IMO informs that a study is currently being conducted of the possible impact of a proposal to increase the number of digits used in the IMO Ship Identification Number Scheme (identification scheme) from seven to eight.
To assess the potential impact of such a change on stakeholders across the maritime sector and to enable further discussion of the idea, S&P Global, as managers of the Scheme on behalf of IMO, are seeking responses to a short survey. The consultation exercise runs until April 2023. IMO is keen to encourage anyone who has a view to share it.
The identification number allocated to a ship remains unchanged throughout its life, even in case of a change of flag, name, ownership or type. Numbers given to ships no longer in service or existence cannot be re-used.
The identification scheme was introduced – initially on a voluntary basis – in 1987 through the adoption of Resolution A.600(15), to enhance maritime safety and pollution prevention and as a way of countering maritime fraud. Its scope was subsequently amended to expand its application to small ships, including fishing boats.
In its current seven-digit format, there are approximately 900,000 number combinations. By the end of September 2022, just over half of those had been assigned.
It is estimated that enough identification numbers are still available to cover the needs of the maritime community for the next two decades.
