U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 14301. Application

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, this chapter applies to the following:

(1) a documented vessel.

(2) a vessel that is to be documented under chapter 121 of this title.

(3) a vessel engaged on a foreign voyage.

(b) This chapter does not apply to the following:

(1) a vessel of war.

(2) a vessel of less than 24 meters (79 feet) overall in length.

(3) a vessel operating only on the Great Lakes, unless the owner requests.

(4) a vessel (except a vessel engaged on a foreign voyage) the keel of which was laid or that was at a similar stage of construction before January 1, 1986, unless—

(A) the owner requests; or

(B) the vessel undergoes a change that the Secretary finds substantially affects the vessel’s gross tonnage.

(5) before July 19, 1994, an existing vessel unless—

(A) the owner requests; or

(B) the vessel undergoes a change that the Secretary finds substantially affects the vessel’s gross tonnage.

(6) a barge (except a barge engaged on a foreign voyage) unless the owner requests.

(c) A vessel made subject to this chapter at the request of the owner may be remeasured only as provided by this chapter.

(d) After July 18, 1994, an existing vessel (except an existing vessel referred to in subsection (b)(5)(A) or (B) of this section) may retain its tonnages existing on July 18, 1994, for the application of relevant requirements under international agreements (except the Convention) and other laws of the United States. However, if the vessel undergoes a change substantially affecting its tonnage after July 18, 1994, the vessel shall be remeasured under this chapter.

(e) This chapter does not affect an international agreement to which the United States Government is a party that is not in conflict with the Convention or the application of IMO Resolutions A.494 (XII) of November 19, 1981, A.540 (XIII) of November 17, 1983, and A.541 (XIII) of November 17, 1983.

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