Vessel and Bareboat Identification Numbers

Vessel and Bareboat Identification Numbers (VIN or BIN) have been introduced to provide greater flexibility for you to choose the vessel or aircraft you require on the day. They are like car number plates and allow you to operate a range of similar vessels depending on your operating requirements. The numbers also assist in monitoring compliance, helping to identify your vessel and the Marine Parks permit you are operating under.

The bareboat industry in the Whitsundays has been using Bareboat Identification Numbers for many years and all Whitsunday bareboat operators are legally required to display the number.

Vessel Identification Numbers have been introduced as a trial for the broader tourism industry to gauge whether they would be of benefit to operators and compliance staff. Please contact the GBRMPA if you wish to participate in this trial. Please note that there may be a small fee if changes are required to your current permit.

How do the numbers work?

The identification number is a unique number recorded on your permit and issued as a vessel or bareboat identifier (a small number plate). You must display the identifier in a clearly visible location on your aircraft or on the port side of your vessel.

How much do they cost?

The Vessel Identifiers cost $18.70 per identifier (plus postage and handling). The Bareboat Identifiers cost $11.00 per identifier (plus postage and handling). This amount is payable to the GBRMPA when you make your permit application.

Can I use any vessel I choose?

You can use any vessel you choose providing that the vessel complies with all of your permit conditions regarding vessel size and passenger capacity. You must ensure that the identifier is displayed on the vessel you use on the day.

Do I quote the number on my EMC returns?

All Whitsunday bareboat operators quote the Bareboat Identification Number and the vessels used on their EMC log books. Those operators participating in the broader trial are not yet required to quote them on the EMC log books.

What happens if it is damaged or lost?

If you lose or damage a Vessel or Bareboat Identifier, you should notify the GBRMPA immediately. Remember someone else could try to use the identifier which is linked to your permit, so it is in your interest to notify the GBRMPA as soon as possible.

There is a Permit Administrative Fee of $45.00 (valid to 1 January 2009). You will also need to pay for each new identifier and return the damaged identifier or provide a statutory declaration that the identifier has been lost. To speed the process you can complete a Permit Adminstrative Fee form (see Download form below) and fax the form, along with your request to the GBRMPA.