; or (B) the switch components are submerged in water or separated from the switch by a predetermined distance. (2) Engine cut-off switch link The term engine cut-off switch link means the equipment attached to the recreational vessel operator and which activates the engine cut-off switch. (f) Effective dates A regulation prescribed under this section shall specify an effective date that is not earlier than 1 year from the date the regulation was published. 312. Visual distress signals and alternative use (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall develop a performance standard for the alternative use and possession of visual distress signals as mandated by carriage requirements for recreational boats in subpart C of part 175 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations. (b) Regulations Not later than 180 days after the performance standard for alternative use and possession of a visual distress signal is finalized, the Secretary shall revise part 175 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, to allow for carriage of such alternative signal devices. (c) EPIRBs and PLBs In revising the regulations under subsection (b), the Secretary shall allow use of a position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) or Personal Locating Devices (PLBs) of 406 megahertz, operating on the COSPAS–SARSAT system to meet the alternative carriage requirements for recreational boats under subpart C of part 175 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations. 313. Renewal period for documented recreational vessels (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue certificates of documentation for recreational vessels effective for 5 years and charge a nonrefundable fee of $130 per issuance. (b) Fees All fees collected from recreational vessel owners under subsection (a) shall be available to fund recreational vessel documentation costs until expended. 314. Exception from survival craft