§ 654.6 - Vessel and gear identification.

An owner or operator of a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial vessel permit for stone crab has been issued must comply with the vessel and gear identification requirements of this section. An owner or operator of a vessel in the management area who is in compliance with the stone crab trap limitation program and vessel and gear marking requirements implemented by the FFWCC is exempt from the requirements of this section.

(a) Vessel identification. An owner or operator of a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial vessel permit for stone crab has been issued must—

(1) Display the vessel's official number—(i) On the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and, for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long, on an appropriate weather deck, so as to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.

(ii) In block arabic numerals permanently affixed to or painted on the vessel in contrasting color to the background.

(iii) At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height for vessels over 65 ft (19.8 m) long; at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long; and at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height for vessels 25 ft (7.6 m) long or less.

(2) Display the color code assigned by the RA—(i) On the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and, for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long, on an appropriate weather deck, so as to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.

(ii) In the form of a circle permanently affixed to or painted on the vessel.

(iii) At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter for vessels over 65 ft (19.8 m) long; at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter for vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) long; and at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter for vessels 25 ft (7.6 m) long or less.

(3) Keep the official number and the color code clearly legible and in good repair and ensure that no part of the fishing vessel, its rigging, fishing gear, or any other material on board obstructs the view of the official number or the color code from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.

(b) Gear identification—(1) Traps. A stone crab trap used by or possessed on board a vessel with a Federal commercial vessel permit for stone crab must have a valid annual trap tag issued by the RA attached.

(2) Trap buoys. A buoy must be attached to each stone crab trap or at each end of a string of traps. Each buoy must display the official number and the color code assigned by the RA so as to be easily distinguished, located, and identified.

(3) Presumption of trap ownership. A stone crab trap will be presumed to be the property of the most recently documented owner. This presumption will not apply to traps that are lost if the owner reports the loss within 15 days to the RA.

(4) Unmarked traps or buoys. An unmarked stone crab trap or a buoy deployed in the EEZ where such trap or buoy is required to be marked is illegal and may be disposed of in any appropriate manner by the Assistant Administrator or an authorized officer.