((a)) For the identification of a vessel of the United States, the Secretary of Transportation—

((1)) shall maintain a unique numbering system and assign a number to each vessel of the United States;

((2)) may maintain a system of signal letters for a documented vessel;

((3)) shall record a name selected by the owner of a documented vessel approved by the Secretary as the vessel’s name of record; and

((4)) may establish other identification markings.

((b)) The manufacturer or owner of a vessel shall affix to the vessel and maintain in the manner prescribed by the Secretary the number assigned and any other markings the Secretary may require.

((c)) Once a number is assigned under this section, it may not be used by another vessel.

((d)) Once a documented vessel’s name is established, the name may not be changed without the approval of the Secretary.

((e)) A person may not tamper with or falsify a number or other marking required under this section.