In May 2010, the Coast Guard issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for changes to the Standard Numbering System (SNS), Vessel Identification System (VIS), and Boating Accident Report Database (BARD) (Docket USCG-2003-14963 in regulations.gov). On March 28, 2012, the Final Rule was published. The amendments to CFR are intended to align and modernize terminology across the systems; require verification of vessel hull identification numbers; require SNS vessel owners to provide personally identifiable information; and provide flexibility for states and territories in administering these regulations.
Although the Final Rule became effective 30 days after publication (April 27, 2012), the implementation date for major changes in provisions regarding casualty and accident reporting and the standard numbering system is January 1, 2017.
For an itemization of the significant changes to the rulemaking resulting from public comments on the NPRM as well as a list of the affected sections of CFR, see Part V and Table 1--Changes Made By This Rule (pp. 18690-18694) in the Final Rule.