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Boat Stolen –
What To Do Now?

Boat theft requires immediate action with multiple authorities. These steps maximize recovery chances — reporting the HIN on checkste.com is the key step after police.

→ Report HIN Now
🚨
Act Immediately — Multiple Authorities!

Police AND maritime police/coast guard. Have your HIN and boat registration ready.

📋 Your Immediate Steps
1

Call Police & Maritime Authorities

Report to regular police AND maritime police or coast guard. Provide boat name, HIN, description, home marina, and registration number. Note the case number for insurance.

📞 999 (UK) · 911 (US) · 112 (EU) · 110 (DE) · Coast Guard: VHF Ch. 16
2

🔑 Report HIN on checkste.com — GPS Alert

Enter the HIN (Hull Identification Number, 12 characters) on checkste.com. When someone checks the boat before buying, you instantly receive a GPS email with the exact location.

→ Report free on checkste.com
3

Notify Surrounding Marinas & Harbors

Contact all nearby marinas, yacht clubs, and harbors immediately. Thieves often moor stolen boats in nearby harbors or try to sell them locally. Give them the HIN and boat description.

📢 Local marinas · Yacht clubs · Harbor master's office
4

Notify Your Boat Insurance

Contact your marine/boat insurance. Have police case number, HIN, and registration documents ready. The insurer covers replacement value for comprehensive theft policies.

⚠️ Liability alone does NOT cover theft — marine comprehensive required
5

Search Boat Marketplaces

Search YachtWorld, Boat Trader, eBay, and local/international listings for your model. Stolen boats often appear for sale within days, sometimes in different regions.

🛒 YachtWorld · Boat Trader · eBay · Apollo Duck

🔢 What is the HIN and Where is it on a Boat?

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is the 12-character serial number of a boat — equivalent to a car's VIN.

Transom (stern) — starboard side, upper right corner — required by law in most countries
Boat registration documents — listed as "HIN" or "Hull Number"
Purchase receipt / bill of sale — listed as "Serial Number" or "HIN"

Example HIN: XYZ12345A606

Format: 3-char manufacturer code + 5-char serial + 4-char date

🛰️ Why Report the HIN on checkste.com?

Stolen boats often cross borders and appear on international markets. checkste.com closes the gap:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which authority handles boat theft?
The maritime police handles theft on inland waterways. Coast guard covers coastal and offshore areas. Also file a regular police report. In an emergency at sea: contact the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on VHF channel 16 or by phone.
Does insurance pay for boat theft?
Marine comprehensive (casco) insurance covers theft. Liability alone does not. Requirements: police report and proof of secured mooring. The insurer pays the replacement value.
Does checkste.com work internationally for boats?
Yes. checkste.com works globally. Stolen boats are often moved across borders — when someone checks the HIN anywhere in the world, you receive a GPS alert via email.
Is checkste.com free?
Yes, completely free. No app download, no subscription, no hidden fees.

⛵ Report Your Boat's HIN on checkste.com

Free · GPS Alert on HIN Check · GDPR Compliant · Works Worldwide

→ Report Now (Free)

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