In the Boat File, if the CAT field is EN or OB, which field must be entered?

In the context of the Boat File within the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system, when the CAT (Category) field indicates a value of EN (for "Entered") or OB (for "Other Boat"), it is required to provide an entry for the EPD field, which stands for "Estimated Production Date." This requirement is in place to ensure that critical information about the boat is captured for identification and tracking purposes.

The EPD field serves as an important data point that helps in associating boats with their manufacturing details, evaluating their potential history, and aiding law enforcement in identifying stolen or unregistered vessels. By mandating the entry of the EPD when the CAT field is set to EN or OB, the NCIC system improves its efficiency in managing and retrieving boat-related information as well as supporting investigations and inquiries related to watercraft.

The other fields: HUL (Hull Identification Number), HSP (Hull Shape), and CATINFO (Category Information), while potentially relevant in other contexts, are not specifically mandated when the CAT field is marked accordingly. This distinction helps streamline the data entry process and ensures that relevant information is consistently recorded in accordance with NCIC protocols.