§892b Quality assurance program

Summary

Requires the Administrator to set up and run a quality-assurance program for non‑Federal hydrographic products within 2 years after December 19, 2002, if funding is available. The program must be open to all applicants and may certify products that meet the standards in section 892a(a)(3). The Administrator may allow use of the agency emblem or trademark on certified products and may charge a fee for certification or emblem use. Any fee cannot be more than the actual cost of testing, evaluation, and running the program. The United States is not responsible for negligence by a producer of a certified product. hydrographic product — a public or commercial product or service made by a non‑Federal party that includes or shows hydrographic data. A special Treasury account called the Hydrographic Services Account will hold the fees and other amounts provided by law and funds may be used by the Administrator for hydrographic services without further appropriation. After November 13, 1998, the Administrator may not create or raise fees for hydrographic services except as allowed by this section or section 1307 of title 44.