USCG now re-assigning MIC codes . . .

[tpenfield]

I recently downloaded the latest copy of the U.S. Coast Guard's MIC (Manufacturer Identification Code) database. . . and happened to notice that the USCG has started to re-assign codes (that 3 alpha code that begins the HIN number)

I found this 'new' company not too far from me . . . Danalevi Powerboats MIC = DLP . . . that code used to be for "Dolphin Boat Shop, Inc."

I wondered what the USCG was going to do once they ran out of 3 character codes . . . not sure how long they have been doing this. It might make it interesting in the years to come as to who 'owned' the code & when.

BTW - the number of active boat companies (those with an MIC code) has pared down to under 4,000.

 

[roscoe]

Re: USCG now re-assigning MIC codes . . .

Hmmm, there are 17,576 different combinations of 3 letters, if all 26 letters can be used.

I wonder if they have actually used them all?

Or if the company just applies to use 3 letters, and if they are currently not being used, they get them?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: USCG now re-assigning MIC codes . . .

Hmmm, there are 17,576 different combinations of 3 letters, if all 26 letters can be used.

I wonder if they have actually used them all?

Or if the company just applies to use 3 letters, and if they are currently not being used, they get them?

There are about 16,000 entries (codes) in the current database. So, they have not used them all, but probably are getting so close that they know they will have to re-use them, or change it up a bit. About 75% of the numbers are assigned to companies that are no longer in business.

It also looks like they have been re-assigning codes for a while, and now most newly issued codes are ones that have been previously assigned. About 180 codes were assigned in 2013 so far.

Also worthy of note, is that the USCG has assigned an MIC code for each US state/territory for the local assignment of HIN numbers to homemade boats.

 

[angus63]

Re: USCG now re-assigning MIC codes . . .

They may incorporate what other agencies have chosen to do when limited entry codes become populated. When limited to three entries, they may go alpha numeric using two letters then a number. This opens up the field and maintains alpha order. Been there...