PUBLIC LAW 104-324—OCT. 19, 1996 110 STAT. 3919 to ensure that LORAN-C technology purchased by the public before the year 2000 has a useful economic life; and (3) agencies in the Department of Transportation and other relevant Federal agencies to share the Federal Government's costs related to LORAN-C technology. SEC. 309. SMALL BOAT STATIONS. (a) IN GENERAL. — Chapter 17 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: "§ 673. Small boat station rescue capability "The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that each Coast Guard small boat station (including a seasonally operated station) maintains, within the area of responsibility for the station, at least 1 vessel that is fully capable of performing offshore rescue operations, taking into consideration prevailing weather, marine conditions, and depositional geologic features such as sand bars. § 674. Small boat station closures "(a) CLOSURES. —The Secretary of Transportation may not close a Coast Guard multimission small boat station or subunit unless the Secretary— "(1) determines that— "(A) remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain the safety of the maritime public in the area of the station or subunit; "(B) regional or local prevailing weather and marine conditions, including water temperature or unusual tide and current conditions, do not require continued operation of the station or subunit; and "(C) Coast Guard search and rescue standards related to search and rescue response times are met; and "(2) provides an opportiuiity for public comment and for public meetings in the area of the station or subunit with regard to the decision to close the station or subunit. "(b) OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY.—The Secretary may implement any management efficiencies within the small boat station system, such as modifying the operational posture of units or reallocating resources as necessary to ensure the safety of the maritime public natiouwide. No stations or subunits may be closed under this subsection except in accordance with subsection (a).". (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.— The analysis at the beginning of chapter 17 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new items: "673. Small boat station rescue capability. "674. Small boat station closures.". SEC. 310. PENALTY FOR ALTERATION OF MARINE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Section 3318(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting "(1)" before "A person"; and (2) by adding at the end thereof the following: "(2) A person commits a class D felony if the person— "(A) alters or services lifesaving, fire safety, or any other equipment subject to this part for compensation; and "(B) by that alteration or servicing, intentionally renders that equipment unsafe and unfit for the purpose for which it is intended.". 29-194 0-96 -4: QL 3 Part 6
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