To register a boat in South Australia, it must have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) - also known as SA's Boat Code identification system.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to get a HIN check.
What is a HIN?
A Hull Identification Number (HIN):
- is a unique number that identifies your boat
- helps deter theft and assists in tracking and recovering your boat if it's stolen
- is permanently affixed to the boat's hull.
When do you need a HIN check?
You'll need to get a HIN check if you are:
- Registering a boat in SA for the first time.
- Transferring ownership of an SA-registered boat, where an existing HIN is not recorded in Service SA's system.
- Registering an interstate boat with an existing HIN, but you're unable to provide the Boat Code certificate.
Exemptions
You don't need to get a HIN check if:
- ownership changes from joint to single (or vice versa) with one original owner remaining on the registration
- you inherited the boat under the terms of a Will.
- the boat is registered in the same name on the Australian Shipping Register
Australian Shipping Register
The Australian Shipping Register is maintained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra.
If the boat is exempt from a HIN check, you must present proof of the Australian Shipping Registration with the application for recreational registration.
How to get a HIN check
- Step 1
Visit Service SA
- If you're registering a boat in SA for the first time:
- bring your completed application for initial registration (PDF 539.5 KB) to a Service SA centre and pay the registration fees.
- If you're transferring ownership of an SA-registered boat:
- bring your completed application for new owner re-registration (PDF 244.0 KB) to a Service SA centre and pay the registration fees.
You'll receive temporary registration valid for 21 days.
- If you're registering a boat in SA for the first time:
- Step 2
Get your HIN checked
Take your temporary registration certificate to a local Boat Code agent.
The Boat Code agent will:
- Verify your HIN
- Ensure the HIN is correctly displayed on your boat
- Notify Service SA once your HIN is verified, converting your temporary registration to full registration.
Fees to get your HIN checked by the boat code agent
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Maximum fee to be charged by Boat Code agent for affixing a HIN to a boat at the Boat Code agent's premises* | $124 |
| Maximum fee to be charged by Boat Code agent for inspecting and validating a HIN on a boat at the Boat Code agent's premises* | $91 |
* These fees may need to be paid to the Boat Code agent in advance. Boat Code agents may charge additional fees to cover travel and accommodation costs when a HIN is affixed, or inspected and validated, at a location other than the Boat Code agent's normal premises. Such fees are to be negotiated between the applicant and the agent.
