USCG Documentation but no Hull ID

[autumnbreeze27]

We have a pre-1982 boat that does not have a Hull ID. We have a USCG documentation number.

We want to go cruise in Mexico, do we have to get a Hull ID issued to us? or do we just make one up?

[Emmalina]

Your original hull number should be around 01432 +/- 6 as ours is but we got it carved in the saloon and then on our UK registration.

[vientoman]

In Oregon, they required me to get a quick inspection from the marine sheriff who is supposed to provide me with a written statement indicating that the boat does not have a HIN. Then this needed to be faxed to our Oregon marine board who are supposed to issue the HIN. I'm in the process now.

[hpeer]

OK, I'm lost!

Why do you need a HIN if going to Mexico?

We have a 1982ish British built boat, US registration, no HIN.

I've asked around before and my understanding is they didn't have them back then.

[Cheechako]

If anyone ever asks (doubtful) just give them your Doc number.

[autumnbreeze27]

There was a big issue last year with the TIP and people not having Hull IDs and boats being impounded.

Mexico: Many Boats Impounded due to Confusion over Documents - with updates from cruisers — Noonsite

Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

[belizesailor]

Had this issue before. Coasties can assign you a hull ID. Contact NVDC and they can explain the process. But, they are way backed up now so hope you are not in a hurry.

[hpeer]

Had to look that up.

USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, Home Page

[autumnbreeze27]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Had this issue before. Coasties can assign you a hull ID. Contact NVDC and they can explain the process. But, they are way backed up now so hope you are not in a hurry.

That will be our luck... look for the "Couple sails past Mexico due to stupid paperwork requirements and a USCG that takes 6 months to a year to process paperwork." news story coming soon.

[boatpoker]

Your HIN/MIC (hull number) should be on the upper starboard transom.
For more detail on this see Whats a HIN ?

There are two online databases where you can check your documentation number. Sometimes the HIN is also listed in that data.
USCG Port Xchange
and NOAA

[autumnbreeze27]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Your HIN/MIC (hull number) should be on the upper starboard transom.
For more detail on this see Whats a HIN ?

There are two online databases where you can check your documentation number. Sometimes the HIN is also listed in that data.
USCG Port Xchange
and NOAA

Thanks for posting the links. The data that the USCG has online about our Hull ID matches our transom, they are all blank.

There was a hull ID referenced in some of the paperwork we were given, but when we went to verify it (with the Florida DMV) they said the process was started but never finished.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by autumnbreeze27

Thanks for posting the links. The data that the USCG has online about our Hull ID matches our transom, they are all blank.

There was a hull ID referenced in some of the paperwork we were given, but when we went to verify it (with the Florida DMV) they said the process was started but never finished.

The only time a State gets involved in issuing HIN's is if the vessel originally did not have one whether it was built before they were required (1972), it was a home built vessel or if it was obliterated for some reason.

[robwilk37]

mexico did revise their misguided paperwork snafu so a repeat of last years nonsense isnt likely. your hull was laid up at a time when HINs werent required, same with my boat. friends just engraved their doc# into the upper right transom glass and called it a day. its not like the mexican navy is sourcing a data base to double check, what they want to do is be able to match your paperwork with a permanent mark on the boat and move on.

lat38 will be your best source here, id go with their suggestions...

[MYTraveler]

Originally Posted by hpeer

OK, I'm lost!

Why do you need a HIN if going to Mexico?

We have a 1982ish British built boat, US registration, no HIN.

I've asked around before and my understanding is they didn't have them back then.

Mexico charges its residents a steep import tax on boats (and most everything else), but (in order not to discourage tourism) they exempt visiting foreigners through the issuance of a temporary import permit ("TIP"). In order to prevent the unscrupulous from using a TIP for a boat other than the one for which it was issued, the TIP identifies the boat, in part, by its HIN. If the HIN doesn't match (or doesn't exist), GRANDE PROBLEMO.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by autumnbreeze27

That will be our luck... look for the "Couple sails past Mexico due to stupid paperwork requirements and a USCG that takes 6 months to a year to process paperwork." news story coming soon.

I would count on 6 months, seriously. Ive had some paperwork in the system a bit longer, looks like it may get done soon.