[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 33, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 33CFR181.29]

[Page 826]
 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 181--MANUFACTURER REQUIREMENTS--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart C--Identification of Boats
 
Sec. 181.29  Hull identification number display.

    Two identical hull identification numbers are required to be 
displayed on each boat hull.
    (a) The primary hull identification number must be affixed--
    (1) On boats with transoms, to the starboard outboard side of the 
transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/
deck joint, whichever is lowest.
    (2) On boats without transoms or on boats on which it would be 
impractical to use the transom, to the starboard outboard side of the 
hull, aft, within one foot of the stern and within two inches of the top 
of the hull side, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
    (3) On catamarans and pontoon boats which have readily replaceable 
hulls, to the aft crossbeam within one foot of the starboard hull 
attachment.
    (4) If the hull identification number would not be visible, because 
of rails, fittings, or other accessories, the number must be affixed as 
near as possible to the location specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (b) The duplicate hull identification number must be affixed in an 
unexposed location on the interior of the boat or beneath a fitting or 
item of hardware.
    (c) Each hull identification number must be carved, burned, stamped, 
embossed, molded, bonded, or otherwise permanently affixed to the boat 
so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. If the 
number is on a separate plate, the plate must be fastened in such a 
manner that its removal would normally cause some scarring of or damage 
to the surrounding hull area. A hull identification number must not be 
attached to parts of the boat that are removable.
    (d) The characters of each hull identification number must be no 
less than one-fourth of an inch high.

[CGD 79-013, 48 FR 40718, Sept. 19, 1983; 48 FR 53558, Nov. 28, 1983]