CHAPTER 24 —MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1920
Chapter Referred to in Other Sections
This chapter is referred to in section 1114 of this Appendix; title 15 section 1014.
§861. Purpose and policy of United States
It is necessary for the national defense and for the proper growth of its foreign and domestic commerce that the United States shall have a merchant marine of the best equipped and most suitable types of vessels sufficient to carry the greater portion of its commerce and serve as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency, ultimately to be owned and operated privately by citizens of the United States; and it is declared to be the policy of the United States to do whatever may be necessary to develop and encourage the maintenance of such a merchant marine, and, insofar as may not be inconsistent with the express provisions of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall, in the disposition of vessels and shipping property as hereinafter provided, in the making of rules and regulations, and in the administration of the shipping laws keep always in view this purpose and object as the primary end to be attained.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §1,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
The shipping laws, referred to in text, are classified generally to Title 46, Shipping, and this Appendix.
Amendments
1981—
Transfer of Functions
"United States Maritime Commission" substituted in text for "United States Shipping Board". For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 871, 891 of this Appendix.
§864a. Purchase allowance in sale of vessels for cost of putting vessels in class
On and after June 30, 1948, the Secretary of Transportation may make allowances to purchasers of vessels for cost of putting such vessels in class, such allowances to be determined on the basis of competitive bids, without regard to the provisions of the last paragraph of section 1736(d) 1 of the Appendix to title 50.
(June 30, 1948, ch. 775, §101,
References in Text
Section 1736(d) of the Appendix to title 50, referred to in text, was repealed by
Codification
Section was enacted as part of The Supplemental Independent Offices Appropriation Act, 1949, act June 30, 1948, and not as part of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
1981—
1 See References in Text note below.
§864b. Elements considered in sale of vessels in determination of selling price
On and after June 29, 1949, no sale of a vessel by the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation shall be completed until its ballast and equipment shall have been inventoried and their value taken into consideration by the Maritime Administration in determining the selling price.
(June 29, 1949, ch. 281, §1,
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
1981—
§865. Sale to aliens
The Secretary of Transportation is authorized and empowered to sell to aliens, at such prices and on such terms and conditions as he may determine, not inconsistent with the provisions of section 5 1 (except that completion of the payment of the purchase price and interest shall not be deferred more than ten years after the making of the contract of sale), such vessels as he shall, after careful investigation, deem unnecessary to the promotion and maintenance of an efficient American merchant marine; but no such sale shall be made unless the Secretary of Transportation, after diligent effort, has been unable to sell, in accordance with the terms and conditions of section 5,1 such vessels to persons citizens of the United States, and has determined to make such sale; and he shall make as a part of his records a full statement of his reasons for making such sale. Deferred payments of purchase price of vessels under this section shall bear interest at the rate of not less than 5½ per centum per annum, payable semiannually.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §6,
References in Text
Section 5, referred to in text, means section 5 of act June 5, 1920, which was classified to section 864 of former Title 46, Shipping, and was repealed by
Amendments
1981—
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
1 See References in Text note below.
§865a. Sale of inactive passenger vessels to foreigners; conditions; requisition in emergency; surety bond
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or of prior contract with the United States, any vessel heretofore operated as a passenger vessel, as defined in section 613(a) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended [46 App. U.S.C. 1183(a)], under an operating-differential subsidy contract with the United States and now in inactive or layup status, except the steamship Independence and the steamship United States, may be sold and transferred to foreign ownership, registry, and flag, with the prior approval of the Secretary of Transportation. Such approval shall require (1) approval of the purchaser; (2) payment of existing debt and private obligations related to the vessel; (3) approval of the price, including terms of payment, for the sale of the vessel; (4) the seller to enter into an agreement with the Secretary whereby an amount equal to the net proceeds received from such sale in excess of existing obligations and expenses incident to the sale shall within a reasonable period not to exceed twelve months of receipt be committed and thereafter be used as equity capital for the construction of new vessels which the Secretary determines are built to effectuate the purposes and policy of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended [46 App. U.S.C. 1101 et seq.]; and (5) the purchaser to enter into an agreement with the Secretary, binding upon such purchaser and any later owner of the vessel and running with title to the vessel, that (a) the vessel will not carry passengers or cargo in competition, as determined by the Secretary, with any United States-flag passenger vessel for a period of two years from the date the transferred vessel goes into operation; (b) the vessel will be made available to the United States in time of emergency and just compensation for title or use; as the case may be, shall be paid in accordance with section 902 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 App. U.S.C. 1242); (c) the purchaser will comply with such further conditions as the Secretary may impose as authorized by sections 808, 835 and 839 of this Appendix; and (d) the purchaser will furnish a surety bond in an amount and with a surety satisfactory to the Secretary to secure performance of the foregoing agreements.
In addition to any other provision such agreements may contain for enforcement of (4) and (5) above, the agreements therein required may be specifically enforced by decree for specific performance or injunction in any district court of the United States. In the agreement with the Secretary the purchaser shall irrevocably appoint a corporate agent within the United States for service of process upon such purchaser in any action to enforce the agreement.
(
References in Text
The Merchant Marine Act, 1936, referred to in text, is act June 29, 1936, ch. 858,
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
1981—
§866. Establishment and operation of steamship lines between ports of United States
Investigation and determination by Secretary—The Secretary of Transportation is authorized and directed to investigate and determine as promptly as possible after June 5, 1920, and from time to time thereafter what steamship lines should be established and put in operation from ports in the United States or any Territory, District, or possession thereof to such world and domestic markets as in his judgment are desirable for the promotion, development, expansion, and maintenance of the foreign and coastwise trade of the United States and an adequate postal service, and to determine the type, size, speed, and other requirements of the vessels to be employed upon such lines and the frequency and regularity of their sailings, with a view to furnishing adequate, regular, certain, and permanent service.
Sale or charter of vessels—The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to sell, and if a satisfactory sale cannot be made, to charter such of the vessels referred to in section 863 of this Appendix or otherwise acquired by the Secretary of Transportation, as will meet these requirements to responsible persons who are citizens of the United States who agree to establish and maintain such lines upon such terms of payment and other conditions as the Secretary of Transportation may deem just and necessary to secure and maintain the service desired; and if any such steamship line is deemed desirable and necessary, and if no such citizen can be secured to supply such service by the purchase or charter of vessels on terms satisfactory to the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Transportation shall operate vessels on such line until the business is developed so that such vessels may be sold on satisfactory terms and the service maintained, or unless it shall appear within a reasonable time that such line cannot be made self-sustaining.
Preference in sales or charters—Preference in the sale or assignment of vessels for operation on such steamship lines shall be given to persons who are citizens of the United States who have the support, financial and otherwise, of the domestic communities primarily interested in such lines if the Secretary of Transportation is satisfied of the ability of such persons to maintain the service desired and proposed to be maintained, or to persons who are citizens of the United States who may then be maintaining a service from the port of the United States to or in the general direction of the world-market port to which the Secretary of Transportation has determined that such service should be established.
Lines established by shipping board; continued operation—Where steamship lines and regular service had been established and were being maintained by ships of the United States Shipping Board on June 5, 1920, such lines and service shall be maintained by the Secretary of Commerce until, in the opinion of the Secretary, the maintenance thereof is unbusinesslike and against the public interests.
Additional lines established by Secretary; rates and charges—Whenever the Secretary of Transportation shall determine, as provided in this Act, that trade conditions warrant the establishment of a service or additional service under Government administration where a service is already being given by persons, citizens of the United States, the rates and charges for such Government service shall not be less than the cost thereof, including a proper interest and depreciation charge on the value of Government vessels and equipment employed therein.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §7,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Section 863 of this Appendix, referred to in text, was omitted from the Code.
Codification
United States Shipping Board, referred to in fourth undesignated par., dissolved and functions transferred to successive Federal agencies and departments. Secretary of Commerce, referred to in such par., exercised certain functions of Board pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950, and was not changed to Secretary of Transportation in view of directory language of
Amendments
1981—
1928—Act May 22, 1928, struck out paragraph which related to contracts for carrying mails.
Transfer of Functions
Functions conferred upon Secretary of Commerce by provisions of Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950 to remain vested in Secretary except to extent inconsistent with sections 101(b) and 104(b) of Reorg. Plan No. 7 of 1961. See section 202 of Reorg. Plan No. 7 of 1961, set out under section 1111 of this Appendix.
In fourth undesignated par., "Secretary of Commerce" and "Secretary" substituted for "Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, on authority of Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950, set out under section 1111 of this Appendix, section 306 of which abolished United States Maritime Commission and section 204 of which transferred to Secretary of Commerce such Commission's functions not transferred to Federal Maritime Board.
Previously, "Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 891v, 1195 of this Appendix.
§867. Investigation of port, terminal, and warehouse facilities
It shall be the duty of the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, with the object of promoting, encouraging, and developing ports and transportation facilities in connection with water commerce over which he has jurisdiction, to investigate territorial regions and zones tributary to such ports, taking into consideration the economies of transportation by rail, water, and highway and the natural direction of the flow of commerce; to investigate the causes of the congestion of commerce at ports and the remedies applicable thereto; to investigate the subject of water terminals, including the necessary docks, warehouses, apparatus, equipment, and appliances in connection therewith, with a view to devising and suggesting the types most appropriate for different locations and for the most expeditious and economical transfer or interchange of passengers or property between carriers by water and carriers by rail; to advise with communities regarding the appropriate location and plan of construction of wharves, piers, and water terminals; to investigate the practicability and advantages of harbor, river, and port improvements in connection with foreign and coastwise trade; and to investigate any other matter that may tend to promote and encourage the use by vessels of ports adequate to care for the freight which would naturally pass through such ports: Provided, That if after such investigation the Secretary of Transportation shall be of the opinion that rates, charges, rules, or regulations of common carriers by rail subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board are detrimental to the declared object of this section, or that new rates, charges, rules, or regulations, new or additional port terminal facilities, or affirmative action on the part of such common carriers by rail is necessary to promote the objects of this section, the Secretary of Transportation may submit his findings to the Surface Transportation Board for such action as such Board may consider proper under existing law.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §8,
Amendments
1995—
1981—
Change of Name
Department of War designated Department of the Army and title of Secretary of War changed to Secretary of the Army by section 205(a) of act July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II,
Effective Date of 1995 Amendment
Amendment by
Transfer of Functions
"Maritime Commission" and "Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board). For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
§868. Vessels sold under deferred payment plan; insurance
If the terms and conditions of any sale of a vessel made under the provisions of this Act include deferred payments of the purchase price, the Secretary of Transportation shall require, as part of such terms and conditions, that the purchaser of the vessel shall keep the same insured (a) against loss or damage by fire, and against marine risks and disasters, and war and other risks if the Secretary of Transportation so specifies, with such insurance companies, associations or underwriters, and under such forms of policies, and to such an amount, as the Secretary of Transportation may prescribe or approve; and (b) by protection and indemnity insurance with such insurance companies, associations, or underwriters and under such forms of policies, and to such an amount as the Secretary of Transportation may prescribe or approve. The insurance required to be carried under this section shall be made payable to the Secretary of Transportation and/or to the parties as interest may appear. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to enter into any agreement that he deems wise in respect to the payment and/or the guarantee of premiums of insurance.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §9,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Amendments
1981—
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in section 1153 of this Appendix.
§869. Creation of fund for insurance of interests of United States
The Secretary of Transportation may create out of insurance premiums, and revenue from operations and sales, and maintain and administer separate insurance funds which he may use to insure in whole or in part against all hazards commonly covered by insurance policies in such cases, any legal or equitable interest of the United States (1) in any vessel constructed or in process of construction; and (2) in any plants or property in the possession or under the authority of the Secretary of Transportation. The United States shall be held to have such an interest in any vessel toward the construction, reconditioning, remodeling, improving, or equipping of which a loan has been made under the authority of this Act, in any vessel upon which he holds a mortgage or lien of any character, or in any vessel which is obligated by contract with the owner to perform any service in behalf of the United States, to the extent of the Government's interest therein.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §10,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Amendments
1981—
1928—Act May 22, 1928, inserted sentence relating to extent of interest of United States, among other changes.
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
§871. Repair and operation of vessels until sale
All vessels may be reconditioned and kept in suitable repair and until sold shall be managed and operated by the Secretary of Transportation or chartered or leased by him on such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Transportation shall deem wise for the promotion and maintenance of an efficient merchant marine, pursuant to the policy and purposes declared in section 861 of this Appendix and section 5 of this Act.1
The term "reconditioned" as used in this section includes the substitution of the most modern, most efficient, and most economical types of internal-combustion engines as the main propulsive power of vessels. Should the Secretary of Transportation have any such engines built in the United States and installed, in private shipyards or navy yards of the United States, in one or more merchant vessels owned by the United States, and the cost to the Secretary of Transportation of such installation exceeds the amount of funds otherwise available to him for that use, the Secretary of Transportation may transfer to his funds from which expenditures under this section may be paid, from his construction fund authorized by section 11 1 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, so much as in his judgment may be necessary to meet obligations under contracts for such installation; and the Treasurer of the United States shall, at the request of the Secretary of Transportation, make the transfer accordingly: Provided, That the total amount expended by the Secretary of Transportation for this purpose shall not in the aggregate exceed $25,000,000. Any such vessel after June 5, 1920, so equipped by the Secretary of Transportation under the provisions of this section shall not be sold for a period of five years from the date the installation thereof is completed, unless it is sold for a price not less than the cost of the installation thereof and of any other work of reconditioning done at the same time plus an amount not less than $10 for each dead-weight ton of the vessel as computed before such reconditioning thereof is commenced. The date of the completion of such installation and the amount of the dead-weight tonnage of the vessel shall be fixed by the Secretary of Transportation: Provided further, That in fixing the minimum price at which the vessel may thus be sold the Secretary of Transportation may deduct from the aggregate amount above prescribed 5 per centum thereof per annum from the date of the installation to the date of sale as depreciation: And provided further, That no part of such fund shall be expended upon the reconditioning of any vessel unless the Secretary of Transportation shall have first made a binding contract for a satisfactory sale of such vessel in accordance with the provisions of this Act, or for the charter or lease of such vessels for a period of not less than five years by a capable, solvent operator; or unless the Secretary of Transportation is prepared and intends to directly put such vessel in operation immediately upon completion. Such vessel, in any of the enumerated instances, shall be documented under the laws of the United States and shall remain documented under such laws for a period of not less than five years from the date of the completion of the installation, and during such period it shall be operated only on voyages which are not exclusively coastwise.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §12,
References in Text
Section 5 of this Act, referred to in text, is section 5 of act June 5, 1920, which was classified to section 864 of former Title 46, Shipping, and was repealed by
Section 11 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, referred to in text, was classified to section 870 of former Title 46, and was repealed by act June 29, 1936, ch. 858, §903(b), (c),
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Codification
The first paragraph of this section originally contained a further provision continuing the United States Shipping Board Merchant Fleet Corporation in existence with authority to operate vessels. The corporation was subsequently dissolved by section 203 of act June 29, 1936.
Amendments
1981—
1927—Act Feb. 11, 1927, substituted "U.S. Shipping Board Merchant Fleet Corporation" for "U.S. Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation" in first par.
1924—Act June 6, 1924, added second par.
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in section 891b of this Appendix.
1 See References in Text note below.
§872. Sale of property other than vessels
The Secretary of Transportation is further authorized to sell all property other than vessels transferred to him under section 4 1 upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Transportation may determine and prescribe.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §13,
References in Text
Section 4, referred to in text, means section 4 of act June 5, 1920, which was classified to section 863 of former Title 46, Shipping, and was repealed by
Amendments
1981—
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
1 See References in Text note below.
§875. Possession and control of terminal equipment and facilities
The possession and control of such other 1 docks, piers, warehouses, wharves and terminal equipment and facilities or parts thereof, including all leasehold easements, rights of way, riparian rights and other rights, estates or interests therein or appurtenant thereto which were acquired by the War Department 2 or the Navy Department for military or naval purposes during the war emergency may be transferred by the president to the Secretary of Transportation whenever the President deems such transfer to be for the best interests of the United States.
The President may at any time he deems it necessary, by order setting out the need therefor and fixing the period of such need, permit or transfer the possession and control of any part of the property taken over by or transferred to the Secretary of Transportation under this section to the Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force, or Department of the Navy for their needs, and when in the opinion of the President such need therefor ceases the possession and control of such property shall revert to the Secretary of Transportation. None of such property shall be sold except as may be provided by law.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §17,
References in Text
Words "such other", referred to in first par., mean other than docks, etc., acquired by President by or under act Mar. 28, 1918, ch. 28,
Amendments
1981—
Change of Name
Department of War designated Department of the Army and title of Secretary of War changed to Secretary of the Army by section 205(a) of act July 26, 1947. Section 207(a), (f) of act July 26, 1947, established Department of the Air Force, headed by a Secretary, and transferred functions (relating to Army Air Forces) of Secretary of the Army and Department of the Army to Secretary of the Air Force and Department of the Air Force. Sections 205(a) and 207(a), (f) of act July 26, 1947, were repealed by section 53 of act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
1 See References in Text note below.
2 See Change of Name note below.
§876. Power of Secretary and Commission to make rules and regulations
(a) In general
The Secretary of Transportation is authorized and directed in aid of the accomplishment of the purposes of this Act—
(1) To make all necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act;
And the Federal Maritime Commission is authorized and directed in aid of the accomplishment of the purposes of this Act:
(2) To make rules and regulations affecting shipping in the foreign trade not in conflict with law in order to adjust or meet general or special conditions unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade, whether in any particular trade or upon any particular route or in commerce generally, including intermodal movements, terminal operations, cargo solicitation, agency services, ocean transportation intermediary services and operations, and other activities and services integral to transportation systems, and which arise out of or result from foreign laws, rules, or regulations or from competitive methods, pricing practices, or other practices employed by owners, operators, agents, or masters of vessels of a foreign country; and
(3) To request the head of any department, board, bureau, or agency of the Government to suspend, modify, or annul rules or regulations which have been established by such department, board, bureau, or agency, or to make new rules or regulations affecting shipping in the foreign trade other than such rules or regulations relating to the Public Health Service, the Consular Service, and the steamboat inspection service.
(b) Approval and final action
No rule or regulation shall be established by any department, board, bureau, or agency of the Government which affects shipping in the foreign trade, except rules or regulations affecting the Public Health Service, the Consular Service, and the steamboat inspection service, until such rule or regulation has been submitted to the Federal Maritime Commission for its approval and final action has been taken thereon by the Commission or the President.
(c) Submission of facts to President
Whenever the head of any department, board, bureau, or agency of the Government refuses to suspend, modify, or annul any rule or regulation, or make a new rule or regulation upon request of the Federal Maritime Commission, as provided in subsection (a)(3) of this section, or objects to the decision of the Commission in respect to the approval of any rule or regulation, as provided in subsection (b) of this section, either the Commission or the head of the department, board, bureau, or agency which has established or is attempting to establish the rule or regulation in question may submit the facts to the President, who is authorized to establish or suspend, modify, or annul such rule or regulation.
(d) Prohibition against preference
No rule or regulation shall be established which in any manner gives vessels owned by the United States any preference or favor over those vessels documented under the laws of the United States and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States.
(e) Motion or petition
The Commission may initiate a rule or regulation under subsection (a)(2) of this section either on its own motion or pursuant to a petition. Any person, including a common carrier, tramp operator, bulk operator, shipper, shippers' association, ocean transportation intermediary, marine terminal operator, or any component of the Government of the United States, may file a petition for relief under subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(f) Filing of information
In furtherance of the purposes of subsection (a)(2) of this section—
(1) the Commission may, by order, require any person (including any common carrier, tramp operator, bulk operator, shipper, shippers' association, ocean transportation intermediary, or marine terminal operator, or an officer, receiver, trustee, lessee, agent, or employee thereof) to file with the Commission a report, answers to questions, documentary material, or other information which the Commission considers necessary or appropriate;
(2) the Commission may require a report or answers to questions to be made under oath;
(3) the Commission may prescribe the form and the time for response to a report and answers to questions; and
(4) a person who fails to file a report, answer, documentary material, or other information required under this paragraph shall be liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each day that the information is not provided.
(g) Discovery; witnesses; evidence
In proceedings under subsection (a)(2) of this section—
(1) the Commission may authorize a party to use depositions, written interrogatories, and discovery procedures that, to the extent practicable, are in conformity with the rules applicable in civil proceedings in the district courts of the United States;
(2) the Commission may by subpoena compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, documents, and other evidence;
(3) subject to funds being provided by appropriations Acts, witnesses are, unless otherwise prohibited by law, entitled to the same fees and mileage as in the courts of the United States;
(4) for failure to supply information ordered to be produced or compelled by subpoena under paragraph (2), the Commission may—
(A) after notice and an opportunity for hearing, suspend tariffs and service contracts of a common carrier or that common carrier's right to use tariffs of conferences and service contracts of agreements of which it is a member, or
(B) assess a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each day that the information is not provided; and
(5) when a person violates an order of the Commission or fails to comply with a subpoena, the Commission may seek enforcement by a United States district court having jurisdiction over the parties, and if, after hearing, the court determines that the order was regularly made and duly issued, it shall enforce the order by an appropriate injunction or other process, mandatory or otherwise.
(h) Disclosure to public
Notwithstanding any other law, the Commission may refuse to disclose to the public a response or other information provided under the terms of this section.
(i) Finding of unfavorable conditions
If the Commission finds that conditions that are unfavorable to shipping under subsection (a)(2) of this section exist, the Commission may—
(1) limit sailings to and from United States ports or the amount or type of cargo carried;
(2) suspend, in whole or in part, tariffs and service contracts for carriage to or from United States ports, including a common carrier's right to use tariffs of conferences and service contracts of agreements in United States trades of which it is a member for any period the Commission specifies;
(3) suspend, in whole or in part, an ocean common carrier's right to operate under an agreement filed with the Commission, including any agreement authorizing preferential treatment at terminals, preferential terminal leases, space chartering, or pooling of cargoes or revenue with other ocean common carriers;
(4) impose a fee, not to exceed $1,000,000 per voyage; or
(5) take any other action the Commission finds necessary and appropriate to adjust or meet any condition unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade of the United States.
(j) Refusal of clearance and denial of entry
Upon request by the Commission—
(1) the collector of customs at the port or place of destination in the United States shall refuse the clearance required by section 91 of this Appendix to a vessel of a country that is named in a rule or regulation issued by the Commission under subsection (a)(2) of this section, and shall collect any fees imposed by the Commission under subsection (i)(4) of this section; and
(2) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall deny entry for purpose of oceanborne trade, of a vessel of a country that is named in a rule or regulation issued by the Commission under subsection (a)(2) of this section, to any port or place in the United States or the navigable waters of the United States, or shall detain that vessel at the port or place in the United States from which it is about to depart for another port or place in the United States.
(k) Operation under suspended tariff or service contract
A common carrier that accepts or handles cargo for carriage under a tariff or service contract that has been suspended under subsection (g)(4) or (i)(2) of this section, or after its right to use another tariff or service contract has been suspended under those paragraphs, is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for each day that it is found to be operating under a suspended tariff or service contract.
(l) Consultation with other agencies
The Commission may consult with, seek the cooperation of, or make recommendations to other appropriate Government agencies prior to taking any action under this section.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §19,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Amendments
1998—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (f)(1).
Subsec. (f)(2) to (4).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (g)(1) to (3).
Subsec. (g)(4).
Subsec. (g)(4)(A).
Subsec. (g)(4)(B).
Subsec. (g)(5).
Subsec. (h).
Subsec. (i).
Subsec. (i)(1).
Subsec. (i)(2).
Subsec. (i)(3) to (5).
Subsec. (j).
Subsec. (j)(1).
Subsec. (j)(2).
Subsec. (k).
Subsec. (l).
1992—Par. (1)(b).
Par. (7)(d).
1990—Par. (1)(b).
Pars. (5) to (12).
1981—Par. (1).
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendments by
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Functions of Public Health Service and of all other officers and employees of Public Health Service, and functions of all agencies of or in Public Health Service transferred to Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare by Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1966, eff. June 25, 1966, 31 F.R. 8855,
All offices of collector of customs, comptroller of customs, surveyor of customs, and appraiser of merchandise in Bureau of Customs of Department of the Treasury to which appointments were required to be made by President with advice and consent of Senate ordered abolished with such offices to be terminated not later than Dec. 31, 1966, by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1965, eff. May 25, 1965, 30 F.R. 7035,
Steamboat Inspection Service consolidated in Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation which was later abolished. Functions relating to inspection of vessels now vested in Commandant of the Coast Guard. See note preceding section 3 of this Appendix.
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 1273a, 1710a of this Appendix; title 28 section 2342.
§877. Coastwise laws extended to island Territories and possessions
From and after February 1, 1922, the coastwise laws of the United States shall extend to the island Territories and possessions of the United States not covered thereby on June 5, 1920, and the Secretary of Transportation is directed prior to the expiration of such year to have established adequate steamship service at reasonable rates to accommodate the commerce and the passenger travel of said islands and to maintain and operate such service until it can be taken over and operated and maintained upon satisfactory terms by private capital and enterprise: Provided, That if adequate shipping service is not established by February 1, 1922, the President shall extend the period herein allowed for the establishment of such service in the case of any island Territory or possession for such time as may be necessary for the establishment of adequate shipping facilities therefor: And provided further, That the coastwise laws of the United States shall not extend to the Virgin Islands of the United States until the President of the United States shall, by proclamation, declare that such coastwise laws shall extend to the Virgin Islands and fix a date for the going into effect of same.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §21,
Codification
Provisos of this section authorizing the government of Philippine Islands to regulate transportation between ports or places in Philippine Archipelago until Congress authorized registry of vessels owned in those islands, and providing that this section should not go into effect in Philippine Islands until after investigation and proclamation by President, omitted on authority of Proc. No. 2695 of 1946, set out under
Amendments
1981—
1936—Act Apr. 16, 1936, inserted last proviso.
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Canton Island
Proc. No. 3215, Dec. 12, 1957, 72 Stat.
§883. Transportation of merchandise between points in United States in other than domestic built or rebuilt and documented vessels; incineration of hazardous waste at sea
No merchandise, including merchandise owned by the United States Government, a State (as defined in section 2101 of the 1 title 46), or a subdivision of a State, shall be transported by water, or by land and water, on penalty of forfeiture of the merchandise (or a monetary amount up to the value thereof as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, or the actual cost of the transportation, whichever is greater, to be recovered from any consignor, seller, owner, importer, consignee, agent, or other person or persons so transporting or causing said merchandise to be transported), between points in the United States, including Districts, Territories, and possessions thereof embraced within the coastwise laws, either directly or via a foreign port, or for any part of the transportation, in any other vessel than a vessel built in and documented under the laws of the United States and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States, or vessels to which the privilege of engaging in the coastwise trade is extended by section 808 of this Appendix or section 22 2 of this Act: Provided, That no vessel of more than 200 gross tons (as measured under
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §27,
References in Text
Section 22 of this Act, referred to in text, is section 22 of act June 5, 1920, which was classified to section 13 of former Title 46, Shipping, and was repealed by
The Presidential Proclamation of March 10, 1983, referred to in text, is Proc. No. 5030, Mar. 10, 1983, 48 F.R. 10605, which is set out as a note under
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in act Feb. 17, 1898, ch. 26, §1,
Amendments
1996—
1992—
1988—
1982—
1981—
1979—
1978—
1971—
1968—
1965—
1960—
1958—
1956—Act July 14, 1956, inserted proviso to prohibit the operation in coastwise trade of vessels of more than 500 gross tons which have been rebuilt outside the United States.
1935—Act July 2, 1935, amended section generally.
Act Apr. 11, 1935, inserted fifth proviso.
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Section 6(c)(2) of
Effective Date of 1960 Amendment
Section 4 of
Effective Date of 1956 Amendment
Section 4 of act July 14, 1956, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and enacting sections 883a and 883b of this Appendix] shall be effective from the date of enactment [July 14, 1956] hereof: Provided, however, That no vessel shall be deemed to have lost its coastwise privileges hereunder if it is rebuilt under a contract entered into before such date of enactment and if the work of rebuilding is commenced not later than six months after such date of enactment."
Regulations
Section 3 of
Repeals
For effect of subtitle IV (§10101 et seq.) of Title 49, Transportation, see note set out preceding section 801 of this Appendix.
Transfer of Functions
Functions conferred upon Secretary of Commerce by provisions of Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950 to remain vested in Secretary except to extent inconsistent with sections 101(b) and 104(b) of Reorg. Plan No. 7 of 1961. See section 202 of Reorg. Plan No. 7 of 1961, set out under section 1111 of this Appendix.
"Secretary of Commerce" substituted in text for "United States Maritime Commission" on authority of Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950, set out under section 1111 of this Appendix, section 306 of which abolished United States Maritime Commission and section 204 of which transferred to Secretary of Commerce such Commission's functions not transferred to Federal Maritime Board.
Previously, "United States Maritime Commission" substituted for "Shipping Board". For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Certificate of Documentation for Liquified Gas Tanker
Section 1120(f) of
"(1) is a foreign built vessel that was built prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 19, 1996]; or
"(2) is documented under
Nonapplicability of Pub. L. 100–329 to Certain Vessels
Section 5501(c) of
"(1) engaged in the transportation of valueless material or valueless dredged material; and
"(2) owned or chartered by a corporation that had on file with the Secretary of Transportation on August 1, 1989, the certificate specified in section 27A of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 App. U.S.C. 883–1)."
Launch Barge Inventory; Purpose; Development, Maintenance, and Updating; Contents; Publication of Initial and Current Inventory
Section 1(b) of
"(1) For purposes of interpreting the proviso pertaining to transportation of any platform jacket by launch barge, as added by subsection (a) of this section to section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 App. U.S.C. 883), the Secretary of Transportation shall develop, maintain, and periodically update an inventory of launch barges with less than a launch capacity of 12,000 long tons that are qualified to engage in the coastwise trade. Each launch barge listed on such inventory shall be identified by its name, launch capacity, length, beam, depth, and other distinguishing characteristics. For each such launch barge, the name and address of the person to whom inquiries may be made shall also be included on the inventory. A launch barge not listed on such inventory shall be deemed not to be 'a launch barge of lesser launch capacity identified by the Secretary of Transportation' within the meaning of such proviso to section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920.
"(2) Not later than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act [June 7, 1988], the Secretary of Transportation shall publish in the Federal Register an initial inventory of launch barges developed and maintained in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
"(3) Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [June 7, 1988], and periodically thereafter, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a current inventory of launch barges developed, maintained, and updated in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection."
Transportation of Municipal Sewage Sludge
Section 3 of
"(1) is in use by a municipality for the transportation of sewage sludge; or
"(2) is under contract with a municipality for the transportation of sewage sludge."
Vessel Under Contract With Municipality for Transportation of Sewage Sludge: Applicability of Provisions
Section 4 of
Certificate of Documentation to Vessel Transporting Valueless Material in Coastwise Trade, or Dredged Material, Whether or Not of Value; Issuance, Endorsement, Etc.
Section 5 of
"(1) is engaged in transporting only valueless material in the coastwise trade or transporting dredged material, whether or not of value, (A) from a point or place on the high seas within the Exclusive Economic Zone as defined in the Presidential Proclamation of March 10, 1983 [
"(2) had a certificate of documentation issued under section 12105 of that title on October 1, 1987;
"(3) had been sold foreign or placed under a foreign registry before that certificate was issued; and
"(4) was built in the United States;
except that such certificate of documentation shall be endorsed to restrict the use of such vessel to the transportation of valueless material in the coastwise trade, and to the transportation of dredged material, whether or not of value, (i) from a point or place on the high seas within such Exclusive Economic Zone to a point or place in the United States or to another point or place on the high seas within such Exclusive Economic Zone, or (ii) from a point or place within the United States to a point or place on the high seas within such Exclusive Economic Zone."
Transportation of Merchandise or Passengers Within Alaska by Foreign Built Hovercraft
"(a) Effective during the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1978], nothing in section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 [this section], or any other provision of law restricting the coastwise trade to vessels of the United States shall prohibit the transportation within the State of Alaska of merchandise or passengers by foreign built hovercraft.
"(b) For the purpose of this section the term 'hovercraft' means a vehicle which travels over land or water in a cushion of air generated by such vehicle."
Report to Congress Regarding Effect of Reciprocity Provisions
Section 2 of
Admission of Alaska as State
Effectiveness of amendment of this section by
Jurisdiction Over Common Carriers Between Ports in Hawaii and Other Ports
[Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in
Jurisdiction Over Common Carriers Between Ports in Alaska and Other Ports
Section 27(b) of
[Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in
Transportation of Lumber to Puerto Rico
Transportation of Coal Between Points in United States in Canadian Vessels
Act Aug. 7, 1956, ch. 1028,
Transportation of Iron Ore in Vessels of Canadian Registry
Act June 24, 1952, ch. 458,
Mar. 29, 1951, ch. 25,
June 30, 1950, ch. 427, §5,
Mar. 28, 1949, ch. 36,
Mar. 24, 1948, ch. 144,
Jan. 27, 1942, ch. 21,
May 31, 1941, ch. 158,
Transportation of Grain Between United States Ports on Great Lakes by Vessels of Canadian Registry During 1951
Act Oct. 10, 1951, ch. 459,
Transportation of Merchandise Between Hyder, Alaska, and United States
Act July 30, 1947, ch. 387,
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 292, 316, 446b, 883–1 of this Appendix; title 19 section 1554; title 46 sections 3704, 12101, 12106, 14305.
1 So in original. The word "the" probably should not appear.
2 See References in Text note below.
3 So in original. Probably should be followed by a colon.
§883–1. Corporation as citizen; fisheries and transportation of merchandise or passengers between points in United States; parent and subsidiary corporations; domestic built vessels; certificate; surrender of documents on change in status
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a corporation incorporated under the laws of the United States or any State, Territory, District, or possession thereof, shall be deemed to be a citizen of the United States for the purposes of and within the meaning of that term as used in sections 316, 808, 835, and 883 of this Appendix, and the laws relating to the documentation of vessels, if it is established by a certificate filed with the Secretary of the Treasury as hereinafter provided, that—
(a) a majority of the officers and directors of such corporation are citizens of the United States;
(b) not less than 90 per centum of the employees of such corporation are residents of the United States;
(c) such corporation is engaged primarily in a manufacturing or mineral industry in the United States or any Territory, District, or possession thereof;
(d) the aggregate book value of the vessels owned by such corporation does not exceed 10 per centum of the aggregate book value of the assets of such corporation; and
(e) such corporation purchases or produces in the United States, its Territories, or possessions not less than 75 per centum of the raw materials used or sold in its operations
but no vessel owned by any such corporation shall engage in the fisheries or in the transportation of merchandise or passengers for hire between points in the United States, including Territories, Districts, and possessions thereof, embraced within the coastwise laws, except as a service for a parent or subsidiary corporation and except when such vessel is under demise or bareboat charter at prevailing rates for use otherwise than in the domestic noncontiguous trades from any such corporation to a carrier subject to jurisdiction under subchapter II of
As used herein (1), the term "parent" means a corporation which controls, directly or indirectly, at least 50 per centum of the voting stock of such corporation, and (2), the term "subsidiary" means a corporation not less than 50 per centum of the voting stock of which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by such corporation or its parent, but no corporation shall be deemed to be a "parent" or "subsidiary" hereunder unless it is incorporated under the laws of the United States, or any State, Territory, District, or possession thereof, and there has been filed with the Secretary of the Treasury a certificate as hereinafter provided.
Vessels built in the United States and owned by a corporation meeting the conditions hereof which are non-self-propelled or which, if self-propelled, are of less than five hundred gross tons as measured under
A corporation seeking hereunder to document a vessel under the laws of the United States or to operate a vessel exempt from documentation under the laws of the United States shall file with the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States a certificate under oath, in such form and at such times as may be prescribed by him, executed by its duly authorized officer or agent, establishing that such corporation complies with the conditions of this section above set forth. A "parent" or "subsidiary" of such corporation shall likewise file with the Secretary of the Treasury a certificate under oath, in such form and at such time as may be prescribed by him, executed by its duly authorized officer or agent, establishing that such "parent" or "subsidiary" complies with the conditions of this section above set forth, before such corporation may transport any merchandise or passengers for such parent or subsidiary. If any material matter of fact alleged in any such certificate which, within the knowledge of the party so swearing is not true, there shall be a forfeiture of the vessel (or the value thereof) documented or operated hereunder in respect to which the oath shall have been made. If any vessel shall transport merchandise for hire in violation of this section, such merchandise shall be forfeited to the United States. If any vessel shall transport passengers for hire in violation of this section, such vessel shall be subject to a penalty of $200 for each passenger so transported. Any penalty or forfeiture incurred under this section may be remitted or mitigated by the Secretary of the Treasury under the provisions of
Any corporation which has filed a certificate with the Secretary of the Treasury as provided for herein shall cease to be qualified under this section if there is any change in its status whereby it no longer meets the conditions above set forth, and any documents theretofore issued to it, pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall be forthwith surrendered by it to the Secretary of the Treasury.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §27A, as added
Codification
In fourth par., "
Amendments
1996—
1995—
Effective Date of 1995 Amendment
Amendment by
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in title 30 section 1522; title 46 section 14305.
§883a. Reports required of United States vessels rebuilt abroad; penalty for failure to report; mitigation of penalty
If any vessel of more than five hundred gross tons as measured under
(July 14, 1956, ch. 600, §2,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act July 14, 1956, ch. 600,
Codification
"
Section was enacted as part of act July 14, 1956, and not as part of act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Amendments
1996—
1960—
Effective Date of 1960 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
Section effective July 14, 1956, see section 4 of act July 14, 1956, set out as an Effective Date of 1956 Amendment note under section 883 of this Appendix.
Regulations
Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this section, see section 3 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in title 46 section 14305.
§883b. Regulations
The Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
(July 14, 1956, ch. 600, §3,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act July 14, 1956, ch. 600,
Codification
Section was enacted as part of act July 14, 1956, and not as part of act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Effective Date
Section effective July 14, 1956, see section 4 of act July 14, 1956, set out as an Effective Date of 1956 Amendment note under section 883 of this Appendix.
§884. Charges for transportation subject to interstate transportation provisions
No carrier shall charge, collect, or receive for transportation subject to subtitle IV of title 49 of persons or property, under any joint rate, fare, or charge, or under any export, import, or other proportional rate, fare, or charge, which is based in whole or in part on the fact that the persons or property affected thereby is to be transported to, or has been transported from, any port in a possession or dependency of the United States, or in a foreign country, by a carrier by water in foreign commerce, any lower rate, fare, or charge than that charged, collected, or received by it for the transportation of persons, or of a like kind of property, for the same distance, in the same direction, and over the same route, in connection with commerce wholly within the United States, unless the vessel so transporting such persons or property is, or unless it was at the time of such transportation by water, documented under the laws of the United States. Whenever the Secretary of Transportation is of the opinion, however, that adequate shipping facilities to or from any port in a possession or dependency of the United States or a foreign country are not afforded by vessels so documented he shall certify this fact to the Surface Transportation Board, and the Board may, by order, suspend the operation of the provisions of this section with respect to the rates, fares, and charges for the transportation by rail of persons and property transported from, or to be transported to such ports, for such length of time and under such terms and conditions as he may prescribe in such order, or in any order supplemental thereto. Such suspension of operation of the provisions of this section may be terminated by order of the Board whenever the Secretary of Transportation is of the opinion that adequate shipping facilities by such vessels to such ports are afforded and shall so certify to the Board.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §28,
Codification
"Subtitle IV of title 49" substituted in text for "the Interstate Commerce Act [
Amendments
1995—
1981—
Effective Date of 1995 Amendment
Amendment by
Repeals
For effect of subtitle IV (§10101 et seq.) of Title 49, Transportation, see note set out preceding section 801 of this Appendix.
Transfer of Functions
"Maritime Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, substituted in text for "board", meaning United States Shipping Board. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
§885. Association of marine insurance companies; application of antitrust laws
(a) Whenever used in this section—
(1) The term "association" means any association, exchange, pool, combination, or other arrangement for concerted action; and
(2) The term "marine insurance companies" means any persons, companies, or associations, authorized to write marine insurance or reinsurance under the laws of the United States or of a State, Territory, District, or possession thereof.
(b) Nothing contained in the "antitrust laws" as designated in
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §29,
§887. Partial invalidity
If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or the application of any provision to certain circumstances be held invalid, the remainder of such Act and the application of such provisions to circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid shall not be affected thereby.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §36,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
§888. Definitions
When used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "person", "vessel", "documented under the laws of the United States", and "citizen of the United States" shall have the meaning assigned to them by sections 801, 802, and 803 of this Appendix; and the term "alien" means any person not a citizen of the United States.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §37,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,
Codification
The words "the term 'commission' means the United States Maritime Commission;" were omitted preceding the definition of "alien" in view of Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950, §§204, 306, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3178,
Amendments
1959—
Transfer of Functions
"Commission", meaning United States Maritime Commission, and "United States Maritime Commission" substituted in text for "board" and "Shipping Board", meaning United States Shipping Board, respectively. For dissolution of Board and transfer of functions to United States Maritime Commission, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166 and act June 29, 1936. Ex. Ord. No. 6166 is set out as a note under
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in title 46 section 31329.
§889. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Merchant Marine Act, 1920.
(June 5, 1920, ch. 250, §39,
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act June 5, 1920, ch. 250,