1156                                       LAWS OF MARYLAND                            [Ch.

of 1973. The word "document" is inserted
in place of the "certificate of number,
title, permit, license or registration".
This change gives the department full
authority and avoids confusion. This
provision refers only to a manufacturer's
or dealer's license since this is the only
license document the department issues.
Unlike other states, Maryland does not
require a boat operator's license.

The present reference to a permit and a
registration is confusing. The department
advises that it issues no permits or
registrations for boats and vessels. Also,
the statutes within this subtitle, except
for section 8-712 (c) and (f) , do not refer
to such documents. They only refer to
certificates of number and of title. The
only other changes made are in style.

8-704. RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

(A) IN GENERAL.—THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADOPT RULES
AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS
OF THIS SUBTITLE.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language
derived from Article 14B, section 12D of
the Code.

(E) NUMBERING, SAFETY EQUIPMENT, AND OPERATION
OF VESSELS.—THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOPT RULES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE FOLLOWING:

(1)     THE NUMBERING OF VESSELS FOR
INDENTIFICATION, SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON 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 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