§3802 Covered Vessels

Summary

When the Convention takes effect for the United States, the chapter applies to U.S.-documented or U.S.-operated vessels; vessels allowed to operate on the Outer Continental Shelf; and any vessel in U.S. internal waters, ports or offshore terminals, or during lightering or anchoring in the territorial sea consistent with international law. Foreign warships and other foreign government vessels used for noncommercial service are excluded, and U.S. warships and auxiliaries used for noncommercial service are excluded unless the Administrator, with the department head’s agreement, applies the chapter to classes of them; combat-related vessels cannot be included.