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.