1. Every power-driven vessel for which this State is the principal state of operation must be numbered and titled, except as otherwise provided in subsection 5 and NRS 488.175.
2. Upon receipt of an original application for a certificate of ownership or for transfer of a certificate of ownership on an undocumented power-driven vessel, the Department shall assign an appropriate state hull number to the power-driven vessel whenever there is no builder’s hull identification number thereon, when the builder’s hull identification number has been destroyed or obliterated, or if the builder’s hull identification number does not meet the requirements prescribed by the United States Coast Guard. The state hull number must be permanently marked on an integral part of the hull which is accessible for inspection.
3. A person shall not operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel on the waters of this state unless:
(a) The vessel is numbered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or with the federally approved numbering system of another state;
(b) The certificate of number awarded to the vessel is in effect; and
(c) The identifying number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel in the manner set forth in 33 C.F.R. Part 173.
4. A person shall not operate or give permission for the operation of any power-driven vessel on the waters of this State unless a valid certificate of ownership has been issued to the owner of the power-driven vessel.
5. Any person who purchases or otherwise owns a power-driven vessel before January 1, 1972, is not required to obtain title for the power-driven vessel until the person transfers any portion of his or her ownership in the power-driven vessel to another person.