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§ 12502. Identification numbers, signal letters, and markings

46 U.S.C. § 12502 (N/A)
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For the identification of a vessel of the United States, the Secretary of Transportation—

(1) shall maintain a unique numbering system and assign a number to each vessel of the United States;

(2) may maintain a system of signal letters for a documented vessel;

(3) shall record a name selected by the owner of a documented vessel approved by the Secretary as the vessel’s name of record; and

(4) may establish other identification markings.

The manufacturer or owner of a vessel shall affix to the vessel and maintain in the manner prescribed by the Secretary the number assigned and any other markings the Secretary may require.

Once a number is assigned under this section, it may not be used by another vessel.

Once a documented vessel’s name is established, the name may not be changed without the approval of the Secretary.

A person may not tamper with or falsify a number or other marking required under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 101(a), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4736.)

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§ 12501. Establishment of a vessel identification system
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