---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 12308"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "12308"
heading: "Providing vessel numbering and registration information"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/12308"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part H — Identification of Vessels"
  - "Chapter 123 — Numbering Undocumented Vessels"
---

# §12308. Providing vessel numbering and registration information


A [person](/usc/46/3701.md?p=3) may request from an authority issuing a number under this chapter the numbering and registration information of a vessel that is retrievable from vessel numbering system records of the issuing authority. When the issuing authority is satisfied that the request is reasonable and related to a boating safety purpose, the information shall be provided on paying the cost of retrieving and providing the information requested.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 592.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |
| --- | --- |
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 12308 | 46:1473 |

Section 12308 requires the number issuing authority to supply for a fee, numbering and registration information to any person, upon request, if the request is reasonable and related to boating safety.