Hull Identification Numbers IOT recreational vessels

An exemption to marine laws means that recreational boats operating within navigable waters in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are not required to have Hull Identification Numbers (HINs).

The Western Australian (WA) Department of Transport has issued an exemption under section 115A of the applied Western Australian Marine Act 1982 (WAMA) for recreational registrable vessels in the IOT from requiring a HIN.

The exemption only applies to registrable vessels operating within navigable waters such as the inland waters and the territorial sea (12 nautical miles from the baseline). The exemption instrument is known as WAMA- 2019- 203327 and is effective until 1 August 2021 unless revoked sooner.

Services provided by the WA Department of Transport to the Indian Ocean Territories are fully funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development’s Territories Division.

Chris Kuster
Acting Director, Indian Ocean Territories Government Arrangements