The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12- or 14-character serial number that uniquely identifies a boat. The HIN is analogous to a VIN on a car.
The first 3 digits are the Manufacturer’s Identification Code (ex. Boat brand such as Sea Ray, Meridian, etc.). The 4 digits after that are the manufacturer’s serial number for the boat. The 3rd and 4th digits from the end are the date of manufacture. The letter on the date of the manufacture corresponds to the month of the year, i.e. A = January, B = February, C = March and so forth. The last two digits of the HIN number represent the model year.
All boats manufactured or imported on or after November 1, 1972, must bear a HIN, and this HIN must be identified during boat registration. Vessels manufactured or imported before 1972 are EXEMPT because they often do not have a HIN.
The HIN is found on a metal or plastic plate, typically on the transom of the boat, usually on the right starboard (right) side of the transom within two inches of the top of transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
On vessels without transoms, or impractical to use transoms, the HIN is usually affixed to the starboard (right) outboard side of hull, aft, within one foot of the stern and within two inches of the top of the hull side, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
You may search Coast Guard Documented Vessels by their names, Hull Identification Numbers or Official Numbers via the CGMIX Coast Guard Port State Information Exchange.
https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
The search will reveal the Vessel Information (Vessel Name, Official Number, Hull Identification Number, Flag, etc.) the Vessel Particulars (dimensions), Service Information, Tonnage Information and Vessel Documents and Certifications, including the issuance and expiration of the current Certificate of Documentation.
You will not find Personal Identifiable Information (PII) such as the Managing Owner’s name and address on any public database. This information has been removed from public access as of 2018.
If you wish to find the Managing Owner, complete ownership history and a record of all liens/encumbrances of a Documented vessel, you may request an official USCG Abstract of Title via the link below. This generally takes 2-3 business days to produce by the National Vessel Documentation Center. The associated fee for this report is $75.
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/abstract-of-title/
Additionally, any member of the public can request a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Documentation for any US Coast Guard Documented Vessel. This will provide the Managing Owner name and address, along with pertinent vessel endorsement information. You may proceed to the webform application via the link below.
https://forms.unitedstatesvessel.us/certified-copy-certificate-of-documentation
Example of USCG Vessel Documentation Search by Name
| Vessel Information: | Vessel Particulars: |
| Vessel Name: EXAMPLE Primary Vessel Number: 7777777 (Official Number (U.S.)) Hull Identification Number: XXXX1014G407 Manufacturer Hull Number: N/A IMO Number: N/A Vessel Flag: UNITED STATES Vessel Call Sign: N/A | Service: Recreational Length: 57.40 ft Breadth: 14.10 ft Depth: 7.50 ft Build Year: 9999 Alternate VINs: N/A |
| Service Information: | Tonnage Information: |
| Service Status: Active Out Of Service Date: N/A Last Removed From Service By: N/A | Cargo Authority: N/A Tonnage: 33 – Simplified, Gross Ton 27 – Simplified, Net Ton |
| Vessel Documents and Certifications |
| CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATIONUSCG Jan 1,2022 Jan 1,2027 |
