ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                              Ch. 86

(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.

(b-2)(1) The Department shall adopt regulations prohibiting the operation of
personal watercraft above idle speed in any area of water with a depth of less than 18
inches.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the
Department may adopt regulations limiting the use of personal watercraft in any
area of water with a depth of less than 1 meter.

(c)      Department regulations do not become effective unless advertised publicly
in at least 2 daily newspapers of general circulation and at least 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
regulations.

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

(e)     On any proposed 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 regulations. These representatives and officials serve as an advisory
committee appointed by the Secretary to review the proposed regulations.

(f)      The Department, with the endorsement of the Secretary of Natural
Resources and the Secretary of the Environment, after a public hearing following 60
days' notice, shall adopt and publish sound level limits governing the noise generated
by the operation of pleasure craft on the waters of the State. The sound level limits
shall be established at the most restrictive level consistent with the environmental
noise standards adopted by the Department of the Environment which is achievable
through the application of the best available technology and at a reasonable cost. The

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