WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor Ch. 6

(1) The numbering of vessels for identification, safety equipment on
[vessels] VESSELS, and operations of any vessels subject to this subtitle so that each
vessel complying with the [rules and] regulations may be operated with equal freedom
or under similar requirements on all waters of the State. The numbering system used
shall conform to the one adopted by the federal government. These [rules and]
regulations may not conflict with any federal law[,] or [rule and] regulation applicable
to vessels on the waters in the State;

(2) The issuance of certificates of title and certificates of boat number;

(3) Instructions for making reports and handling personnel and boats in
case of accidents;

(4) Abandonment, destruction, theft, recovery, sale, or transfer of
ownership;

(5) Change of address of owner;

(6) Use of boats from other jurisdictions on the waters of the State;

(7) Issuance of certificates of number for boats changing their state of
principal use to Maryland;

(8) Cooperation with local governments and the federal authority for
special events or to meet emergency situations; and

(9) Issuance of certificates of number to owners of fleets or boats for hire
or rent.

(c) Department [rules and] regulations do not become effective unless
advertised publicly in at least [two] 2 daily newspapers of general circulation and at
least [one] 1 weekly newspaper serving the area or areas involved at least 45 days
before the effective date. If 50 citizens of the State file a petition with the Department
at least 15 days prior to the effective date, the Department shall conduct a public
hearing on the proposed [rules and] regulations.

(d) A municipality or other local authority may not establish any [rule or]
regulation of a local nature which does not conform with the Department's [rules and]
regulations.

(e) On any proposed [rule or] regulation affecting the equipment or operation
of any vessel subject to this subtitle, the Secretary shall solicit the advice and opinions
of officials of representative boating associations, yacht clubs, and local, State, or
federal governments or officials[,] having knowledge or experience with the subject
matter of the proposed [rules and] regulations. These representatives and officials
serve as an advisory committee appointed by the Secretary to review the proposed
[rules and] regulations.

(f) The Department [shall], with the endorsement of the Secretary of Natural
Resources and the Secretary of the Environment, after a public hearing following 60
[days] DAYS' notice, SHALL adopt and publish sound level limits governing the noise

- 123 -