Imo Ship Identification Number
Imo Ship Identification Number
Imo Ship Identification Number
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
* SOLAS regulation XI-1/3 (Ship identification
number) applies to all passenger ships of 100gt and
upwards an all cargo ships of 300gt and upwards.
Every ship must be provided with an identification
number which conforms to the IMO Ship
Identification Number Scheme adopted by IMO
(regulation 3.1).
The ship’s identification number
(the “IMO Number”) must be inserted on the
certificates and certified copies thereof issued under
regulation I/12 or
ships’ identification numbers to be
permanently marked in a visible place either
on the ship’s hull or superstructure.
Passenger ships must carry the marking on a
horizontal surface visible from the air.
Ships must also be marked with their
identification number internally.
The IMO Ship Identification
Number Scheme -
was introduced as a voluntary scheme,
recommended in IMO Resolution A.600(15) and intended
to enhance maritime safety and marine pollution
prevention and to facilitate the prevention of maritime
fraud.
may be applied for new or existing ships, under
their flag, engaged on international voyages.
Administrations can also assign the “IMO numbers”
to ships engaged solely on domestic voyages, and
insert the number in national certificates (e.g. a
Passenger Certificate).
does not apply to fishing vessels, non-
mechanically propelled ships, pleasure yachts,
ships engaged on special service (e.g.
lightships, floating radio stations, search and
rescue vessels), hopper barges, hydrofoils,
hovercraft, floating docks and similar
structures, warships, troopships, or wooden
ships.
* A ship’s IMO Number is a 7-digit number, e.g. 8712345,
derived from the reference number allocated to the ship when it is
first entered in Lloyd’s Register’s Register of Ships.
It should not be confused with the ship’s official number,
which is allocated by the flag State register during the registration
process.
* The IMO Number is applied to the ship by the flag State
Administration under the IMO Ship Identification Number
Scheme.
It is a permanent identification number which will remain
unchanged upon transfer of flag
(whereas the official number assigned by the flag State
Administration would cease to be valid upon transfer to another flag
State’s register).
* The IMO Number is assigned by the flag State, for a new
ship, when the ship is registered, and for an existing ship at
some convenient date such as during a renewal survey or
when new statutory certificates are issued.
It should be inserted on the Certificate of Registry and on
all certificates issued under IMO Conventions.
IMO recommend that it is also inserted on other certificates
such as Suez and Panama Canal Tonnage Certificates.
It should preferably be included in the box headed
“Distinctive number or letters” in addition to the call sign.