Except as provided in §F of this regulation, in order to use Maryland waters, a vessel numbered by the State shall display two validation stickers issued in accordance with the provisions of Natural Resources Article, §8-712.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. The validation stickers expire December 31 of the year following issuance. The color of the validation sticker shall represent the year the validation stickers expire, with red for stickers that expire in 2012, followed by blue, international orange and green in rotation. If the validation stickers are defaced, lost, or destroyed, a sworn affidavit to that effect shall be filed within 15 days with the Department by the owner and application made for replacements. A service fee of $1 will be charged for the replacements. One validation sticker shall be affixed to the vessel: On each side of the vessel; and Within six inches of the vessel number. Exemptions. Temporary Registration Decals. A vessel is exempt from the requirement of displaying validation stickers if the temporary registration decals obtained from the licensed boat dealer are displayed and have not expired. Proof of Purchase. A vessel is exempt from the requirement of displaying validation stickers if: The individual who purchased the validation stickers is present on the vessel for which the stickers were issued; The individual who purchased the validation stickers is in possession of the proof of purchase issued by the Department; and The validation stickers were purchased within the previous 10 calendar days.