10550.  In this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a
different meaning, the terms and definitions set forth in Section
9840 shall apply.


10551.  Every peace officer upon receiving a report based on
reliable information that any undocumented vessel numbered under this
code has been stolen shall immediately after receiving such
information report the theft to the Department of Justice, Automated
Boat System, and such peace officer upon receiving information of the
recovery of any such vessel which he has previously reported as
stolen, shall immediately report the fact of the recovery to the
Department of Justice, Automated Boat System.



10551.5.  The Department of Justice upon receiving notice under this
chapter that a vessel has been stolen or that a vessel reported
stolen has been recovered shall notify the Department of Motor
Vehicles of the reported theft or recovery.




10552.  It is unlawful for any person to make or file a false or
fraudulent report of the theft of an undocumented vessel required to
be numbered under this code with any law enforcement agents with
intent to deceive.


10553.  The owner or legal owner of a vessel numbered under this
code which has been stolen or embezzled may notify a law enforcement
agency of the theft or embezzlement, but in the event of an
embezzlement may make the report only after having procured the
issuance of a warrant for the arrest of the person charged with such
embezzlement.  Every owner or legal owner who has given any such
notice shall notify the law enforcement agency of a recovery of the
vessel.


10554.  The department upon receiving a report of a stolen or
embezzled vessel shall place an appropriate notice in the electronic
file system which will identify such vessel during the processing of
new certificates of number, ownership, or number and ownership.  When
such vessels are thus identified, processing shall be discontinued
and the agency holding the theft report and the Department of
Justice shall be notified.  New certificates shall not be issued
until cleared by the Department of Justice.  Notices shall remain in
the Department of Motor Vehicles system until a Department of Justice
deletion is received.
   A report of a stolen or embezzled vessel is effective for a period
of not less than one year from the date first reported, or for such
longer period as the department may determine.