Contenu
If you need to find out who is on the title for a boat, you will need to gather certain identifying information from the vessel. In instances where you have been in a boating accident and the other boater sped away, you may be able to identify the boat by its name and port of hail. Keep in mind that many jurisdictions do not disclose title information about boat owners in order to protect peoples privacy, but if you have an accident report or a pending lawsuit where the information is privy to discovery, you may be entitled to the information.
Step 1
Check the boats registration. Look on either side of the bow for a registration sticker. This will tell you if the boat is documented with the Coast Guard or if it is registered with the state. The sticker is usually a small square or rectangle.
Step 2
Write down the boats identifying information. Write down any information on the boats registration sticker. Find the hull identification number (HIN). The HIN is required of all boats since the 1970s and is a unique identifier for each watercraft in the US, including jet skis or other small craft. The HIN is usually located on the stern or back of the boat on the starboard or right side of the boat when it is facing forward. Write down the name and port of hail of the boat. This is usually located on the stern, too.
Step 3
Enter the boat into the Coast Guard-documented database. If the boat is registered with a state, skip to Step 4. If the boat is documented with the Coast Guard, log online and visit the Office of Science and Technologys copy of the Coast Guards database of all vessels by name. Enter the name and port of hail as prompted and the site will return the title owners information.
Contact the relevant state agency. Go online to find the relevant state agency and enter the HIN or vessel name into any available proprietary database. If one is not available, check the agencys website for a contact phone number and call them to request the information.
Tip
- If you were in a boating accident, have a copy of the police report ready before you contact any state agencies.
Warning
- If you are party to a lawsuit and you are entitled to discovery, check with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction to ensure you follow all relevant rules of discovery. Failure to follow these rules could result in forfeiture of your claim or a reduced settlement amount.
Items you will need
- Pen
- Paper
- Computer with Internet connection
- Cell phone
