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46 U.S.C. 4303: Inspection and testingText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-124 (October 15, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 43-RECREATIONAL VESSELS

§4303. Inspection and testing

(a)  Subject to regulations, supervision, and reviews that the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may delegate to a person, private or public agency, or organization, or to an officer or employee under the supervision of that person or agency, any work, business, or function related to the testing, inspection, and examination necessary for compliance enforcement and for the development of data to enable the Secretary to prescribe regulations under section 4302 of this title.

(b)  The Secretary may⁠—

(1)  conduct research, testing, and development necessary to carry out this chapter, including the procurement by negotiation or otherwise of experimental and other recreational vessels or associated equipment for research and testing purposes; and

(2)  subsequently sell those vessels.

( Pub. L. 98-89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 531 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

4303

46:1457

Section 4303 authorizes the Secretary to delegate to certain persons or agencies or organizations any work, business, or function related to the testing, inspection, and examination necessary for compliance enforcement. The Secretary may also conduct research, testing, and development necessary to carry out this chapter, including procurement of vessels and equipment and their subsequent sale. The Committee wishes to make clear that the Secretary may sell anything that was purchased to test.