The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities may adopt regulations, not in conflict with federal law or regulations, which establish standards for marine communications in the state.

A master or owner of a vessel in operation which is in violation of this chapter, or a regulation adopted under it, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense under this section.

In addition to applicable federal statutes and regulations, a person may not operate a vessel of any type in excess of 200 gross tons in the territorial waters of the state unless a licensed VHF radiotelephone installation equipped with at least five channels, including standard VHF calling and distress frequencies, or a standard marine radiotelephone equipped with at least five channels, including standard radiotelephone calling and distress frequencies, is installed and capable of being operated from the bridge or wheelhouse of the vessel. While the vessel is underway the radiotelephone shall be monitored at all times on the applicable standard calling and distress frequency by a person qualified to operate radio equipment of the type required by this section.