---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 12302"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "12302"
heading: "Standard numbering system"
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/12302"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part H — Identification of Vessels"
  - "Chapter 123 — Numbering Undocumented Vessels"
---

# §12302. Standard numbering system

- (a) The [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) shall prescribe by regulation a standard numbering system for [vessels](/usc/46/115.md) to which this chapter applies. On application by a [State](/usc/46/112.md), the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) shall approve a [State](/usc/46/112.md) numbering system that is consistent with the standard numbering system. In carrying out its numbering system, a [State](/usc/46/112.md) shall adopt any definitions of relevant terms prescribed by regulations of the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46).
- (b) A [State](/usc/46/112.md) with an approved numbering system is the issuing authority within the meaning of this chapter. The [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) is the issuing authority in a [State](/usc/46/112.md) in which a [State](/usc/46/112.md) numbering system has not been approved.
- (c) When a [vessel](/usc/46/115.md) is numbered in a [State](/usc/46/112.md), it is deemed in compliance with the numbering system of a [State](/usc/46/112.md) in which it temporarily is operated.
- (d) When a [vessel](/usc/46/115.md) is removed to a new [State](/usc/46/112.md) of principal operation, the issuing authority of that [State](/usc/46/112.md) shall recognize the validity of the number issued by the original [State](/usc/46/112.md) for 60 days.
- (e) If a [State](/usc/46/112.md) has a numbering system approved after the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) issues a number, the [State](/usc/46/112.md) shall recognize the validity of the number issued by the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) for one year.
- (f) When the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) decides that a [State](/usc/46/112.md) numbering system is not being carried out consistent with the standard numbering system or the [State](/usc/46/112.md) has changed the system without the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46)’s approval, the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) may withdraw approval after giving notice to the [State](/usc/46/112.md), in writing, stating the reasons for the withdrawal.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 590.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |
| --- | --- |
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 12302 | 46:1467 |

Section 12302 provides for a standard numbering system for undocumented vessels and for approval of State numbering systems by the Secretary. It also requires that a State, when implementing its numbering system, adopt any relevant terms required by the Secretary. In States without approved numbering systems, the Federal Government issues the numbers. This section also provides for the operation of a vessel in a State other than the one in which it was numbered.