Locating Your Boat's Engine Number: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you need to find a boat's engine number, you should look for its Hull Identification Number (HIN). This is a unique series of characters and numbers that identify the country, manufacturer, serial number, and date of manufacture. The HIN is usually moulded in the hull or engraved on a metal plate that is fastened to the hull. It is the nautical equivalent of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on a car.

Hull Identification Number (HIN)

A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique identifier for your vessel, much like a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is for a car. It is a series of numbers and characters that identify the country, manufacturer, serial number, and date of manufacture. The HIN is typically moulded into or attached to the hull of a boat and is required for all registered vessels in some places.

The HIN is typically 12 or 14 characters long and is made up of letters and numbers. The current HIN format in Australia, for example, is a 14-character alphanumeric code that includes the manufacturer's identity code (MIC) and the month and year of manufacture. Before 1984, the HIN format did not include a country prefix.

The HIN is important because it gives your vessel a unique identity, which can help deter theft and aid in recovery if your vessel is stolen. It also allows for the identification and prevention of stolen vessels from being re-registered. Additionally, the HIN is used to list the vessel on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), which second-hand buyers can use to check for any outstanding financial obligations attached to the vessel.

To obtain a new HIN or verify an existing one, you must contact a BoatCode Provider. The Department of Transport issues the HINs and accredits the BoatCode providers. The application process typically requires a completed HIN application form, a boat registration certificate, and proof of acquisition or purchase, such as a valid receipt or statutory declaration.

HIN format

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a serial number assigned by the manufacturer that uniquely identifies a boat, similar to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car. The HIN is typically moulded or stamped into the hull of the boat or engraved on a metal plate that is fastened to the hull.

The HIN format consists of 12 or 14 characters, including letters and numbers. Here is a breakdown of a typical 12-character HIN format:

ABC12345D404:

• ABC: This is the manufacturer's identification code assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• 12345: This is the serial number assigned to the hull by the manufacturer, which may be a combination of letters and numbers (excluding I, O, and Q to avoid confusion with numbers).
• D: This indicates the month of certification, with A representing January and L representing December. In this case, "D" means April.
• 4: This represents the last digit of the year of certification, which is the year in which the boat was built. "4" in this case indicates 2004.
• 04: This indicates the boat's model year.

For boats built before November 1, 1972, the HIN format may be non-standardised and may not follow the approved Coast Guard formats.

In some cases, the HIN may also include a country prefix, such as in the current Australian HIN format: AU-TRX48119H765. This 14-character HIN includes the country code (AU) followed by letters and numbers that identify the manufacturer, serial number, and date of manufacture.

Manufacturer's Identity Code (MIC)

The Water Craft Identification Number (WIN, previously CIN and HIN) is a 14-digit code marked in two places on a boat: on the starboard side of the transom and a second hidden location within the boat. The code is usually moulded or etched into the fabric of the boat hull.

The WIN consists of a two-letter country code of origin (for example, boats built in the UK use "GB") followed by a three-letter Manufacturer's Identity Code (MIC). This second code is the unique identifier for the boatbuilder.

The MIC is part of the Hull Identification Number (HIN), which is a unique identifier for an individual vessel. The HIN is the nautical equivalent of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car. It is a unique series of characters and numbers, usually moulded or engraved on a metal plate that is fastened to the hull.

The HIN is compulsory for all registered vessels in Western Australia and is required to be installed by either the vessel manufacturer or an Accredited BoatCode Provider. A vessel cannot be transferred or registered without a valid HIN.

In the UK, the register of MICs is maintained by British Marine on behalf of the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Manufacturers of boats placed on the GB market must be registered with the UK register.

In Australia, the BIAWA manages the registration and administration of MICs in Western Australia, and a fee is required to register.

HIN application

A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-character identification code assigned to a boat. It is used by authorities to identify the vessel, track its history, and verify ownership. The process to obtain a HIN is relatively straightforward and can be completed in three steps:

• Gather the required information: Before applying for a HIN, you will need to collect specific details about your boat, including its make, model, year, length, hull material, and propulsion system (inboard or outboard motor). Additionally, you may need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or registration certificate. Personal information, such as your name, address, and contact details, will also be required.
• Submit the HIN application: Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you will need to submit an application to the appropriate agency. This can be done through the U.S. Coast Guard or any state boating agency, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, or Maritime New Zealand. A fee is typically associated with processing the HIN application, ranging from $25 to $100.
• Receive and install your HIN: After your application has been approved, you will receive a unique 12-character HIN for your boat. This combination of letters and numbers identifies the manufacturer, boat model, and date of manufacture. The HIN must be installed in a visible location, typically on the transom or the interior of the boat's hull. This makes it easier for authorities to identify the vessel in various situations and helps prevent fraudulent transactions.

It is important to note that the installation requirements may vary depending on the country and governing body. For example, in the United States, the Coast Guard requires the HIN to be affixed to the starboard (right) side of the transom, with specific size and visibility guidelines. In Canada, Transport Canada mandates that the HIN be placed on the hull (the body of the boat) in a visible location. Meanwhile, in Australia, the HIN is typically included on the Australian Builders Plate (ABP), which must be permanently affixed to the boat in a visible location, providing details about the manufacturer, model, and year of production.

HIN plate fees

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique series of characters and numbers assigned to a vessel. It is the nautical equivalent of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car. In Australia and the US, most boats will have a HIN, which is usually moulded in the hull or engraved on a metal plate that is fastened to the hull.

The HIN is compulsory for all registered vessels in Western Australia and is required to conform to ISO 10087:2022 standards. The HIN must include the manufacturer's identity code (MIC).

The fees associated with HIN plates vary depending on the BoatCode provider. Some providers may charge additional fees for travel and accommodation when affixing, inspecting, or validating a HIN at a location other than their usual premises. There do not appear to be additional government fees.

The process of obtaining a HIN plate typically involves contacting an accredited BoatCode provider, who can affix a new plate and issue a certificate. The provider may require an application form, boat registration certificate, or proof of purchase.

It is important to note that vessels registered and operating only within specific territories, such as the inland waters and territorial sea of the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, are exempt from the HIN requirement.

Frequently asked questions