NASBLA Public Library

NASBLA VIRT Committee 

Vessel Identification, Registration & Titling (VIRT) Committee

The NASBLA Vessel Identification, Registration & Titling (VIRT) Committee is one of six policy committees within the NASBLA organization. Prior to VIRT, the committee was referred to as, “Number & Titling.” The name was changed to better reflect the committee's entire work, not just numbering and titling.

NASBLA employs a committee structure to identify issues and address needs in the recreational boating safety public policy realm. NASBLA’s committees' function as the primary source, sounding board and national policy-setting forum for each of the significant program areas addressed in the National Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Strategic Plan. These committees develop best management practices, model procedures, model acts, position papers and other products in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Recognizing that accurate vessel information is the backbone of recreational boating safety data, the VIRT Committee works to advance boating safety by analyzing and advocating for thorough and precise vessel identification throughout a vessel's chain of ownership from the hull numbering to registration and titling. In addition to the state boating agency members, the committee includes broad representation from recreational boating professionals throughout the boating industry and private industry.

Basic functions as a member include assisting the NASBLA Executive Board in achieving the mission and strategic plan of the association by serving as an active, volunteer participant in the work of the committee; bring experience, interest, and thoughtful input on issues and programs to the committee's deliberations, work products and recommendations to the Executive Board; actively participate with fellow committee members; attend face‐to‐face meetings and teleconferences of the committee and any subcommittee(s) or work group(s) to which you’ve been assigned.

Notable VIRT Accomplishments over the past 20 years:

• Worked with the USCG to revalidate VIS
• Produced Policy Position on hand powered vessels
• Produced Model Procedure for registration and titling of vessels
• Produced Best Practice document for interstate reports
• Assisted in the passage of the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act (UCOTVA)
• Created HIN PowerPoint with collaboration from USCG
• Created USCG Policy Statement on State Assigned HINs
• Working with the USCG on updates to form CGHQ-3923