(a) This section applies to the following:
(1) A vessel required to be registered with the Department under this subtitle;
(2) A vessel required to have a valid number awarded in accordance with a federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state; and
(3) A vessel from a foreign country using the waters of the State.
(b) A person may not operate or attempt to operate a vessel on the waters of the State while the person is prohibited from operating a vessel on the waters of the State under § 8–738(e)(3)(i) of this subtitle.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction:
(1) For a first offense, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 1 year or both;
(2) For a second offense, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than 2 years or both; and
(3) For a third or subsequent offense, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $3,000 or imprisonment for not more than 3 years or both.