Three position manufacturer ID code (BAYLINER)įive character serial number (alpha/numeric)Īlpha character identifying month of manufactureĮxample of HIN format for homemade vessels/vessels without a valid HIN: CFZįirst five characters of the CF number (see §2.020)Īlpha character indicating month of manufacture Since August 1984, the manufacturer’s HIN consists of a combination of 12 alpha and numeric characters. Noncomplying manufacturers are investigated by the U.S. Federal regulations, effective November 1, 1972, require vessel manufacturers to assign a HIN to each vessel the manufacturer builds. California law requires all registered vessels to have a HIN. The hull identification number (HIN) is a unique combination of letters and/or numbers affixed to the vessel.