The person whose name appears on a certificate of number as the owner of a vessel shall remove the number and validation sticker from the vessel when:

1. (a) The vessel is documented by the Coast Guard;
2. (b) The certificate of number is invalid under paragraph (c) of § 173.77; or
3. (c) The vessel is no longer principally operated in the State where the certificate was issued.

[CGD 72-54R, 37 FR 21399, Oct. 7, 1972, as amended by USCG-2003-14963, 77 FR 18700, Mar. 28, 2012]