Ships Official Numbers

[Hazel Stringer]

Is it only ocean going or commercial ships that have official numbers? How about Coast Guard vessels. Tugs or supply ships that only work within harbours? Does the same apply to crew lists and official logs - are these only kept for ocean going vessels?

[Peter F Chard]

Hi Hazel, I may be open to correction but here goes. Ships over 24m O/L must be Registered and have an Official Number and belong to a Registry such as Lloyds, Det Norske Veritas etc. They have to have the name, Official Number and Port of Registry welded to the hull somewhere. Also to be surveyed to the Registry rules etc. Under 24m in length it is voluntary but many owners do register smaller boats because it is proof of ownership. Regards Peter in NZ.

[robpage]

https://www.gov.uk/register-a-boat/the-uk-ship-register

this explains small ship registry , and UK register of ships

[Dennis McGuckin]

In Canada, all ships/boats with more than a nine and a half horse power engine, have to have a registration number.

[John Arton]

Hazel
Ship's actually have two numbers
IMO number, marked on the stern or in a prominent place on the. vessels accommodation. This never changes throughout the vessels life and is recoded on the continuous synopsis record. This is the one certificate that the master can make alterations too, It record's changes of ownership or management.
Official Number, This is issued by the government of the Flag State where the vessel is registered. If a vessel changes flag, the new flag will issue a carving note with the new official Number to be permanently marked on the ship'smain beam
Rgds
J.A.