Question

What special care must you take with your hull identification number (HIN)?

a. Conceal it to prevent identification theft
b. Be careful not to remove or destroy this number
c. Display it on the forward half of your vessel
d. Remove it after purchase so it doesn't get stolen

Answer 1

The correct answer is option b.The HIN is a unique identification number on a boat that must not be removed or destroyed. Displaying the HIN in a visible location is also advisable.

Step-by-step explanation:

You need to be careful not to remove or destroy the hull identification number (HIN) on your vessel. The HIN is a unique combination of letters and numbers that identifies your boat, similar to a VIN number on a car. It serves as an important tool for law enforcement agencies and insurance companies to identify stolen or missing boats.

If the HIN is removed or destroyed, it can make it difficult to trace the ownership of the vessel. Some boats have the HIN in multiple locations, so even if one is tampered with, the others can still serve as a reference.

Displaying the HIN on the forward half of the vessel is also recommended so that it can be easily seen and accessed when necessary.

Failure to maintain the HIN can lead to difficulties in proving ownership, complications when selling the boat, or even legal issues if authorities cannot identify the vessel properly. Additionally, since the HIN is crucial for the safety and administration of marine vehicles, it is a legal requirement to keep it unaltered and easily readable.