking to get my money back. This company uses logos from the real US Coast Guard and has been scamming people for years! They get "shut down" and the re-open with another fake site.

    Business Response

    Date: 06/23/2023

    Good Day,

    Please see the attached response to the complain received by ************************* with complaint ID: ********.

    Thank you 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 06/23/2023

     
    Complaint: 20187426

    I am rejecting this response because:

    The business is charging ** MULTIPLE times for the SAME service.  $375 x 3 charges.  They are providing copies of the original to continuously charge us. Additionally, we only signed ONE "fake" contract and the other ones were signed on OUR BEHALF BY THEM!  Claiming to work along with the US Coast Guard.  Additionally, we are continuing to also get PAST DUE bills in the mail.  This is very sad that they can scam people like this - We are requesting a FULL REFUND at this time.  The coast guard and police have also been involved with the complaints we have (& others) about this business to back my complaint and prove that it is not legit.  

    Sincerely,

    *************************

    Business Response

    Date: 07/04/2023

    Good Day,

    Please see the attached response to the second complaint received on June 29th 2023 with ID: ********.

    Thank you 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/08/2023

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I keep receiving documents from the "National Documentation Portal" ************ ******************** The one I received on 6/7/23 says FINAL NOTICE and they make the document look like an official government document which it is not. They try to trick you into paying them to process documentation that the ****************** does for free.

    Business Response

    Date: 06/13/2023

    Good Day,

    Please see that attached response to the complaint we received #********.

    Thank you 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 06/14/2023

     
    Better Business Bureau:

    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

    Sincerely,

    *********************

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/26/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    As all other reviews have mentioned the deceptive look alike letters that they send to dupe you into using their renewal service. The letter i received "FINAL NOTICE" quotes ** authorization acts, and as mentioned by so many others is an obvious attempt to fool customers into believing they are in fact a government agency by using a similar looking seal. However no where in this letter does it say that they are not affiliated with the ***** This is fraud.

    Business Response

    Date: 05/04/2023

    Good Day,

    Please see the attached response to the complaint received for #********.

    Thank you 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 05/04/2023

     
    Complaint: 19986443

    I am rejecting this response because:

     

    I was directly mailed this solicitation,  which is anything but clear in its presentation.  It is designed to clearly trick the consumer and while they do not use the **** logo,  they clearly try to imitate the logo.  In addition the only indication that this mailing is a solicitation is one word "private"  in the whole letter.  i closely read the letter and they say they are a "private portal"  3/4 of the way down the page.   it does not say anywhere they are not affiliated with the **** on the mailing.   And by the numerous complaints you have received you can see that i am not alone on this.   While i did not fall for this deceptive advertising,   as a professional mariner  i am concerned Recreational boaters will fall for this scam.

     

    Please post my complaint as is,   they should be required in the letter to state this is a solicitation and not affiliated with the ****

    Sincerely,

    *******************; 100 ton Master

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:01/06/2023

    Type:Billing Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I feel this letter was very misleading with notification for Coast Guard Documentation Center. Many vessels carry COD as mine does and has to be renewed annually. At first glance it appeared to be from Coast Guard with final notice of renewal. I entered the web site, looked somewhat familiar, put in information and before I know it I was charged ****** for a 26 dollar license, with no review of purchase. This site is very misleading and I would say possibly a spam. I have notified ******************** not sure of what outcome will be as of yet, and notified this business for refund. Of course not able to get a hold of a live body. Did send email. Thank you.

    Business Response

    Date: 01/12/2023

    Good Day,

     

    Please see attached response to the compliant received for #********./

     

    Thank you 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:12/12/2022

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Like so many others that were duped by this scam site, impersonating a government website, I too was too quick to push the button and renew using their service....that none of us need to use. if you can fill out their paper work, you can fill out the official uscg.mil paper work. ************** and function of their website leads you to believe it is the legitimate USCG website. They will not issue a refund or allow you to cancel for any reason after they have your money.THIS SITE AND COMPANY SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN.

    Business Response

    Date: 12/14/2022

    Good Day,

     

    Please see the attached response to the complaint received #********.

     

    Thank you 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:12/02/2022

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    We received a document in the mail from National Documentation Portal to renew our boat certificate. Their form is very similar to ************** of ******** Security renewal form. I always renew our boat through the ********** of ******** Security for a total of $26.00 per year and NEVER use a third party vendor. My husband called the National Documentation Portal on October 29th, 2022 because they sent us a letter stating we were 30 days past due, which at that time, we were not 30 days past due! They charged our credit card $375 for a 5 year renewal as the said this is how it is done now. Then, on 1 November 2022, they deducted another $450 for this same renewal. When I called the toll free number, they told me they only respond via email! ************************* emailed me and advised that the charges had already been processed and could not give me a refund! Therefore, we paid $825 for essentially a $26 renewal! I am requesting a return of our overpayment. According to the National Documentation Portal, the BBB have rated them an F rating. If you look at your BBB website for complaints about this company, you will see that several other people have experienced this same situation. Tell me how a company like this one can continue to scam innocent people of several hundred dollars and not be liable!

    Business Response

    Date: 12/06/2022

    Good Day,

     

    Please see the attached response to the complaint received for #********.

     

    Thank you 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:11/14/2022

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    "National Documentation Portal" sent me a letter pretending to be the US Coast Guard to register my vessel.I filled out the form online and paid the $375.00. As soon as I did, I realized it was a scam and they are not the ***** THIS IS A SCAM!!!

    Business Response

    Date: 11/15/2022

    Good Day,

     

    Please see the attached response to complaint #********.

     

    Thank you 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 11/16/2022

     
    Complaint: 18400593

    I am rejecting this response because:

    Even though you may have me in the fine print, your mail and website are deceiving and tricked me into believing you were the official government website where I renew my boat registration. I called and asked you for a refund within 5 minutes of completing the payment. You charged me $375.00 for something I could have done for $26.00. You are nothing but criminals taking people's money by trickery.

    SCAM! SCAM! SCAM! SCAM! SCAM! SCAM!


    Sincerely,

    *****************************

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:11/08/2022

    Type:Order Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    As outlined by many other complaints against this business which I only realized was a business after giving them $375 for services which the ** ***************** they are pretending to be charges $28 for... This business is pretending to be an online processing portal for the US Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center. I don't know how this is even legal. They send an official looking letter (unsolicited) stating that your Vessel Documentation is about to expire, with a logo that looks just like the USCG's logo and trick you into paying $375 to renew through their online system. However USCG's actual charge for this renewal is$28/year.

    Business Response

    Date: 11/15/2022

    Good Day,

     

    Please see the attached response regarding complain #********.

     

    Thank you 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 11/15/2022

     
    Complaint: 18376646

    I am rejecting this response because:

    It does not address my complaint and it  is as misleading as their entire business model.


    Sincerely,

    ***************************

Vessel Documentation Portal is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.

Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.