33 CFR 187.9: What is a vessel identifier and how is one assigned?

(a) The vessel identifier for a vessel having a valid HIN is the HIN.

(b) If a vessel does not have a valid HIN, a vessel identifier is assigned under the following table:

Table 187.9(b)—Vessel Identifier Assignments

If the vessel is: And does not have a valid HIN: Then the vessel identifier is:

(1) Documented The official number assigned by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 67.

(2) Documented And is transferred to a new owner The HIN assigned by the Coast Guard.

(3) Undocumented And must be numbered under 33 CFR parts 173 and 174 The number issued on a certificate of number by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation, provided the number will not be used in the future to identify a different vessel.

(4) Undocumented And is transferred to a new owner The HIN assigned by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation.

(5) Undocumented And the vessel is required to be numbered or titled in a new State of principal operation The HIN assigned by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation.