(a) The vessel identifier for a vessel having a valid HIN is the HIN.
(b) If a vessel does not have a valid HIN, a vessel identifier is assigned under the following table:
Table 187.9(b) - Vessel Identifier Assignments
| If the vessel is: | And does not have a valid HIN: | Then the vessel identifier is: |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Documented | The official number assigned by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 67. | |
| (2) Documented | And is transferred to a new owner | The HIN assigned by the Coast Guard. |
| (3) Undocumented | And must be numbered under 33 CFR parts 173 and 174 | The number issued on a certificate of number by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation, provided the number will not be used in the future to identify a different vessel. |
| (4) Undocumented | And is transferred to a new owner | The HIN assigned by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation. |
| (5) Undocumented | And the vessel is required to be numbered or titled in a new State of principal operation | The HIN assigned by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation. |