Applying for a Hull Identification Number

In most instances, Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) are assigned and affixed by the manufacturer. The HIN, which is a unique 12-digit number, should be permanently affixed to the hull, as well as one other location on the vessel. The HIN registry system provides a way to distinguish vessels from one another and to trace vessels from their date of manufacture.

Applying for a Hull Identification Number

U.S. §181.23 stipulates that all vessels manufactured after 1972 are to have a hull number. This includes imported vessels and homemade vessels not manufactured for sale. The majority of the time, the manufacturer will attach the HIN to the boat. If your vessel does not have an HIN, contact your state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for a hull identification number application.

You’ll need to know the Manufacturer Identification Code when applying for an HIN. Federal statutes explain that all vessel manufacturers must request an MIC in writing from the Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch in Washington, DC. To locate you vessel manufacturer’s MIC, you can utilize the U.S. Coast Guard’s online searchable MIC database.

Affixing the HIN to the Vessel

There are specific guidelines regarding HIN placement on vessels. The number must be affixed to the hull of the vessel, as well as one other location. The characters must be no less than a quarter-inch high and be affixed on the vessel in such a way that it’d be obvious it someone tampered with it.

Federal guidelines indicate that the manufacturer can:

• carve;
• burn;
• stamp;
• emboss;
• mold; or
• bond the HIN to the hull, so long as it’s a permanent affixture.

It must be located either on the starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, or, if that’s impractical, it must be “to the starboard outboard side of the hull, aft within one foot of the stern and within two inches of the top of hull side,” explains U.S. §181.29. The HIN should also be affixed in an unexposed location somewhere on the interior of the boat.

Vessel owners must have an HIN in order to register their vessel and to apply for a vessel certification number, which is a federal requirement.

Other Vessel Number Requirements

In addition to HINs, vessels over five tons must also apply for and display a vessel certification number. This process is done through the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

There are numerous regulations and requirements by which vessel owners are expected to sail and abide. Given that MyVesselLogs.com has supplied the maritime industry for over 40 years, we are well aware of how difficult it can be to keep track of everything that’s required of you.

For more information on federal guidelines for vessels, you might start by contacting the U.S. Coast Guard documentation division at (800) 799-8362. If you need help determine which logbooks you need to help meet your federal requirements, download our Logbook Quick Reference Guide, free of charge, or call MyVesselLogs.com today at (888) 468-3757.