What Is the Difference Between a Vessel Whose Number Begins with the Letter ‘C’ as Opposed to a Vessel Whose Number Begins with a Number, and/or a Letter and Numbers?

A vessel whose number begins with the letter “C” (e.g. C00000BC) is a small commercial vessel, which was either licensed prior to July 1, 2007, or registered as of July 1, 2007 in the Small Vessel Registered.
A vessel whose number begins with a number, and/or a letter (e.g., 32E 00000 or BC 00000) is a licensed pleasure craft.