[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 46, Volume 1] [Revised as of January 1, 2007] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 46CFR2.95-1] [Page 38] TITLE 46--SHIPPING CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PART 2_VESSEL INSPECTIONS--Table of Contents Subpart 2.95_Retention of Records by the Public Sec. 2.95-1 Certificates or documents issued by Coast Guard. (a) Certificates or documents issued to the public, as required by laws, rules, or regulations, shall be retained for the applicable period of time, as follows: (1) If the certificate or document specifies a definite period of time for which it is valid, it shall be retained for so long as it is valid unless it is required to be surrendered; or, (2) If the certificate or document does not specify a definite period of time for which it is valid, it shall be retained for that period of time such certificate or document is required for operation of the vessel; or, (3) If the certificate or document is evidence of a person's qualifications, it shall be retained for so long as it is valid unless it is required to be surrendered. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the Coast Guard from canceling, suspending, or withdrawing any certificate or document issued at any time.