Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.19980702000101.007a8840@sowega.net>
Date: Thu, 02 Jul 1998 00:01:01 -0400
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
From: Wynne Eden <graymare@sowega.net>
Subject: [baidarka] Hull ID numbers for US Coast Guard
In-Reply-To: <35995F5A.686E@agora.stm.it>
Can't find this on any other posts, so I thought I'd throw this out for
discussion.
On Nick Schade's bulletin board (www.guillemot-kayaks.com), there was a
mention that all boats, including home-built kayaks, need a hull id number,
issued by your state for the Coast Guard in 49 of the states (the CG
handles Alaska). Most of the guys blew the comment off, but I got curious.
I called the CG after not finding it on the web site. They said yes, gave
me the state phone #, and said they'd send the boat regs packet along.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources administers the registration of
boats. They swear (I've called three times) that I don't have to get a HIN
since I don't have a motor and am under (I think) 26 feet.
Anyway..called the CG safe boating line again, they send me to the
Compliance office who says "thanks for being so conscientious, we'll take
care of the state's misunderstanding and get back with you by week's end."
Huh. Now the GA DNR's mad at me for going over their heads, but, DUH, it's
in black and white.
Point of the story is, if you travel in the jurisdiction of the US Coast
Guard, you must get a Hull Identification Number from your state. Make
sure they understand that you don't want a registration, just a Hull ID#.
The info comes from several CG publications, most clearly in "A Consumer's
Guide to the Coast Guard Boating Safety Standards" Fact Sheet #14, March 1993:
"Canoes, Kayaks and inflatables are excepted from all boating safety
standards; however, they are subject to the requirements for a Hull
Identification Number".
Call (800) 368-5647 to get your copy today!!! :-)
Have any of you done this? Where'd you put the # and how?
Wynne
Americus, GA
USA