The Certificate of Inspection and any SOLAS Certificates must be posted under glass or other suitable transparent material, such that all pages are visible, in a conspicuous place on the vessel where observation by passengers is likely. If posting is impracticable, such as in an open boat, the certificates must be kept on board in a weathertight container readily available for use by the crew and display to passengers and others on request.

When, in accordance with § 178.210 of this chapter, a vessel must be provided with a stability letter, the stability letter must be posted under glass or other suitable transparent material, such that all pages are visible, at the operating station of the vessel. If posting is impracticable, the stability letter must be kept on board in a weathertight container readily available for use by the crew and display to passengers and others on request.

(a) A Certification Expiration Date Sticker indicates the date upon which the vessel's Certificate of Inspection expires and is provided by the cognizant OCMI in the number required, upon issuance or renewal of the Certificate of Inspection.

(b) A vessel that is issued a Certificate of Inspection under the provisions of this subchapter must be not be operated without a valid Certification Expiration Date Sticker affixed to the vessel on a place that is:

(1) A glass or other smooth surface from which the sticker may be removed without damage to the vessel;

(2) Readily visible to each passenger prior to boarding the vessel and to patrolling Coast Guard law enforcement personnel; and

(3) Acceptable to the Coast Guard marine inspector.

(c) The Coast Guard marine inspector may require the placement of more than one sticker in order to insure compliance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section.