(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) DocumentedThe official number assigned by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 67.
(2) DocumentedAnd is transferred to a new ownerThe HIN assigned by the Coast Guard.
(3) UndocumentedAnd must be numbered under 33 CFR parts 173 and 174The 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) UndocumentedAnd is transferred to a new ownerThe HIN assigned by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation.
(5) UndocumentedAnd the vessel is required to be numbered or titled in a new State of principal operationThe HIN assigned by the issuing authority of the State of principal operation.