buying or registering a seConD hanD vessel? - NSW Maritime

general information
nsW Maritime has produced this pamphlet to guide you through
the process of buying a second hand vessel that is to be registered
for recreational use. it explains how to avoid buying a stolen vessel,
and the documents required to transfer registration of the vessel.
for further information telephone info Line on 13 12 56
(8.30am to 4.30pm) 7 days a week or visit our website:
www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
generaL inforMaTion on regisTering a VesseL
■ Vessel registration can only be applied for in one individual's
name or organisation's name.
■ applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
■ Concessions apply to the renewal component (not transfer)
of the registration if you are the holder of a valid pensioner
concession card issued by Centrelink or Veterans’ affairs.
What should I do before buyIng a vessel?
CheCk The PaPerWork
ask the seller to show you:
■ The current nsW Maritime certificate of registration for the
vessel.
■ The hin/Boatcode (pink) certificate if the hin number is not
recorded on the registration certificate.
note: if the certificate of registration does not record the
hin number and the seller is unable to provide a hin/
Boatcode certificate, you will need to obtain a hin/Boatcode
certificate prior to transferring the registration.
■ Proof that the person selling the vessel is also the registered
owner, such as a receipt/bill of sale and photo identification,
eg. a driver’s licence or passport in the same name.
CheCk The VesseL
Check that the details on the certificate of registration and the
hin/Boatcode (pink) certificate (if applicable) match the details
on the vessel itself.
To do this, examine the vessel and write down:
■ Vessel registration number (displayed on both sides of the
hull for mechanically propelled vessels and on the transom
for sailing vessels).
■ hull identification number (hin) which is generally affixed
to the starboard side transom of the vessel.
■ engine details.
Check for signs of tampering with the hin number, such
as grind marks, scratches or numbers that have been overstamped.
if you are suspicious contact your local police.
if the vessel is fitted with navigation lights, check that they fully
comply with legal requirements (see nsW Maritime's
"Be Bright – Be safe at night" brochure).
CheCk ThaT There is no MoneY oWing on The VesseL
if you buy a vessel from a private seller who still owes money
on it, the vessel could be repossessed and you could lose both
the vessel and your money. To determine if any money is owing
before buying a vessel:
■ Call the register of encumbered Vehicles (reVs) on
13 32 20, 7 days a week from 8.30am - 5.30pm weekdays,
9.00am - 5.00pm weekends and public holidays, or
■ Visit the reVs website at www.revs.nsw.gov.au and do the
reVs check yourself.
for the reVs check you need:
■ Vessel registration number.
■ hin (Boatcode) number.
■ engine details.
You can also call nsW Maritime or check with the police to see
if the vessel has been reported as stolen.
if the reVs check shows that no money is owing on the vessel,
ask them to send you a search Certificate. This certificate is
the simplest way to prevent a financier repossessing the vessel
if someone else you don’t know about still owes money on the
vessel. for a small fee this certificate is your written protection
against repossession of the vessel.
if reVs shows that someone does owe money for the vessel,
don’t buy it until you are certain they are going to repay the debt.
geT a reCeiPT
if you have done all of these checks and you decide to buy the
vessel, ask the seller to:
■ Complete and sign the back of the certificate of registration
(must be the registered owner as shown on the front of the
registration certificate).
■ give you a receipt that shows:
❑ Your full name and address,
❑ The date you bought the vessel,
❑ The registration number and the hin (Boatcode)
number or a full description of the vessel,
❑ The words “paid in full” or similar, and
❑ The seller’s full name and signature (check that the
signature on the receipt matches the one on their
driver’s licence).
remember the receipt is the only proof that you now own
the vessel.