§8676b Vessels Stricken From Naval Vessel Register: Transfer by Gift or Otherwise for Use as Artificial Reefs

Summary

The Secretary of the Navy can transfer ships that have been removed from the Naval Vessel Register to a State, Commonwealth, possession of the United States, or a local government for use as artificial reefs. The recipient must use, place, build, monitor, and manage the ship only as an artificial reef under the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 (33 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.). Diving may be allowed if it does not hurt fishery resources (see 16 U.S.C. 1802(14)). The recipient must obtain and follow all required Federal, State, interstate, and local permits. The Navy must make sure the ship is prepared using the environmental best management practices developed under section 3504(b) of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107–314; 16 U.S.C. 1220 note) and must follow any other applicable environmental laws. The Secretary can share transfer and preparation costs with the recipient and can set extra conditions on the transfer. A State or local government may receive more than one ship. This does not give preference to reefing over other allowed uses, such as domestic scrapping or other disposals.