BoatCode and HIN

If you are the owner of a boat that does not have a Hull Identification Number (HIN), you will need one on transfer of ownership.

Note:

• Before transfer of ownership of a boat can take place, a HIN Certificate must be obtained and a HIN plate must be fixed to the boat. The Department of Transport also recommends that you get a HIN for security reasons.
• If your boat already has a HIN, you can have it verified and entered onto the database, along with the boat details.

To register for a new HIN or to have a HIN verified, please contact a BoatCode provider listed below.

Boat builders are required to attach a unique Hull Identification Number (HIN) to all newly constructed vessels, according to ISO 10087:2022 standards.

The HIN must include the allocated Manufacturer's Identity Code (MIC). If you do not have a MIC, please contact the Boating Industry Association in your state.

BoatCode provides a means to positively identify a boat using its Hull Identification Number (HIN).

A HIN is compulsory:

• On new vessels before initial registration.
• On transfer of registration, where the vessel has not previously been affixed with a HIN.
• For secondhand vessels being registered for the first time.

Exception from HIN requirements:

• Any commercial vessel or a regulated Australian vessel.
• A vessel regulated under the Navigation Act 2012 of the Commonwealth.
• A vessel being registered to a benefactor of a will, or to the estate of the late owner or within a family following the death of the registered controller this being and including spouse, legal de facto and children.
• An expired registration when there is no change of ownership and the payment of a late and renewal fee is made.
• Vessels registered and operating only within the inland waters and territorial sea of the Territory of Christmas Island and the Territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

The HIN will be verified and recorded into a database, which is linked to the WA Police Service and the WA Department of Commerce.

The Department of Transport updates the database, so that:

• Any person trying to re-register a stolen boat will be referred to the WA Police Service.
• Buyers of secondhand boats can check the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) for any outstanding financial obligations attached to the vessel.

The security offered by the system may also help buyers get easier financing and better insurance rates from financial providers.

Please download the brochure below for more information.

BoatCode providers assist recreational boat owners by:

• Affixing new Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) plates and issuing HIN certificates.
• Verifying existing HINs on vessels.

Some providers provide a mobile service and visit yacht clubs, moorings etc. for craft that are unable to be trailered.

The providers may charge for their services, but there are no additional government fees.

The Department of Transport issues the HINs and accredits the BoatCode providers.

Note:

HIN Certificates are required when registering or transferring ownership of a vessel.

Please find below a list of BoatCode providers and their contact details.

Recreational boat owners who need a Hull Identification Number (HIN) should make their own arrangements with a BoatCode provider.

To apply for a HIN, you will need to supply the provider:

• Application for HIN (BoatCode) form;
• Proof of identity.
• Boat registration certificate or
• Proof of acquisition / purchase which could be a valid receipt or statutory declaration

Please download the application form and a blank statutory declaration below.