Question 2943 Deck General

The correct answer is D) Certificate of Documentation. The Certificate of Documentation is the official proof of an American vessel's nationality. This document is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center and certifies the vessel's legal status, ownership, and nationality. It is the primary legal document that establishes a vessel as a U.S.-flagged ship. The other options are incorrect because they do not serve as proof of a vessel's nationality. The Certificate of Inspection is related to the vessel's safety and operations, the Official Log is a record of the vessel's activities, and the Shipping Articles are the employment contracts for the crew.