(a) At least once in every two years each ATA vessel must be examined for compliance with the regulations of this subchapter by the ABS, a similarly qualified organization, or a surveyor of an accepted organization.

(b) Each individual performing an examination under paragraph (a) of this section, upon finding the vessel to be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, must provide written certification of compliance to the owner or operator of the vessel.

(c) Each certification of compliance issued under paragraph (b) of this section must:

(1) Be signed by the individual that performed the examination;

(2) Include the name of the organization the individual performing the examination represents or the name of the accepted organization the individual belongs to; and

(3) State that the vessel has been examined and found to meet the specific requirements of this chapter.

(d) A certification of compliance issued under paragraph (b) of this section must be retained on board the vessel until superseded.

(e) A copy of the certification of compliance issued under paragraph (b) of this section must be forwarded by the organization under whose authority the examination was performed to the Coast Guard District Commander (Attention: Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinator) in charge of the district in which the examination took place.