Section 52-7-4. Requirement as to numbering of vessels

   Every vessel using the waters of this state shall be numbered, except those vessels exempted by Code Section 52-7-6 and those vessels documented by the United States Coast Guard and licensed pursuant to Code Section 27-2-8. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any such vessel on the waters of this state unless the vessel is numbered in accordance with this article or in accordance with applicable federal law or in accordance with a federally approved numbering system of another state and unless:

   (1) The certificate of number issued to the vessel is on board and in full force and effect; and

   (2) The identifying number set forth in the certificate of number is properly displayed on each side of the forward half of the vessel; provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to numbered vessels which are documented by the United States Coast Guard.

Ga. L. 1960, p. 235, § 5; Ga. L. 1973, p. 1427, § 4; Ga. L. 1987, p. 567, § 2; Ga. L. 1988, p. 410, § 2.