(a) Every vessel whose construction is begun after October 31, 1972, shall have a hull identification number assigned and affixed as required by the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971. The Department shall determine the procedures for application and for issuance of the hull identification number.
(b) A person may not destroy, remove, alter, cover, or deface the manufacturer’s hull identification number, the plate bearing it, or any hull identification number the Department assigns to any vessel without the Department’s permission.