New Coast Guard hull identification number, HIN, requirements

[sarasetp]

I just found out today when registering my boat in the state of Washington that the 12 character HIN numbers are no longer valid. There is some kind of new Coast Guard requirement for having 17 characters for your HIN number. That means I have to get new stickers to be put on my boat for the new HIN numbers. Apparently this is affecting 19,000 boaters in the state of Washington.

Does anybody know anything about this?

And if so, where are you putting your HIN numbers on the boat?


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[jshack01]

A friend of mine mentioned to me that his Tahoe had to have new numbers here in Kentucky as well. My 2012 SANTE 230 must have already had the larger HIN as I didn't get any notices. I'd check but I traded it in. Not sure where he put his numbers.

[NautiqueJeff]

As in, they're making you replace the HIN on an existing boat? I have never heard of anyone being required to change the HIN on an existing boat. How does that work with the title, since that will show the original HIN?

Safeguard information about your Nautique boat by recording the Hull

Identification Number (HIN) and the model of your boat and the model

and serial numbers of your engine/transmission and trailer, if applicable.


Your HIN is located on the top right side of the transom, above the water

line. The U.S. Coast Guard requires that your HIN be permanently affixed

and remain on the top right side of the transom. The first two digits refer to

the country of manufacture (U.S.). The next three digits represent the

manufacturer, Nautique Boat Company, Inc. (CTC). The next five digits are

the boat’s serial number. The next digit is a letter from “A” where “A” =

January through “L” where “L” = December, designating the month the boat

was made.


The last three digits represent the last digit of the year the boat was built and

the final two digits of the boat model year. A boat built in July 2006 is

actually a 2007 model boat. Example: A boat with “607” as the last digits

indicates the boat was built in 2006, but it is a 2007 model boat.

[sarasetp]

Take a look at this article. This is from a government website: https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/coa...cation-numbers

People who have tried to renew their boat registration online couldn't do so because they did not have a new number. The 12 character HIN that is on their boat was no longer valid.

The problem is there are no instructions on where the new numbers should be placed on the boat, how big the number should be, what color they should be, etc.

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[jjackkrash]

The HIN is a number assigned to the boat by the manufacturer at the time it was manufactured. "Getting a new one" does not make sense to me.

[sarasetp]

The HIN is a number assigned to the boat by the manufacturer at the time it was manufactured. "Getting a new one" does not make sense to me.

Exactly! I agree. The government is so great and all knowing how to be efficient.


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[azeus17]

Sounds to me like HIN is being used to reference what most would call registration numbers...

[markj]

^^^agreed

[HVL2010]

So that would be similar to replacing your VIN number on you car which is illegal...brilliant.

[sarasetp]

Sounds to me like HIN is being used to reference what most would call registration numbers...

It is definitely not the registration number. I have a separate number for that. I was issued 2 numbers for the boat. One for the registration number and one for the new Hull ID Number. I guess this is going to affect all boaters in the US not just the state of Washington.


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[sarasetp]

Here is another article on this:

http://www.islandssounder.com/news/n...-requirements/


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[MikeC]

There were changes to the USCG requirements regarding HIN - not registration numbers - the number that's stamped or attached to the right part of your transom (and in a hidden area in the hull). The change occurred in 2012 but just became effective in 2017, it doesn't include anything about 17 digit hin, it has to be a 12 digit hin that conforms to the current requirements. Each state has their own method of dealing with this - I always think it's funny how they have known about this for 5 years and the public learns about it as they register their boat. The state should have information about the how and where to place the new hin number on the boat.

The member that made the original post has their current boat as a '08 Malibu, I can't imagine that that boat would fall under the rule, it's mostly for older boats and boats from small manufacturers.

fwiw - here is the rule:
(b) As of January 1, 2017, before taking any action relating to a vessel imported or manufactured on or after November 1, 1972, the issuing authority must determine whether the vessel has a primary HIN meeting the requirements of 33 CFR part 181, subpart C.

(c) If, pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the issuing authority determines that the vessel does not have a primary HIN meeting the requirements of 33 CFR part 181, subpart C, then before taking any action the issuing authority must—

(1) Assign such a primary HIN to the vessel; and

(2) Verify that the owner of the vessel has permanently affixed the assigned primary HIN to the vessel in compliance with 33 CFR part 181, subpart C.

[sarasetp]

I contacted the Washington State Department of Licensing. Below is the email that they sent me explaining (attempting to explain) the reason for the change. As I read the regulations, it looks like my hull ID conforms. While I cannot prove it, some bureaucrat has seriously misunderstood the requirement and is now affecting me and about 19,000 other boaters, which may come to your state soon. Any other thoughts about whether the State of Washington is correct or not, please let me know.

My profile needs to be updated. I just took possession of a 2016 G23. Today will be my maiden voyage and am so excited!

New Hull ID number (HIN) requirements
Last Modified on 03/31/2017 12:02 pm EDT
The Code of Federal Regulation establishes a 12-digit format for Hull Identification Numbers (HINs). The State of Washington is required to conform to the new hull identification number (HIN) format.
Please see:

33 CFR 181.25, which outlines the format
33 CFR 174.16, which requires that a conforming HIN be assigned

What does this mean to you? A new title and registration needs to be issed to these customers, and they will be charged the standard applicable fees.

Which transactions are affected? For any vessel title or registration transactions, address updates (or any other vessel transactions, excluding lienholder changes), DOL is required to issue a HIN that conforms to the new format. HINs generated in DRIVES meet the new format.

What do vessel owners need to do? Vessel owners must visit a vehicle licensing office (VLO) in person. If vessel customers are renewing online, the system will stop them and direct them to visit a VLO in person. For these transactions, DOL does not require us to collect the old title in order to issue the new title.

Where can I get more information? See the DRIVES Help Manager article titled VLO - Elements of the Vessel Certificate of Title, or contact V&V Support.

How do I process mail-in transactions? You will need to notify your mail-in customer to let them know that a new title will be issued with a conforming HIN and applicable fees will need to be paid.

Here is some suggested language you can use when explaining the new requirements to customers:

• Due to new federal regulations, Washington State must now comply with a new hull identification number (HIN) format.

The following Washington-assigned HIN examples are conforming:
2012 Year Built Vessel inspected on July 2016 = WNZ12345G616
2016 Year Built Vessel inspected on November 2016 = WNZ12345K616
1979 Year Built Vessel inspected on January 2016 = WNZ12345A616
1965 Year Built Vessel inspected on April 2016 = WNZ12345D616
d
Anything outside of this standard is non-conforming.
If you believe your HIN does meet the new standards, please bring a photo or a pencil rubbing of your current HIN to the office, and we will attempt to process your transaction for you. If DOL made an error in its records, no fee will be charged to you.
NEW INFORMATION THAT MAY IMPACT CSC CALL VOLUMES
Greetings associations,

This email is to update you on information that may affect dealer customers or vessels in dealer inventory. On March 24, 2017 the Department of Licensing mailed a notice (see below) to approximately 19,000 vessel owners affected by the new federal regulations regarding a standard 12-digit HIN format and how it affects vessel owners. Due to new federal regulations Washington State must now comply with a new hull identification number (HIN) format. The letter advises these vessel owners that they will need to go to a vehicle licensing office and apply for a new vessel title. A new HIN will be issued. If you have any questions please contact your local vehicle licensing office.


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[gary s]

This is great news if you have multiple boats - register one put the same registration #'s on all and move the new serial plate between boats when you want to use them. Can't see how changing VIN numbers won't be abused

[Xstreamws]

My 2017 G23 was shipped last week to Active Water Sports in OREGON and I just received my serial numbers and HIN for my insurance company etc. From what I can see mine comply. My boat will be registered in Clark Co WA. sarasetp not sure why your 2016 would not comply as well. Let me know if you find out other wise.


2017 Nautique G23