Identity and Safety

HIN, MIC, and CIN Explained

Hull identification numbers, manufacturer identification codes, and craft identification numbers help identify a hull, builder, and production context.

Level
working
Read time
8 min
Sources
2

Identifier Anatomy

Read each identifier segment with the legend, then confirm the format against the rule set for that region and model year.
Manufacturer code
Builder or manufacturer identification segment, subject to region-specific rules.
Hull serial segment
The source-specific serial portion assigned to the individual hull.
Date/model segment
Production and model-year context, depending on the identifier system.

Model Identity vs Hull Identity

Model page

Describes the builder, model, variant, specifications, source documents, and market activity for a boat design.

  • Useful for research and comparison.
  • Usually not hull-specific.
  • Can include common inspection prompts when evidence supports them.

Hull record

Describes one physical boat with its identifier, title, equipment, refits, survey findings, and ownership documents.

  • Needed for purchase verification.
  • May differ materially from the model page.
  • Requires title, registration, survey, and seller evidence.

Identifier Research Checks

Before viewing

  • Ask for the HIN/CIN exactly as shown on the hull and documents.
  • Compare builder name, model year, registration, and listing description.
  • Check whether the builder or model has known aliases or ownership changes.

During survey or purchase

  • Confirm the physical identifier matches documents.
  • Check for alteration, damage, or mismatched plates where applicable.
  • Use regional title, lien, tax, recall, and registration resources.
References

Sources and Method Notes

official

U.S. Coast Guard HIN guidance

Official recreational boating guidance for hull identification numbers and manufacturer identification codes.

Open source
Boatpedia reference

Boatpedia reference standards

Public guidance for reading model facts, source notes, market context, and data caveats on Boatpedia.

Open source
Next reference
Identity and SafetyBoat Recalls and Safety Defectsworking / 7 minRecall and safety-defect research belongs beside builder, model, hull-identifier, and ownership-document checks.Boat DataHow to Read a Boatpedia Model Pagefoundation / 7 minA Boatpedia model page separates identity, specifications, source evidence, market observations, visual assets, and inspection notes.