Registration question?

[Marine Patrol]

Marine Patrol is very aware of the requirements for Documented vessels. Below are the applicable laws and rules for display of the decal. You will see that it is easir for the statutes to list the exceptions to vessel registration than to list all those that are required to register. Documented vessels are not exempt.

Safe Boating!!



270-E:4 Exemptions From Registration. – The following vessels shall be exempt from registration in this state:
I. Sailboats under 12 feet in length, rowboats and canoes powered by sail, oars, paddles, or other human power. Any vessel which has an inboard or outboard motor shall not be exempt from registration except as provided in paragraph II.
II. Vessels registered in another state or country temporarily using the waters of this state for not more than 30 consecutive days.
III. Vessels owned or operated by the United States government.

270-E:9 Exemptions From Displaying Numbers. –
I. A vessel shall not be required to display a number under this chapter if it is:
(a) Covered by a certificate of numbers in full force and effect which has been issued to it pursuant to federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state.
(b) A foreign vessel temporarily using waters subject to United States jurisdiction.
(c) A vessel owned, or demise chartered, and operated by the United States government, except a recreational-type public vessel; or a vessel whose owner is a state or subdivision thereof, which is used primarily for governmental purposes, and which is clearly identifiable as such.
(d) A vessel's lifeboat.
(e) A vessel which is documented by the United States Coast Guard or its federal agency successor. (f) A vessel which is being operated under a temporary certificate.
(g) A nondocumented vessel used exclusively for racing events.
(h) A sailboat under 20 feet in length, or any vessel that is only powered by oars or paddles. Any vessel which has an inboard or outboard motor shall not be exempt from displaying a number except as otherwise provided in this section.
II. A vessel which is exempt from displaying a number but which is otherwise required to be registered in this state shall display a decal issued by the state.


Saf-C 2304.02 Display of Decal.



(a) Each decal issued by the department shall:



(1) Be displayed within 6 inches to the right of the vessel number;



(2) Be clearly visible on each side of the vessel and within 2 feet of the stem, if the vessel

is exempt from displaying a vessel number pursuant to RSA 270-E:9, II;


(3) Be displayed within 6 inches to the right of the vessel number or clearly visible on the port and starboard facing portion of the windshield, if an antique or classic vessel.