Unique vessel identifiers

Domestic commercial vessels must have and display a unique identifier unless they are exempt.

A unique identifier is a number that stays with the vessel for its entire life, even if the vessel changes ownership. Unique identifiers help to identify domestic commercial vessels.

A vessel may need to be identified: 

• For search and rescue purposes.
• If it has been lost or stolen.
• If it is being operated dangerously or illegally.
• If it is being surveyed.

Some vessels are exempt from the requirement to have a unique identifier, or from displaying it or both. 

Different vessels and their unique identifier requirements

A tender

• Unique identifier is not required. 

Conditions

The vessel must be marked with either:

• The words ‘Tender to’ followed by the name or unique identifier of its parent vessel.
• The name of the owner of the vessel followed by the word ‘tender’ or
• The unique identifier of its parent vessel followed by ‘– T’.

A domestic commercial vessel registered under the Shipping Registration Act 1981.

• Unique identifier is not required.

Conditions

The vessel must be marked in accordance with the Shipping Registration Act 1981 .

A human powered vessel* including canoes and kayaks 

• Must have a unique identifier unless it is covered by a certificate of operation.
• Display of the unique identifier (if it has one) is not required. 

A sailing vessel^ less than 7.5m long

• Must have a unique identifier unless it is covered by a certificate of operation.
• Display of the unique identifier (if it has one) is not required.

Personal watercraft used in an aerial freestyle device operation

• Must have a unique identifier.
• Display of the unique identifier is not required.

All other domestic commercial vessels

• Must have a unique identifier displayed clearly and prominently on the vessel.

Definitions

*A human powered vessel is:

• Propelled only by human powered devices.
• A canoe or kayak that is propelled by human powered devices and is fitted with:
  • An auxiliary motor of ≤3.5 kW propulsion power, or
  • An auxiliary electric propulsion motor of ≤24 volts and a total battery capacity of ≤20 kWh.

^A sailing vessel is a vessel designed for and capable of undertaking a voyage propelled by sail alone, and has: 

• No auxiliary motor, or 
• An auxiliary motor  of ≤3.5 kW propulsion power, or
• An auxiliary electric propulsion motor of ≤24 volts and a total battery capacity of ≤20 kWh.