BoatCode / HIN

• What is BoatCode?
• How does BoatCode work?
• Hull identification number (HIN)
• Your responsibility as a boat owner
• Proof of Identity
• Your responsibility as a boat builder
• BoatCode providers
• What information do applicants need to provide?

What is BoatCode?

Boat theft is at an all time high. By having a national identification system, boats can be tracked Australia wide if they are stolen or still have finance owing on them.

Boatcode provides a means to positively identify a boat by using a unique series of numbers and letters permanently affixed to the hull.

Boats cannot be registered without this hull identification number (HIN) being verified and recorded on the Department for Planning and Infrastructure's (DPI) database.

BoatCode gives you:

• Unique identification;

• Deters theft;

• Provides for (through REVS), a register of financially encumbered vessels; and

• Easier financing for buying a boat.

How does BoatCode works?

DPI updates its database daily, which links to the WA Police Service and the Ministry of Fair Trading.

• Stolen boats are immediately recorded. Any transaction attempted by a person trying to re-register a stolen boat will be referred to the Police.

• The system is linked to the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) and results in additional security to buyers of second hand boats. They will be able to check if there are any outstanding financial obligations attached to the vessel.

• Interest rates offered by financiers may also become more competitive with other types of loans. Insurance companies may also offer incentives.

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Hull identification number (HIN)

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) HIN is a unique series of characters and numbers conforming to ISO 10087:1995(E). A metal plate is fastened to the hull or numbers are moulded or engraved in the hull. This is done either at manufacture or by BoatCode providers. A HIN is required only when the boat is first registered, upon change of ownership or when requested by owners of existing registered boats.

The system is similar to the chassis number (VIN) on motor vehicles.

Basic details of the vessel are recorded on a national database.

Your responsibility as a boat owner

If you own a boat with a HIN plate already attached you can have the HIN and boat details verified by a BoatCode provider. The HIN details will then be entered onto the database.

If your boat hasn't a HIN plate you will only be required to have a HIN plate affixed when you sell it. The responsibility rests with the seller to have this completed.

For existing registered boats without a HIN plate you need do nothing but can, for added security, have  BoatCode provider affix one for you.

There are no additional government charges, however, fees are payable to BoatCode providers for their services.

Proof of Identity (POI)

A part of the BoatCode process involves the customer establishing their identity with DPI by providing suitable documentary evidence. Proof of Identity is required when registering a boat for the first time or upon transfer of registration.

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Your responsibility as a boat builder

Each boat builder is required to use their allocated number on all HIN plates affixed by them to any boat that they build.

Each manufacturer must apply for a unique Manufacturer's Identity Code (MIC) through the Boating Industry Association (BIA) in their state or direct to the BIA in NSW.

Boat manufacturers are required to mark all new boats with a HIN number conforming to ISO 10087:1995(E) (the international standard).

BoatCode providers

A BoatCode provider is a business, usually associated within the recreational boating sector, that has been selected, trained and accredited by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) to either verify existing HIN numbers on vessels or affix a DPI supplied HIN plate and issue HIN Certificates.

HIN Certificates are required to be produced by applicants before DPI will register or transfer ownership of a vessel.

Boat owners in remote locations, where a provider is not available, should contact DPI to make alternative arrangements.

View contact details for BoatCode providers.

What information do applicants need to provide?

An applicant is required to complete or provide an:

• Application for HIN (BoatCode) form (view form);

• proof of identity;

• proof of acquisition;

  This may consist of a of Bill of Sale, detailed receipt, consignment note, offer to purchase or some other document which provides evidence of ownership, or complete a Statutory Declaration in the event that none of these methods are available. The declaration must be signed and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace; and

• boat registration certificate.

Recreational boat owners required to have a certificate issued, should contact a BoatCode provider and make their own arrangements with that provider. Some providers also provide a mobile service and will visit yacht clubs, moorings etc for craft that are unable to be trailed.

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