Every vessel on the waters of this State shall be numbered, except those vessels exempted from numbering under G.S. 75A-7. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel on the waters of this State unless all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The vessel is numbered in accordance with this Chapter, or in accordance with applicable federal law, or in accordance with a federally approved numbering system of another state.
(2) The certificate of number awarded to the vessel is in full force and effect.
(3) The identification number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel.