(a) No person shall operate, nor shall the owner permit the operation of, any vessel on the waters of this state carrying more than 20 passengers unless such vessel satisfies the United States coast guard stability test criteria for small passenger vessels in 46 § C.F.R. 179.

(b) The owner of any vessel operating on the waters of this state and carrying more than 20 passengers shall request the United States coast guard to conduct or to supervise the conducting of a stability test in accordance with 46 C.F.R. § 179 and shall obtain and prominently display on such vessel an inspection certificate issued by the United States coast guard therefor, except that the requirements of this subsection shall be deemed to be satisfied if the United States coast guard refuses or is unable to conduct or to supervise the stability test and issue such certificate and a copy of the letter or other written notification of such refusal or inability is displayed prominently on such vessel.