H.R. 9650: Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026

This bill would create new federal crimes related to tampering with or trafficking in vessels, such as boats and other watercraft, when the vessel is involved in interstate commerce.

What it would make illegal

• Knowingly removing, hiding, changing, forging, counterfeiting, or otherwise tampering with a vessel’s identifying marks, including:
  • a hull identification number,
  • another required identification number, or
  • a decal or device attached to the vessel for identification purposes.
• Knowingly attaching fake or unauthorized identification numbers or identification decals/devices to a vessel or vessel part.
• Buying, receiving, possessing, or controlling a vessel with the intent to sell or otherwise dispose of it, if the person knows its identification number has been removed, altered, forged, or was not properly issued.

Exceptions

The bill would not apply when the removal of an identification number is done by someone authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard, or when Coast Guard regulations require the removal.

For the trafficking offense, the bill would also not apply if the identification damage came from a collision, allision, or fire, or if the conduct is not already covered by the new prohibition on tampering with vessel identification numbers.

Penalties

• Violating the tampering provision could lead to a fine, up to 5 years in prison, or both.
• Violating the trafficking provision could lead to a fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both.

Definitions

The bill defines key terms like “vessel,” “hull identification number,” and “identification number” by referring to existing federal law and Coast Guard regulations. It also clarifies that “tampering” includes covering a required decal or device.

Relevant Companies

None found