What must be done with the vessel's registration paper?

The vessel's registration paper must be kept aboard the boat when it is in operation. This requirement ensures that the registration documentation is readily available for review by law enforcement officers or other authorities who may need to verify the vessel's registration status while it is being used on the water. Having the registration on board is crucial for demonstrating compliance with state regulations, helping to avoid fines or other legal issues.

Keeping the documentation at home or submitting it to local authorities would not meet the requirement for immediate accessibility while the vessel is in use, and displaying it on the boat is not a recognized or practical method for fulfilling the legal obligation associated with boat registration.