(a) Every person who owns or operates a vessel in public waters in connection with fishing operations for profit in this state, or who brings fish into this state, or who, for profit, permits persons to fish therefrom, shall submit an application for commercial boat registration on forms provided by the department and shall be issued a registration number.
(b) A commercial boat registration may be issued to any resident owner or operator of a vessel upon payment of a base fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The commercial boat registration shall be carried aboard the vessel at all times, and shall be posted in a conspicuous place.
(c) A commercial boat registration may be issued to any nonresident owner or operator of a vessel upon payment of a base fee of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750). The commercial boat registration shall be carried aboard the vessel at all times and shall be posted in a conspicuous place.
(d) If a registered vessel is lost, destroyed, or sold, the owner of the vessel shall immediately report the loss, destruction, or sale to the department.
(e) This section does not apply to any person required to be licensed as a guide pursuant to Section 2536.
(f) The base fees specified in this section are applicable to the 2004 license year, and shall be adjusted annually thereafter pursuant to Section 713.