§892b Quality Assurance Program

Summary

The Administrator must set up and run a quality assurance program within two years after December 19, 2002, if money is available. The program must be open to all applicants and can certify non‑Federal hydrographic 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. Any fee can only cover the costs of testing, evaluation, studies, and running the program. A "hydrographic product" means a public or commercial product or service from a non‑Federal source that shows hydrographic data. The United States is not responsible for negligence by a producer of a certified product. Fees collected go into a Hydrographic Services Account in the Treasury and may be used by the Administrator for hydrographic services without another appropriation. After November 13, 1998, the Administrator may not create or raise other fees for hydrographic services except as allowed here and in section 1307 of title 44.