Help/FAQ


Welcome to S&P Global Ship Numbering Scheme Frequently Asked Questions Page. We strongly recommend you take some time to read the below before sending your request. Remember, the clearer your request and the more relevant information given, the quicker you will receive your IMO Ship Identification Number.

Q: How long will it take to receive my number?
A: At present it can take up to 5 working days to receive an IMO Ship Identification Number, though we do aim to respond the same working day where possible. Remember that the more information you provide us with, the quicker it will be to receive a response; we must be certain that the Ship is not already in our database before a number can be issued.


Q: My Ship has changed name, will the IMO Number remain the same?
A: Yes, the ship IMO Number remains with the ship for its life regardless of how many times it may change its name.


Q: The Registered Owner of the vessel has changed; does the IMO Ship Number remain the same?
A: Yes, the ship IMO Number remains with the ship for life regardless of how many times its owner may change.


Q: I think I have found a duplicate IMO Ship Number, what do I do?
A: Inform ship.imo@ihs.com immediately; Duplicate entries are rare however when they do arise it is vital the situation is dealt with as soon as possible.


Q: I have found my Ship details to be inaccurate and I would like to update them, how can I do this?
A: If your vessel is NOT In Service yet send an E-mail to: ship.imo@ihs.com
If the ship is In Service then send an E mail to maritime.ships@ihs.com
Please ensure your e-mail is clear and specific with regard to the amendments you wish to make to our records


Q: Will S&P Global issue me a Certificate containing my IMO Ship Number?
A: At present we do NOT issue any official documents regarding the IMO Ship Identification Number however you may print out results from this Website for reference. We can confirm that E-mail’s containing the number from one of our team are also accepted evidence that the number has been issued.


Q: Which ships qualify for an IMO Number?
A: Self-Propelled sea-going merchant ships of 100GT and above. Recently, the scheme expanded to include fishing vessels of steel and non-steel hull construction, passenger ships of less than 100 GT, high speed passenger craft, and mobile drilling units engaged on international voyages (SOLAS regulation V/19-1); and all motorised inboard fishing vessels of less than 100 GT down to a size limit of 12 meters LOA authorised to operate outside waters under national jurisdiction of the flag State. If a ship does not qualify, we will give a brief explanation as to why.


Q: How much does the service cost?
A: The service is free of charge


Welcome to S&P Global Company Numbering Scheme Frequently Asked Questions Page. We strongly recommend you take some time to read the below before sending your request. Remember, the clearer your request and the more relevant information given, the quicker you will receive your IMO Company Identification Number.


Q: I can’t find the request forms anywhere on the website, please help
A: You must search for your company using the search box on the Company Numbers Home page before you can access the forms, your company may already exist within our records, this will enable you to receive your number instantly.


Q: How long will it take to receive my number?
A: At present it can take up to 3 working days to receive an IMO Company Identification Number, though we do aim to respond the same working day where possible. Remember that the more information you provide us with, the quicker it will be to receive a response: we must be certain that the Company will fill the role of Registered Owner or DOC Holder before a number can be issued.


Q: My Company has changed name, will the IMO Number remain the same?
A: Yes, providing they are the same entity and this can be proved then the number will remain the same.


Q: My Company has moved address, will the IMO Number remain the same?
A: Yes, companies changing location will keep the same number and our records will be amended accordingly.


Q: The Registered Owner of the vessel has changed, can the Company Number remain the same?
A: No, if a new Company has taken ownership of the vessel then a separate IMO Company Identification Number is required and you will be required to send a request for a new Registered Owner.


Q: I think I have found a duplicate IMO Company Number entry on your website, what do I do?
A: Inform maritime.owners@ihs.com or one of our team members immediately; DO NOT use the number until you have received a response from one of our team. Duplicate entries are rare however when they do arise it is vital the situation is dealt with as soon as possible.


Q: I have found my Company on your website, however the details are inaccurate and I would like to update them, how can I do this?
A: Simply click the ‘Correct Details’ link on the Company result screen, this will generate a new E-mail which will be sent to maritime.owners@ihs.com please ensure your e-mail is clear and specific with regard to the amendments you wish to make to our records


Q: My Company has been involved in a Merger and I am unsure what steps to take
A: In the event of a Company Merger please click the ‘Company Merger‘ link located on the Company result screen alongside the ‘Correction of Details’ link, this will generate a new E-mail which will be sent to maritime.owners@ihs.com Please ensure that your e-mail is as detailed as possible, and provide copies of the relevant official documents relating to the Merger in order to speed up the process.


Q: Will S&P Global issue me a Certificate containing my Company Number?
A: At present we do NOT issue any official documents regarding the IMO Company Identification Number however you may print out results from this Website for reference. We can confirm that E-mail’s containing the number from one of our team are also accepted evidence that the number has been issued.