Preloader

Manual - Hull Serial Numbers (HIN)

All About Hull Serial Numbers (HIN) in Canada

As of August 1, 1981, all pleasure craft built in or imported into Canada are required to have a unique 12-digit Hull Identification Number. This HIN, also known as a Hull Serial Number, must be permanently affixed to the vessel according to set rules. All boats in Canada must have a unique HIN, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and motorboats.

Key takeaways

  • All boats in Canada are required to display a hull serial number (HIN).
  • A Hull Serial Number plays a key role in correctly identifying boat ownership and origins of manufacture.
  • An authentic HIN is a 12 digits long alphanumeric code showing the Manufacturer’s Identification Code (MIC), the unique 5-character hull number, the construction start date and the model year.
  • The HIN must be displayed on the transom, and on a second location elsewhere on the hull.
  • It is illegal to alter, deface or remove a HIN.

Table of contents

Importance of Hull ID numbers: safety and traceability

The HIN on your boat is a unique identifier. It is essentially a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for boats. It has several important safety and regulatory functions:

  • Helps find and identify lost or stolen boats
  • Helps find and identify boats that are subject to recall
  • Helps regulate and monitor boat resale value
  • Helps verify that a boat meets specific manufacturing standards

Hull Identification Number format

An authentic HIN is a 12 digits long alphanumeric code. The numbers and letters are grouped into sections containing three, five and four digits. Each group has a specific meaning.

Manufacturer’s Identification Code (MIC)


The first three characters are the Manufacturer’s Identification Code (MIC).

Example: ABC

The Government of Canada recognizes the authenticity of MICs originating from the US and does not require an additional 2-character country code in this case. However, if a boat is manufactured elsewhere in the world, the HIN must include a 2-character country code in addition to the MIC to indicate its place of origin.

Example of HIN country code for Finland: FI-ABC

Unique 5-digit hull number


The MIC is followed by the unique 5-character hull number.

Example: 1CA23

Construction start date and model year


The last digits of the HIN indicate the construction start date (2 characters) and the model year (2 digits).

Example of a complete HIN for a boat made in Canada: ABC1CA23G204

Hull Identification Number rules in Canada

Canada’s Small Vessels Regulations outline specific rules about how and where to display your HIN number.

Where to display the HIN on your boat in Canada


The HIN must be permanently marked on the outside upper starboard quarter (upper right side) of the outside surface of the transom. It must be clearly visible when the vessel is in the water. If your vessel has no transom, the HIN should be displayed on the uppermost starboard side near the stern.

The HIN must also be marked in a second location somewhere else on the hull. This should be a place that is not exposed to the elements, such as in the vessel interior or beneath a fitting or item of hardware.

The builder, manufacturer, rebuilder or importer of a vessel must keep a record of the second location of the HIN, to be provided upon request during inspections.

HIN size guidelines


All letters and numbers of the HIN must be at least 6mm (1/4 inch) in height and width. You can confirm that your HIN is displayed correctly during a free Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check.

Hull Identification Number laws: do not remove your HIN

It is illegal to alter, deface or remove a HIN. Doing so can lead to:

  • Significant fines
  • Seizure of the vessel
  • Criminal charges, especially if the alteration is linked to theft or fraudulent activity
  • Difficulty in selling or registering the boat in the future, as it will be flagged as suspicious.

The National Boating Safety School safe boating course will prepare you to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card

The National Boating Safety School offers a Transport Canada approved boating safety course that will prepare you for the official online boating exam. Once you pass the test, you will be awarded your lifetime Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Register today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my boat does not have a HIN?

If a vessel does not have an HIN, the owner must request one from the builder, manufacturer, rebuilder or importer of the vessel.

2. Do I need to display other information on my boat, aside from the HIN?

Law enforcement officers may look for any or all the following identifying features of your boat during enforcement activities. You are responsible for acquiring all necessary documents and presenting (or displaying) them as needed.

  • Boat Name
  • Hull Identification Number
  • Pleasure Craft Licence (All boats with 10 horsepower(hp) or more are required, by law, to be licenced.)
  • Registration Number (Pleasure craft owners can voluntarily register their vessel, but it is not required for boating within Canada.)

Sources

Related CONTENT

LAtest ARTICLES