(1) The department may regulate the holding of regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments or exhibitions which, by their nature, circumstance or location will introduce extra or unusual hazards to the safety of life on any waters of this State. It shall adopt and may amend regulations concerning the safety of boats, motorboats and vessels and persons thereon, either observers or participants. Whenever a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition is proposed to be held the person in charge thereof shall, at least thirty days prior thereto, file an application with the department for permission to hold such regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition. The application shall set forth the date, time and location where it is proposed to hold such regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition and such other information as the department may by regulation require and it shall not be conducted without written authorization of the department.

(2) The provisions of this section shall not exempt any person from compliance with applicable Federal law or regulation but nothing contained herein shall be construed to require the securing of a State permit pursuant to this section if a permit therefor has been obtained from an authorized agency of the United States.