Washington Administrative Code › Title 308 - Licensing, Department of (See also Titles 36, 98 and 196) › Chapter 308-93 - Vessel registration and certificates of title › Section 308-93-730 - Indian tribe vessel numbering system

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
What are the specifications for an
			 Indian tribe vessel registration number?
A tribal vessel number
			 conforming to the specifications of 33 C.F.R. sections 173.27 and 174.23 and a
			 certificate of number conforming to 33 C.F.R. section 174.19, must be assigned,
			 and a "decal" must be issued for each Indian tribe and tribal member vessel and
			 displayed thereon. Upon agreement of the Coast Guard and Indian tribes,
			 different specification may be established for treaty fishing
			 vessels.
(2)
How are Indian
			 tribe vessel registration numbers dispersed?
Each tribe is entitled to a
			 block of numbers with a unique tribal suffix. Each tribe may select a unique,
			 three-letter suffix for its state or tribally produced vessel number, unless
			 otherwise agreed upon by the Coast Guard. The vessel numbers must be of the
			 same size and placed in the same location as specified for those vessels
			 registered under
			 chapter
			 88.02 RCW. The department
			 will not issue a plaque, sticker, or other form of number to affix to a
			 numbered vessel.
(3)
Are
			 Indian tribe vessel registration number decals unique to the tribe?
The
			 decal may be unique to each tribe, as long as the decal conforms to the Coast
			 Guard specifications regarding size and color. A tribe may choose to use decals
			 provided by the department.
(4)
When will the department supply the Indian tribe with a list of vessel
			 numbers and decals?
By June 1st of each year, the department will
			 provide each Indian tribe a list of vessel numbers, and state decals if the
			 Indian tribe so requests, in the quantity, and with any particular three-letter
			 suffix specified by the Indian tribe. Such quantity must be sufficient to
			 enable each Indian tribe to issue a vessel number to each of its tribal fishers
			 for the vessels they use in the treaty fishery. The department has thirty days
			 to provide an Indian tribe the list of vessel numbers and decals after the
			 Indian tribe has advised the department of its number and decal
			 requirement.
(5)
What happens
			 if the department fails to provide a list of vessel numbers requested by an
			 Indian tribe in the time frame outlined in subsection (4) of this
			 section?
Failure by the department to provide a list of vessel numbers
			 requested by an Indian tribe in the time frames outlined in this section will
			 not prohibit the Indian tribe or tribal fishermen from lawfully fishing under
			 the treaty fishing right, and will be a complete defense in any action by the
			 state to enforce its tax or vessel registration laws until the state complies
			 with the terms of this section.
Statutory Authority: RCW 88.02.100. 02-05-058, §
				  308-93-730, filed 2/15/02, effective 3/18/02. Statutory Authority: RCW
				  88.02.100 and United States v Washington, Subproceeding No. 88-1. 96-16-038,
				  § 308-93-730, filed 8/1/96, effective
				  9/1/96.