User:Scubamoo/HIN

1) Vessels required to have HIN's. Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) are required on all boats manufactured since 1972. The HIN regulations also do not apply to commercial boats.  However, with increased emphasis on State registration and titling (many undocumented commercial vessels are registered), and tracing of stolen boats, the Coast Guard encourages manufacturers of commercial boats to affix Hull Identification Numbers.

2) Deciphering the HIN. HIN's currently consist of 12 characters. The first three letters of the HIN, known as the MIC, identify the manufacturer of the vessel. Characters four through eight are the hull serial number which consists of letters of the English alphabet (except the letters "I", "O" or "Q") or Arabic numerals.

3) History/development of HIN's.

USCG Boating Safety Circular 70