In 1972, the US Federal Government established the Hull Identification Number (HIN) for all boats manufactured or imported on or after November 1, 1972. The Hull Identification Number is a 12-digit serial number that uniquely identifies a boat and is used to register and track the history of the boat. The Hull Identification Number is similar to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) given to automobiles.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When was the hull ID on a boat forced? | 1st November 1972 |
Who established the Hull Identification Number (HIN)? | The U.S. Federal government |
Who was tasked with creating the system? | The United States Coast Guard |
When did HINs become a fully required feature? | 1984 |
When did manufacturers start using their own serial numbers? | Before 1972 |
How many characters are in a HIN? | 12 |
What does the HIN include? | A manufacturer identification code, a serial number, and the month and year of production |
Where is the HIN located? | On the upper starboard quarter on the outside of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest |
When was the HIN format changed? | 1st August 1984 |
What You'll Learn
- Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are required for all boats manufactured or imported to the US after November 1, 1972
- HINs are 12-character serial numbers that uniquely identify a boat
- The first three characters of a HIN are the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC), assigned by the US Coast Guard
- The next five characters are a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer
- The final four characters indicate the month and year of production, or the model year
Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are required for all boats manufactured or imported to the US after November 1, 1972
Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are unique 12-character serial numbers that identify boats in the US. They are required for all boats manufactured or imported into the country after November 1, 1972. The US Coast Guard introduced HINs to create a standardised system for tracking boats and accidents.
Before 1972, boat manufacturers used their own serial numbers, which made it difficult to keep records organised and to cross-reference issues related to recalls or defects. The introduction of HINs allowed authorities to more easily track boats for safety and security purposes, and to make vessels more user-friendly by eliminating the wide range of formats and potential number duplications that previously existed.
HINs are useful for several reasons. They enable manufacturers to clearly identify boats involved in defect notification and recall campaigns. They also allow authorities to track stolen or vandalised boats, and they provide buyers with information about a boat's history, including its age and origin. Additionally, HINs are necessary for boat registration, insurance, and financing.
The HIN is typically located on the upper starboard quarter of the outside of the transom, within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest. If the boat does not have a transom, the HIN can be found on the uppermost starboard side of the hull near the aft of the vessel. For boats with replaceable parts, such as pontoons or catamarans, the HIN is placed on the aft crossbeam within one foot of the starboard hull attachment. If the HIN is not visible due to railings or other attachments, it should be placed as close to the upper right of the aft hull/transom as possible while still being visible.
The HIN is made up of 12 letters and numbers:
- The first three characters are the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) assigned by the US Coast Guard.
- The next five characters are a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer, using a combination of letters and numbers (excluding I, O, and Q to avoid confusion).
- The last four characters indicate the month and year the boat was built, and the model year. Prior to August 1, 1984, manufacturers could express this as a model year designation.
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HINs are 12-character serial numbers that uniquely identify a boat
Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are 12-character serial numbers that uniquely identify a boat. They were introduced in 1972 by the US Federal Government, with the US Coast Guard tasked with creating a system that would allow for the easier tracking of boats and accidents. All boats manufactured or imported on or after 1 November 1972 must bear a HIN.
The HIN is analogous to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car and is required for registration and insurance purposes. It is also necessary for financing, buying, and selling boats. The number is made up of three parts: the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC), a serial number, and the month and year of production. The MIC is assigned by the US Coast Guard and is made up of three letters. The serial number is assigned by the manufacturer and can be a combination of letters and numbers, excluding I, O, and Q, which are omitted due to their similarity to other letters and numbers. The last four characters indicate the month and year the boat was built, and the model year.
The HIN must be permanently affixed to the hull and should be clearly visible from outside the boat. The ideal position is on the upper starboard quarter on the outside of the transom. If the boat does not have a transom, the HIN should be on the uppermost starboard side of the hull near the aft of the vessel. A secondary HIN should be located in an unexposed spot on the interior of the boat. This allows for cross-referencing between the hull and interior HINs and helps authorities identify the boat if the primary HIN is removed or damaged.
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The first three characters of a HIN are the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC), assigned by the US Coast Guard
Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported to the United States have been required to have a Hull Identification Number (HIN). This 12-character serial number is similar to a car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and is used to identify each boat. The HIN is a combination of letters and numbers, with the first three characters being the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC). The MIC is assigned by the US Coast Guard and is unique to each boat manufacturer.
The MIC is a crucial component of the HIN, as it identifies the manufacturer of the boat. By having a standardised MIC, the US Coast Guard can effectively track the history of boats, including accidents, defects, and recalls. This was particularly important as, prior to 1972, manufacturers used their own serial numbers, which made it challenging to organise and cross-reference issues. The introduction of the HIN system, with the MIC as a key element, helped to streamline the process and improve safety for boat owners.
The MIC is typically three letters that are part of the HIN, which is permanently affixed to the boat. The HIN can usually be found on the transom of the boat, on the upper starboard quarter, and it must be clearly visible while the boat is in the water. In addition to the MIC, the HIN also includes a five-character serial number assigned by the manufacturer, as well as information indicating the month and year of production.
It is important to note that altering or removing the HIN without authorisation from the Commandant of the US Coast Guard is illegal. This helps to ensure the integrity of the identification system and aids in the tracking and recovery of stolen boats. The HIN is a critical tool for boat owners, manufacturers, and authorities, providing essential information about the boat's origin, age, and compliance with safety regulations.
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The next five characters are a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer
Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are 12-character serial numbers that are used to identify boats. They are similar to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) used for cars. All boats manufactured or imported to the US after November 1, 1972, must bear a HIN.
The HIN is made up of three sections. The first three characters are the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) assigned by the US Coast Guard. The next five characters are a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer. This can be a combination of letters and numbers, but the letters I, O, and Q are not used as they can be easily mistaken for other letters or numbers. The final four characters indicate the month and year the boat was built, and the model year.
The HIN is normally used during the boat registration process and should be included on any bill of sale. It is also important for insurance purposes and must be included in insurance documents. The HIN is also necessary for buying and selling boats, as it allows the buyer to learn about the boat's history, including its age and origin.
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The final four characters indicate the month and year of production, or the model year
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial number that is required for all boats manufactured or imported on or after November 1, 1972. The HIN is analogous to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and is used to identify each boat, track its history, and register it.
The final four characters of the HIN indicate the month and year of production or the model year. Prior to August 1, 1984, manufacturers had the option to express this in the form of a model year designation. For example, a boat with the HIN PEA58288M81A was produced in August 1980 and is a 1981 model. After August 1, 1984, the final two digits of the HIN became the year. So, a boat with the HIN PEA77034H485 was produced in March 1985 and is a 1985 model.
The HIN is typically found on the upper right of the boat's transom and must be at least 1/4 inch in size and permanently affixed. Boats without a transom usually have the HIN located near the starboard outboard side. Most boats also have a secondary HIN located in an unexposed area in case the primary HIN is damaged or goes missing.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) has been required for all boats manufactured or imported to the United States since November 1, 1972.
The Hull ID is used to identify each boat, much like a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is used for cars. It is needed to register your boat and to track its history.
The Hull ID is typically located on the upper right of the boat's transom, on the starboard side. For boats without a transom, it is usually found near the starboard outboard side, within a foot of the stern or two inches on the top of the hull side.