Hull Identification No. (HIN)

[William_H]

HIN

This is from the CEproof agency when they issued my RCD exemption certificate:
"Enclosed are two Hull Identification Numbers. One should be affixed on the starboard outboard side of the transom within 50mm of the deck edge. In boats without transoms the number should be placed on the starboard quarter within 300mm of the stern.
The duplicate number should be affixed to a non-removable part of the interior of the craft in a hidden location. You should make a note of this position as this can be a useful security indicator in the event of the boat being stolen."

That looks all very familiar. A few years back our local boating authority decided that all boats (that are registered ie powered) must have a HIN. They reckoned this would stop the trade in stolen boats. This in addition to the required external registration number.
So they gave authority to a few surveyors etc to issue HIN.(in exchange for cash about 50 squid) The number comes from their own register and is printed on labels affixed as per the CE requirement. The whole thing is a beaurocratic farce. Everyone knows to look for and where to find a secret HIN and if you steal a boat you simply remove the old and ask for a new HIN. You must have a HIN to sell a boat so I don't have one.
The HIN has no relationship to the manufacturers number. That is easy for mine being no 1 but the authorities have no interest in that number.
Sorry just a rant about local West Australian beaurocracy. olewill