People's Liberation Navy - Hull Numbering System
Submarine Hull Numbers
The PLAN assigns 3-digit hull numbers to its submarines as follows:
- Nuclear submarines have 4xx hull numbers
- Conventional submarines have 2xx or3xx hull numbers
Vessel Hull Numbers
The PLAN assigns 3-digit hull numbers to its destroyers and frigates as follows:
- Destroyers have 1xx hull numbers
- Frigates have 5xx hull numbers
In addition, vessels above battalion leadergrade have 3-digit hull numbers. These include submarine chasers, minesweeper ships, serviceships, landing ships, and some escort boats. Small combatants have a 4-digit pennant number,the first digit of which signifies area subordination. Furthermore, company leader-gradeboats have 4-digit hull numbers. These include minesweeper boats, service ships, landing craft, missile speedboats, missile boats, and some escort boats. The system for hull numbers on auxiliaries consists of a 3-digit number preceded by two or more Chinese characters describing the ship’s fleet and function. For example, “nanshui” is an SSF water tanker: The first character shows the fleet as follows:
- “Bei” for North Sea Fleet
- “Dong” for East Sea Fleet
- “Nan” for South Sea Fleet
The second character shows the functionas follows:
- “Jiao” for transport
- “Jiu” for salvage
- “Jun” for dredge
- “Kang” for hospital
- “Shui” for water tanker
- “Tuo” for tug
- “Xiu” for repair
- “You” for oiler
