[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 50, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 50CFR697.8]

[Page 840-841]
 
                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
 
                         DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
 
PART 697--ATLANTIC COASTAL FISHERIES COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT--Table of Contents
 
                      Subpart A--General Provisions
 
Sec. 697.8  Vessel identification.

    (a) Vessel name and official number. Each fishing vessel issued a 
limited access American lobster permit and over 25 ft (7.6 m) in 
registered length must:
    (1) Have affixed permanently its name on the port and starboard 
sides of the bow and, if possible, on its stern.
    (2) Have its official number displayed on the port and starboard 
sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck so as 
to be clearly visible from enforcement vessels and aircraft. The 
official number is the USCG documentation number or the vessel's state 
registration number for vessels not required to be documented under 
title 46 U.S.C.
    (b) Numerals. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, 
each fishing vessel issued a limited access American lobster permit must 
display

[[Page 841]]

its official number in block arabic numerals in contrasting color at 
least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height for fishing vessels over 65 ft (19.8 
m) in registered length, and at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height for 
all other vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) in registered length. The 
registered length of a vessel, for purposes of this section, is that 
registered length set forth in USCG or state records.
    (c) Duties of owner. The owner of each vessel issued a limited 
access American lobster permit shall ensure that--
    (1) The vessel's name and official number are kept clearly legible 
and in good repair.
    (2) No part of the vessel, its rigging, its fishing gear, or any 
other object obstructs the view of the official number from any 
enforcement vessel or aircraft.
    (d) Non-permanent marking. Vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) in registered 
length, fishing in the EEZ and carrying recreational fishing parties on 
a per capita basis or by charter must use markings that meet the above 
requirements, except for the requirement that they be affixed 
permanently to the vessel. The non-permanent markings must be displayed 
in conformity with the aforementioned requirements.