Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026

This bill creates new federal offenses within Title 18 of the United States Code concerning vessel identification. It introduces Section 507A, which makes it a crime to knowingly alter, remove, or affix unauthorized identification numbers or decals on vessels or vessel parts involved in interstate commerce, specifically when done with the intent to obscure the vessel's identity. This includes tampering with hull identification numbers (HINs) or other identification marks. The legislation provides exceptions for identification number removal authorized by the United States Coast Guard or required by its regulations. Violators of this provision could face fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Furthermore, the bill adds Section 2321A, establishing a crime for trafficking in certain vessels . This trafficking offense targets individuals who buy, receive, possess, or control a vessel with the intent to sell it, knowing that its identification numbers have been removed, altered, or are unauthorized. Exemptions apply if the alteration resulted from collision, allision, or fire, or if the initial alteration was not a violation of the new Section 507A. Penalties for vessel trafficking include fines, imprisonment for up to ten years, or both, aiming to deter the illicit trade of vessels with obscured identities.