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46 U.S.C. 3704: Coastwise trade vesselsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 37-CARRIAGE OF LIQUID BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES
Jump To: Source CreditHistorical and Revision NotesEditorial NotesAmendments

§3704. Coastwise trade vessels

A segregated ballast tank, a crude oil washing system, or an inert gas system, required by this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter, on a vessel entitled to engage in the coastwise trade under chapter 551 of this title shall be installed in the United States (except the trust territories). A vessel failing to comply with this section may not engage in the coastwise trade.

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 522 ; Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(16) , Oct. 6, 2006 , 120 Stat. 1703 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

3704

46:391a(7)

Section 3704 requires any tank vessel that is entitled to engage in the coastwise trade to install certain equipment in the United States under the penalty of losing coastwise trading privileges if the installation work is done in a foreign country.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006⁠—Pub. L. 109–304 substituted “chapter 551 of this title” for “section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 App. U.S.C. 883),”.