-CITE- 46 USC CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -MISC1- Sec. 57101. Placement of vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet. 57102. Disposition of vessels not worth preserving. 57103. Sale of obsolete vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet. 57104. Acquisition of vessels from sale of obsolete vessels. 57105. Acquisition of vessels for essential services, routes, or lines. 57106. Maintenance, improvement, and operation of vessels. 57107. Vessels for other agencies. 57108. Consideration of ballast and equipment in determining selling price. 57109. Operation of vessels purchased, chartered, or leased from Secretary of Transportation. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57101 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57101. Placement of vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet -STATUTE- (a) In General. - Any vessel acquired by the Maritime Administration shall be placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet maintained under section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 (50 App. U.S.C. 1744). (b) Removal From Fleet. - A vessel placed in the Fleet under subsection (a) may not be traded out or sold from the Fleet, except as provided in section 57102, 57103, or 57104 or chapter 533, 537, 573, or 575 of this title. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1658.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57101 46 App.:1160(j). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title V, Sec. 510(j), as added Pub. L. 89-254, Sec. 2, Oct. 10, 1965, 79 Stat. 980; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(91), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 161. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsection (a), the words "vessel acquired by the Maritime Administration" are subtituted for "vessel heretofore or hereafter acquired under this section, or otherwise acquired by the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation under any other authority" to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (b), the words "except as provided in section 57102, 57103, or 57104 or chapter 533, 537, 573, or 575 of this title" are substituted for "except as provided for in subsections (g) and (i) of this section. This limitation shall not affect the rights of the Secretary of Transportation to dispose of a vessel as provided in other sections of this subchapter or in subchapters VII or XI of this chapter" because of the restatement. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57102 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57102. Disposition of vessels not worth preserving -STATUTE- (a) In General. - If the Secretary of Transportation determines that a vessel owned by the Maritime Administration is of insufficient value for commercial or military operation to warrant its further preservation, the Secretary may scrap the vessel or sell the vessel for cash. (b) Selling Procedure. - The sale of a vessel under subsection (a) shall be made on the basis of competitive sealed bids, after an appraisal and due advertisement. The purchaser does not have to be a citizen of the United States. The purchaser shall provide a surety bond, with a surety approved by the Secretary, to ensure that the vessel will not be operated in the foreign trade of the United States at any time within 10 years after the sale, in competition with a vessel owned by a citizen of the United States and documented under the laws of the United States. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1658.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57102 46 App.:1158(a). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title V, Sec. 508(a), 49 Stat. 2000; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(89), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 161; Pub. L. 108-136, title XXXV, Sec. 3512(1), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1789. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsection (a), the words "vessel owned by the Maritime Administration" are substituted for "vessel transferred to the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation by section 1112 of this Appendix, or hereafter acquired" to eliminate unnecessary words. In subsection (b), the words "The sale of a vessel under section (a) shall be made on the basis of competitive sealed bids, after an appraisal and due advertisement. The purchaser does not have to be a citizen of the United States." are substituted for "after appraisement and due advertisement, and upon competitive sealed bids, either to citizens of the United States or to aliens" for clarity. The words "provide a surety bond, with a surety approved by the Secretary, to ensure that" are substituted for "enter into an undertaking with sureties approved by the Secretary of Transportation that" for clarity. LIMITATION ON EXPORT OF VESSELS OWNED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISMANTLING, RECYCLING, OR SCRAPPING Pub. L. 110-417, div. C, title XXXV, Sec. 3502, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4761, provided that: "(a) In General. - Except as provided in subsection (b), no vessel that is owned by the Government of the United States shall be approved for export to a foreign country for purposes of dismantling, recycling, or scrapping. "(b) Exception. - Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to a vessel if the Administrator of the Maritime Administration certifies to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate that - "(1) a compelling need for dismantling, recycling, or scrapping the vessel exists; "(2) there is no available capacity in the United States to conduct the dismantling, recycling, or scrapping of the vessel; "(3) any dismantling, recycling, or scrapping of the vessel in a foreign country will be conducted in full compliance with environmental, safety, labor, and health requirements for ship dismantling, recycling, or scrapping that are equivalent to the laws of the United States; and "(4) the export of the vessel under this section will only be for dismantling, recycling, or scrapping of the vessel. "(c) United States Defined. - In this section the term 'United States' means the States of the United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam." VESSEL DISPOSAL PROGRAM Pub. L. 110-181, div. C, title XXXV, Sec. 3503, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 592, provided that: "(a) In General. - Within 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of Transportation shall convene a working group to review and make recommendations on best practices for the storage and disposal of obsolete vessels owned or operated by the Federal Government. The Secretary shall invite senior representatives from the Maritime Administration, the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Navy to participate in the working group. The Secretary may request the participation of senior representatives of any other Federal department or agency, as appropriate, and may also request participation from concerned State environmental agencies. "(b) Scope. - Among the vessels to be considered by the working group are Federally owned or operated vessels that are - "(1) to be scrapped or recycled; "(2) to be used as artificial reefs; or "(3) to be used for the Navy's SINKEX program. "(c) Purpose. - The working group shall - "(1) examine current storage and disposal policies, procedures, and practices for obsolete vessels owned or operated by Federal agencies; "(2) examine Federal and State laws and regulations governing such policies, procedures, and practices and any applicable environmental laws; and "(3) within 90 days after the date of enactment of the [this] Act [Jan. 28, 2008], submit a plan to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives to improve and harmonize practices for storage and disposal of such vessels, including the interim transportation of such vessels. "(d) Contents of Plan. - The working group shall include in the plan submitted under subsection (c)(3) - "(1) a description of existing measures for the storage, disposal, and interim transportation of obsolete vessels owned or operated by Federal agencies in compliance with Federal and State environmental laws in a manner that protects the environment; "(2) a description of Federal and State laws and regulations governing the current policies, procedures, and practices for the storage, disposal, and interim transportation of such vessels; "(3) recommendations for environmental best practices that meet or exceed, and harmonize, the requirements of Federal environmental laws and regulations applicable to the storage, disposal, and interim transportation of such vessels; "(4) recommendations for environmental best practices that meet or exceed the requirements of State laws and regulations applicable to the storage, disposal, and interim transportation of such vessels; "(5) procedures for the identification and remediation of any environmental impacts caused by the storage, disposal, and interim transportation of such vessels; and "(6) recommendations for necessary steps, including regulations if appropriate, to ensure that best environmental practices apply to all such vessels. "(e) Implementation of Plan. - "(1) In general. - As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the [this] Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the head of each Federal department or agency participating in the working group, in consultation with the other Federal departments and agencies participating in the working group, shall take such action as may be necessary, including the promulgation of regulations, under existing authorities to ensure that the implementation of the plan provides for compliance with all Federal and State laws and for the protection of the environment in the storage, interim transportation, and disposal of obsolete vessels owned or operated by Federal agencies. "(2) Armed services vessels. - The Secretary and the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall each ensure that environmental best practices are observed with respect to the storage, disposal, and interim transportation of obsolete vessels owned or operated by the Department of Defense. "(f) Rule of Construction. - Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede, limit, modify, or otherwise affect any other provision of law, including environmental law." -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57103 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57103. Sale of obsolete vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet -STATUTE- (a) In General. - The Secretary of Transportation may convey the right, title, and interest of the United States Government in any vessel of the National Defense Reserve Fleet that has been identified by the Secretary as an obsolete vessel of insufficient value to warrant its further preservation, if the recipient - (1) is a non-profit organization, a State, or a municipal corporation or political subdivision of a State; (2) agrees not to use, or allow others to use, the vessel for commercial transportation purposes; (3) agrees to make the vessel available to the Government whenever the Secretary indicates that it is needed by the Government; (4) agrees to hold the Government harmless for any claims arising from exposure to asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead paint, or other hazardous substances after conveyance of the vessel, except for claims arising from use of the vessel by the Government; (5) has a conveyance plan and a business plan that describes the intended use of the vessel, each of which has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary; (6) has provided proof, as determined by the Secretary, of resources sufficient to accomplish the transfer, necessary repairs and modifications, and initiation of the intended use of the vessel; and (7) agrees that when the recipient no longer requires the vessel for use as described in the business plan required under paragraph (5) - (A) the recipient will, at the discretion of the Secretary, reconvey the vessel to the Government in good condition except for ordinary wear and tear; or (B) if the Board of Trustees of the recipient has decided to dissolve the recipient according to the laws of the State in which the recipient is incorporated, then - (i) the recipient shall distribute the vessel, as an asset of the recipient, to a person that has been determined exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)), or to the Federal Government or a State or local government for a public purpose; and (ii) the vessel shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the recipient is located, for such purposes as the court shall determine, or to such organizations as the court shall determine are organized exclusively for public purposes. (b) Other Equipment. - At the Secretary's discretion, additional equipment from other obsolete vessels of the Fleet may be conveyed to assist the recipient with maintenance, repairs, or modifications. (c) Additional Terms. - The Secretary may require any additional terms the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Delivery of Vessel. - If conveyance is made under this section, the vessel shall be delivered to the recipient at a time and place to be determined by the Secretary. The vessel shall be conveyed in an "as is" condition. (e) Limitations. - If at any time prior to delivery of the vessel to the recipient, the Secretary determines that a different disposition of the vessel would better serve the interests of the Government, the Secretary shall pursue the more favorable disposition of the obsolete vessel and shall not be liable for any damages that may result from an intended recipient's reliance upon a proposed transfer. (f) Reversion. - The Secretary shall include in any conveyance under this section terms under which all right, title, and interest conveyed by the Secretary shall revert to the Government if the Secretary determines the vessel has been used other than as described in the business plan required under subsection (a)(5). -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1659.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57103 46 App.:1158(b). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title V, Sec. 508(b), as added Pub. L. 108-136, title XXXV, Sec. 3512(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1789. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsection (a), before paragraph (1), the words "Notwithstanding section 1160(j) of this title" are omitted as unnecessary because section 46 App. U.S.C. 1160(j) is restated in section 57101 of the revised title and that section contains an exception which includes this section. In paragraph (1), the words "Commonwealth, or possession of the United States" and "or the District of Columbia" are omitted as unnecessary because of the definition of "State" in chapter 1 of the revised title. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57104 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57104. Acquisition of vessels from sale of obsolete vessels -STATUTE- (a) In General. - The Secretary of Transportation may acquire suitable documented vessels with amounts in the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund derived from the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. (b) Valuation. - The acquired and obsolete vessels shall be valued at their scrap value in domestic or foreign markets as of the date of the acquisition for or sale from the Fleet. However, the value assigned to those vessels shall be determined on the same basis, with consideration given to the fair value of the cost of moving the vessel sold from the Fleet to the place of scrapping. (c) Costs Incident to Lay-Up. - Costs incident to the lay-up of the vessel acquired under this section may be paid from amounts in the Fund. (d) Transfers to Non-Citizens. - A vessel sold from the Fleet under this section may be scrapped in an approved foreign market without obtaining additional separate approval from the Secretary to transfer the vessel to a person not a citizen of the United States. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1660.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57104 46 App.:1160(i). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title V, Sec. 510(i), as added Pub. L. 86-575, July 5, 1960, 74 Stat. 312; Pub. L. 89-254, Sec. 1, Oct. 10, 1965, 79 Stat. 980; Pub. L. 91-469, Sec. 13, Oct. 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 1022; Pub. L. 93-605, Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1965; Pub. L. 95-177, Nov. 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 1368; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(91), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 161; Pub. L. 101-595, title VII, Sec. 704, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2994. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsection (b), the words "vessel sold from the Fleet" are substituted for "traded-out vessel" for clarity and consistency. In subsection (d), the words "without obtaining additional separate approval from the Secretary to transfer the vessel to a person not a citizen of the United States" are substituted for "Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 808 and 835 of this Appendix" for clarity and to avoid the cross references. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57105 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57105. Acquisition of vessels for essential services, routes, or lines -STATUTE- (a) In General. - The Secretary of Transportation may acquire a vessel, by purchase or otherwise, if - (1) the Secretary considers the vessel necessary to establish, maintain, improve, or serve as a replacement on an essential service, route, or line in the foreign commerce of the United States, as determined under section 50103 of this title; (2) the vessel was constructed in the United States; and (3) the Secretary of the Navy has certified to the Secretary of Transportation that the vessel is suitable for economical and speedy conversion into a naval or military auxiliary or otherwise suitable for use by the United States Government in time of war or national emergency. (b) Price. - The price paid for the vessel shall be based on a fair and reasonable valuation. However, the price may not exceed by more than 5 percent the cost of the vessel to the owner (excluding any construction-differential subsidy and the cost of national defense features paid by the Secretary of Transportation) plus the actual cost previously expended for reconditioning, less depreciation based on a 25-year life for a dry-cargo or passenger vessel and a 20-year life for a tanker or other liquid bulk carrier vessel. (c) Documentation. - A vessel acquired under this section that is not documented under the laws of the United States at the time of acquisition shall be so documented as soon as practicable. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1660.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57105 46 App.:1125. June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title II, Sec. 215, as added June 23, 1938, ch. 600, Sec. 4, 52 Stat. 954; Pub. L. 86-518, Sec. 1, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 216; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(73), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 160. 46 App.:1125 note. Pub. L. 86-518, Sec. 9, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 217. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsection (a), the words "and to pay for the same out of his construction fund" are omitted as obsolete because the construction fund established under 46 App. U.S.C. 1116 was impliedly abolished by 46 App. U.S.C. 1119, as amended. In subsection (b), the words "less depreciation based on a 25- year life for a dry-cargo or passenger vessel and a 20-year life for a tanker or other liquid bulk carrier vessel" are substituted for "less depreciation based upon a twenty-five year life expectancy of the vessel" because of section 9 of Public Law 86-518 (June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 217), which provided that "Nothing in any amendment made by this Act [including section 1 substituting 'twenty-five' for 'twenty' in 46 App. U.S.C. 1125] shall operate or be interpreted to change from twenty to twenty-five years the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, relating to the commercial expectancy or period of depreciation of any tanker or other liquid bulk carrier." -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57106 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57106. Maintenance, improvement, and operation of vessels -STATUTE- (a) In General. - The Secretary of Transportation may maintain, repair, recondition, remodel, and improve vessels owned by the United States Government and in the possession or under the control of the Secretary, to equip them adequately for competition in the foreign trade of the United States. The Secretary may operate such a vessel or charter the vessel on terms and conditions the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subtitle. (b) Documentation and Restrictions on Operation. - A vessel reconditioned, remodeled, or improved under subsection (a) shall be documented under the laws of the United States and remain so documented for at least 5 years after completion of the reconditioning, remodeling, or improvement. During that period, it shall be operated on voyages that are not exclusively coastwise. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1661.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57106 46 App.:871. June 5, 1920, ch. 250, Sec. 12, 41 Stat. 993; June 6, 1924, ch. 273, Sec. 2, 43 Stat. 468; Feb. 11, 1927, ch. 104, Sec. 1 (last par. under heading "United States Shipping Board"), 44 Stat. 1083; Exec. Order No. 6166, Sec. 12, eff. June 10, 1933; June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title II, Sec. 204, title IX, Sec. 904, 49 Stat. 1987, 2016; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(43), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 157. 46 App.:891b. May 22, 1928, ch. 675, title II, Sec. 202, 45 Stat. 690; Exec. Order No. 6166, Sec. 12, eff. June 10, 1933; June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title II, Sec. 204, title IX, Sec. 904, 49 Stat. 1987, 2016; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(51), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 157. -------------------------------------------------------------------- This section is substituted for the source provisions to eliminate obsolete and unnecessary provisions. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57107 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57107. Vessels for other agencies -STATUTE- (a) In General. - The Secretary of Transportation may construct, reconstruct, repair, equip, and outfit, by contract or otherwise, vessels or parts thereof, for any other department or agency of the United States Government to the extent the other department or agency is authorized by law to do so for its own account. (b) Effect on Contract Authorization. - An obligation incurred or expenditure made by the Secretary under this section does not affect any contract authorization of the Secretary, but instead shall be charged against the existing appropriation or contract authorization of the department or agency. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1661.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57107 46 App.:1125a. Feb. 6, 1941, ch. 5, Sec. 4, 55 Stat. 6; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(74), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 160. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsection (b), the words "heretofore or hereafter", "diminish or otherwise", and "and, to the amount of such obligation or expenditure, diminish" are omitted as unnecessary. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57108 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57108. Consideration of ballast and equipment in determining selling price -STATUTE- The Maritime Administration may not sell a vessel until its ballast and equipment have been inventoried and their value considered in determining the selling price of the vessel. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1661.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57108 46 App.:864b. June 29, 1949, ch. 281, Sec. 1 (proviso), 63 Stat. 349; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(36), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 156. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 57109 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle V - Merchant Marine Part F - Government-Owned Merchant Vessels CHAPTER 571 - GENERAL AUTHORITY -HEAD- Sec. 57109. Operation of vessels purchased, chartered, or leased from Secretary of Transportation -STATUTE- Unless otherwise authorized by the Secretary of Transportation, a vessel purchased, chartered, or leased from the Secretary may be operated only under a certificate of documentation with a registry or coastwise endorsement. Such a vessel, while employed solely as a merchant vessel, is subject to the laws, regulations, and liabilities governing merchant vessels, whether the United States Government has an interest in the vessel as an owner or holds a mortgage, lien, or other interest. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1661.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 57109 46 App.:808(b). Sept. 7, 1916, ch. 451, Sec. 9(b), 39 Stat. 730; July 15, 1918, ch. 152, Sec. 3, 40 Stat. 900; restated June 5, 1920, ch. 250, Sec. 18, 41 Stat. 994; Ex. Ord. No. 6166, Sec. 12, eff. June 10, 1933; June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title II, Sec. 204, title IX, Sec. 904, 49 Stat. 1987, 2016; Pub. L. 97-31, Sec. 12(26), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 155; Pub. L. 100-710, title I, Sec. 104(b)(2), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4750. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The words "only under a certificate of documentation with a registry or coastwise endorsement" are substituted for "only under such registry or enrollment and license" for clarity and to use the appropriate current language. -End-