Ch. 86                                     2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect July 1, 2004.

Approved April 27, 2004.

CHAPTER 86
(Senate Bill 61)

AN ACT concerning

Department of Natural Resources - Vessel Operation - Regulations

FOR the purpose of requiring the Department of Natural Resources to adopt
regulations relating to the operation of vessels so that each vessel of a type or
size may be operated with equal freedom or under similar circumstances as
other vessels of that type or size; and generally relating to the adoption of
regulations relating to the operation of vessels.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Natural Resources
Section 8-704

Annotated Code of Maryland
(2000 Replacement Volume and 2003 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Natural Resources

8-704.

(a)     The Department may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the
provisions of this subtitle.

(b)     In order to protect the public safety, welfare, and recreational interests in
waters of the State, the Department may adopt a program relating to the placement
of buoys, mooring buoys, and other apparatus used to secure, berth, or moor vessels in
the waters of the State. The Department shall consult with any county affected by the
program.

(b-1) The Department shall adopt regulations governing the following:

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

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