eCFR Documentation

50 CFR 697.8 (up to date as of 4/16/2024)
Vessel identification.

50 CFR 697.8 (Apr. 16, 2024)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 50 —Wildlife and Fisheries
Chapter VI —Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Department of Commerce
Part 697 —Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management
Subpart A —General Provisions
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
Source: 64 FR 68248, Dec. 6, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

§ 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 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 nonpermanent markings must be displayed in conformity with the aforementioned requirements.

50 CFR 697.8(d) (enhanced display)

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