Section 33-5-9
Vessels to be registered and numbered.
Every vessel on the waters of this state shall be registered and numbered. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel on such waters unless the vessel is registered and numbered with the identifying number set forth in the certificate of registration displayed on each side of the bow of such vessel, or in accordance with applicable federal law or in accordance with a federally approved numbering system of another state, and unless the certificate of number awarded to such vessel is in full force and effect.
(Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, §7.)