This post is in regard to documented boats only – if not documented no need to read any further
I’m a USPS Vessel Examiner (VE) (Courtesy Vessel Safety Checks) and have been challenged online by a USCG Aux VE from another area concerning interpretation of one portion of the Fed Regulations regarding proper display of Official (Documentation) Number.
I've obtained opinions from USCG HQ and happy to post in a later post - didn't want to sway the responses at the start.
I feel comfortable with my understanding but wonder what others have experienced as it is obvious the interpretation is not consistent for all areas & agencies.
For those with documented boats I’m curious what your practice is and would like to know about any experiences with VSCs or boardings.
The applicable regs below – the issue being debated is the highlighted section and revolves around “proper” interpretation of “clearly visible”
46 CFR § 67.121 - Official number marking requirement.
“The official number of the vessel, preceded by the abbreviation “NO.” must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals not less than three inches in height on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed to the vessel so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. If the official 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.”
USCG Aux – interprets the reg to mean the Doc No must be visible when any LEO or VE boards the boat – in a topside living space, salon, helm etc. and can not be located in engine room or other below deck space or behind a hatch caver.
My interpretation is that engine room, lazarette, etc is acceptable as long as it is visible without moving equipment, bulkheads, etc
I’ll incorporate a poll to track responses and would appreciate hearing about any boarding or Vessel Safety Check situations that resulted in warnings, citations etc for “improper” display of Doc No (not name, home port or state registration no display)
Thanks
I’m a USPS Vessel Examiner (VE) (Courtesy Vessel Safety Checks) and have been challenged online by a USCG Aux VE from another area concerning interpretation of one portion of the Fed Regulations regarding proper display of Official (Documentation) Number.
I've obtained opinions from USCG HQ and happy to post in a later post - didn't want to sway the responses at the start.
I feel comfortable with my understanding but wonder what others have experienced as it is obvious the interpretation is not consistent for all areas & agencies.
For those with documented boats I’m curious what your practice is and would like to know about any experiences with VSCs or boardings.
The applicable regs below – the issue being debated is the highlighted section and revolves around “proper” interpretation of “clearly visible”
46 CFR § 67.121 - Official number marking requirement.
“The official number of the vessel, preceded by the abbreviation “NO.” must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals not less than three inches in height on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed to the vessel so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. If the official 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.”
USCG Aux – interprets the reg to mean the Doc No must be visible when any LEO or VE boards the boat – in a topside living space, salon, helm etc. and can not be located in engine room or other below deck space or behind a hatch caver.
My interpretation is that engine room, lazarette, etc is acceptable as long as it is visible without moving equipment, bulkheads, etc
I’ll incorporate a poll to track responses and would appreciate hearing about any boarding or Vessel Safety Check situations that resulted in warnings, citations etc for “improper” display of Doc No (not name, home port or state registration no display)
Thanks
Last edited: