(1) No commercial ferry shall operate any vessel that has not been inspected by the United States Coast Guard and certified to be safe and seaworthy for its intended operation.

(2) Each commercial ferry shall maintain in its main office a copy of the most current certificate issued for each vessel operated.

(3) The commission may periodically require commercial ferry operators to provide proof that each vessel operated has been inspected and found to be safe and seaworthy. Such proof may be contained on the annual report form required by WAC 480-51-100.

(4) No commercial ferry shall augment its fleet with a vessel leased, borrowed, or obtained from another party unless the commercial ferry operator first obtains proof that the vessel has been inspected within the past twelve months and found to be safe and seaworthy for its intended purpose. A copy of the inspection certificate must be maintained in the commercial ferry operator's files for a period of not less than twelve months following use of such vessel.