§12115 Temporary endorsement for vessels procured outside the United States

Summary

The Secretary and the Secretary of State can give a certificate of documentation to a vessel bought outside the United States if it meets the ownership rules in section 12103. With any limits the Secretary sets, that vessel may sail to the United States and carry on foreign trade, including with Guam, American Samoa, Wake, Midway, or Kingman Reef. The vessel must follow U.S. law, but the Secretary may suspend enforcement of a vessel inspection law or its rules for up to 6 months if it is in the public interest. When the vessel arrives in the United States, the certificate must be turned in as the Secretary’s rules require.