Q3- Difference between IMO number vs official number. IMO no. vs Official no The IMO Number A permanent number that remains with the ship throughout its life; a number that identifies a ship regardless of what name, flag, and ownership changes it goes through, from build to scrapping. (Passenger ships of 100gt and above and Cargo ships of 300gt and abv)

Answer

The official number

A number issued by a flag state when a ship enters its register.

The number is assigned by the Registry with a carving note, and will remain with the ship unless it changes flag.

The number will be stated in the official log book

IMO no.

Official no.

 Mandatory as per IMO. (SOLAS ch-11,-1 regu- 3-1)

Mandatory as per flag

	Issued & assigned by S&P Global (f0rmerly known as IHS fairplay or Loyd’s Regstr-fairplay)

Issued by flag

 Remains the same for ship’s lifetime.

Changes when flag of vessel change.(till vessel remain in flag registry)

	Its used for tracking vesl, for safety and securty reason.

It serves administrative and legal purpose with in specific country maritime low and regulation.

	IM0 no will be various place- plans , certfctes etc

In official log book