In order to use Maryland waters for pleasure, a vessel documented with the U.S. Coast Guard with principal use in Maryland must display validation stickers issued in accordance with the provisions of Natural Resources Article, §8-712.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. The vessel excise tax is levied at the rate of 5 percent of the purchase price. Validation stickers expire December 31 of the year following issuance. The color of the stickers shall represent the year the decals 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 vessel owner and application made for replacements. A service fee of $1 will be charged for the replacements.