§1356 Documentary, Registry and Manning Requirements

Summary

Within six months after September 18, 1978, the Secretary of the department that runs the Coast Guard must create rules. Once those rules have been in effect for one year, any ship, rig, platform, or similar structure used under this part must follow three rules: if U.S. law says it must be registered, it must be registered in the United States; it must meet minimum standards for design, construction, alteration, and repair; and it must be crewed by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. There are limits and exceptions. The design and construction rules do not apply to items built before September 18, 1978 until they are rebuilt. The crew rule does not apply if a contract or national registry rule in place on September 18, 1978 says otherwise, if there are not enough qualified U.S. citizens or permanent residents available, or if the President finds applying the rule would hurt the national interest for that particular unit. Also, the crew rule does not apply to vessels more than 50 percent foreign-owned or effectively controlled by foreign nationals, unless the President decides the foreign government has its own national manning rule in force.