32-1117. Handmade vessels; assignment of number and issuance of decals; display; fee. (a) Whenever the secretary assigns a hull identification number to a handmade vessel, the hull identification number shall consist of two letters designating the state followed by the letter "Z"; the next five characters shall be an identifying serial number and the last four characters shall indicate the month and year of the vessel certificate of ownership issuance.

(b) The registered owner of a handmade vessel for which a hull identification number has been assigned shall carve, burn, stamp, emboss or otherwise permanently affix the assigned number to the outboard side of the starboard side of the transom or, if there is no transom, to the outermost starboard side at the end of the hull that bears the rudder or other steering mechanism and above the waterline of the vessel in such a way that alteration, removal, or replacement would be evident. The number must be at least ¼ inch in height.

(c) The secretary shall issue a decal which indicates the assigned hull identification number to be affixed to each vessel which has been assigned under this section. The decal shall be affixed no more than two inches below the location of the hull identification number placed pursuant to the provisions in subsection (b). Such decal, as well as a duplicate decal placed in an unexposed portion of the interior of the vessel, shall be affixed by the department.

(d) It shall be unlawful to remove, alter or deface a decal or duplicate decal which has been issued for or affixed to a vessel pursuant to the provisions of subsection (c), or to affix or otherwise display such a decal or duplicate decal on any vessel other than the vessel for which the hull identification number was assigned, without first having obtained the written permission by the department.

(e) A hull identification inspection fee of $10 shall be assessed to the owner of a vessel requesting a hull identification number pursuant to this section.

History: L. 2006, ch. 85, § 10; January 1, 2007.