(a) This article and other applicable laws of this state shall govern the operation, equipment, and numbering of vessels and all other matters relating thereto, whenever any vessel shall be operated on the waters of this state or when any activity regulated by this article shall take place thereon; but nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local law relating to operation and equipment of vessels, the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this article, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder, provided that such ordinances or local laws shall be operative only so long as and to the extent that they continue to be identical to provisions of this article, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder.

(b) Any political subdivision may at any time, but only after approval by the commissioner upon a showing of necessity because of unusual or special circumstances, adopt any ordinance or local law relating to the operation and equipment of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits which is more stringent than those provided for in this article.