PUBLIC LAW 98-89 —AUG. 26, 1983 97 STAT. 591 § 12303. Exemption from numbering requirements (a) When the Secretary is the authority issuing a number under this chapter, the Secretary may exempt a vessel or class of vessels from the numbering requirements of this chapter under conditions the Secretary may prescribe. (b) When a State is the issuing authority, it may exempt from the numbering requirements of this chapter a vessel or class of vessels exempted under subsection (a) of this section or otherwise as permit- ted by the Secretary. § 12304. Certificates of numbers (a) A certificate of number is granted for a number issued under this chapter. The certificate shall be pocketsized, shall be at all times available for inspection on the vessel for which issued when the vessel is in operation, and may be valid for not more thsm 8 years. The certificate of number for a vessel less than 26 feet in length and leased or rented to another for the latter's noncommer- cial operation of less than 7 days may be retained on shore by the vessel's owner or representative at the place from which the vessel departs or returns to the possession of the owner or the owner's representative. A vessel that does not have the certificate of number on board shall be identified when in operation, and comply with requirements, as the issuing authority prescribes. (b) The owner of a vessel numbered under this chapter shall provide— (1) the issuing authority notice of the transfer of any part of the owner's interest in the vessel or of the destruction or abandonment of the vessel, within a reasonable time after the transfer, destruction, or abandonment; and (2) notice of a change of address within a reasonable time of the change, as prescribed by regulation. § 12305. Displaying numbers A number required by this chapter shall be painted on, or at- tached to, each side of the forward half of the vessel for which it was issued, and shall be the size, color, and type as may be prescribed by the Secretary. No other number may be carried on the forward half of the vessel. § 12306. Safety certificates When a State is the authority issuing a number under this chapter, it may require that the individual in charge of a numbered vessel have a valid safety certificate issued under conditions set by the issuing authority, except when the vessel is subject to manning requirements under part F of this subtitle. Ante, p. 547. § 12307. Regulations on numbering and fees The authority issuing a number under this chapter may prescribe regulations and establish fees to cariy out the intent of this chapter. The fees shall apply equally to residents and nonresidents of the State. A State issuing authority may impose only conditions for vessel numbering that are— (1) prescribed by this chapter or regulations of the Secretary about the standard numbering system; or (2) related to proof of payment of State or local taxes.
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