What is the purpose of a vessel's registration number?

The purpose of a vessel's registration number is to legally identify the vessel and its owner. This number serves as a unique identifier that distinguishes the boat from all others, allowing authorities to track ownership, verify compliance with regulations, and enhance safety on the water. When a vessel is registered, the owner's information is recorded alongside the registration number, linking the two together in official records. This helps in preventing theft and provides a means to reach the owner should any issues arise while the vessel is in use.

Other options, while they may pertain to various aspects of boating or vessel specifications, do not accurately describe the primary function of the registration number. For instance, environmental friendliness and manufacturing details are not encompassed within the registration system, nor does the registration directly convey size and capacity information.