
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 46USC12302]

 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
                     Subtitle II--Vessels and Seamen
 
                    Part H--Identification of Vessels
 
               CHAPTER 123--NUMBERING UNDOCUMENTED VESSELS
 
Sec. 12302. Standard numbering system

    (a) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation a standard numbering 
system for vessels to which this chapter applies. On application by a 
State, the Secretary shall approve a State numbering system that is 
consistent with the standard numbering system. In carrying out its 
numbering system, a State shall adopt any definitions of relevant terms 
prescribed by regulations of the Secretary.
    (b) A State with an approved numbering system is the issuing 
authority within the meaning of this chapter. The Secretary is the 
issuing authority in a State in which a State numbering system has not 
been approved.
    (c) When a vessel is numbered in a State, it is deemed in compliance 
with the numbering system of a State in which it temporarily is 
operated.
    (d) When a vessel is removed to a new State of principal operation, 
the issuing authority of that State shall recognize the validity of the 
number issued by the original State for 60 days.
    (e) If a State has a numbering system approved after the Secretary 
issues a number, the State shall recognize the validity of the number 
issued by the Secretary for one year.
    (f) When the Secretary decides that a State numbering system is not 
being carried out consistent with the standard numbering system or the 
State has changed the system without the Secretary's approval, the 
Secretary may withdraw approval after giving notice to the State, in 
writing, stating the reasons for the withdrawal.

(Pub. L. 98-89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 590.)

                      Historical and Revision Notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Revised section                Source section (U.S. Code)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12302.............................  46:1467
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 12302 provides for a standard numbering system for 
undocumented vessels and for approval of State numbering systems by the 
Secretary. It also requires that a State, when implementing its 
numbering system, adopt any relevant terms required by the Secretary. In 
States without approved numbering systems, the Federal Government issues 
the numbers. This section also provides for the operation of a vessel in 
a State other than the one in which it was numbered.
