(a) Certificates or documents issued to the public, as required by laws, rules, or regulations, shall be retained for the applicable period of time, as follows:

1. (1) If the certificate or document specifies a definite period of time for which it is valid, it shall be retained for so long as it is valid unless it is required to be surrendered; or,
2. (2) If the certificate or document does not specify a definite period of time for which it is valid, it shall be retained for that period of time such certificate or document is required for operation of the vessel; or,
3. (3) If the certificate or document is evidence of a person's qualifications, it shall be retained for so long as it is valid unless it is required to be surrendered.