The United States Coast Guard is charged with tracking information on certain registered commercial and recreational vessels. You may find this data in the document, “Merchant Vessels of the United States (CG 408).” This document includes the name of all U.S. merchant and recreational vessels subject to the laws of the United States: ownership information; vessel dimensions; official number; port of documentation (home port); authorized trade endorsements; hull numbers; manufacturer...

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has established protocol for using the MAYDAY distress signal in times of maritime emergency. This includes the proper format for issuing a MAYDAY signal and the circumstances under which such a call is warranted. Information to Provide When Issuing a MAYDAY Distress Signal A distress call should be issued as swiftly and clearly as possible using VHF channel 16 or 2182 kHz HF. It should begin with the word MAYDAY spoken three times. The call then must...

A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to vessels by the manufacturer. It’s what distinguishes vessels from each other, much like a Social Security Number or a Vehicle Identification Number. All vessels must have an assigned HIN in accordance with Federal Regulation, Title 33 CFR 181, Subpart C. Understanding the Hull Number Format U.S. §181.25 explains that hull numbers are to be 12 characters long with no spaces or hyphens. Manufactures must assign the...

Commercial vessels are required to carry U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each individual onboard the vessel. Some commercial vehicles may also carry unapproved PFDs as auxiliary equipment, though such equipment is prohibited from certain inspected vessels. U.S. Coast Guard Guidelines for Commercial Vessels Type I PFDs/off-shore life jackets are appropriate for all commercial vehicles. These PFDs must be appropriate for conditions that include: open water; rough...