- (2) The M/V COASTAL MERCHANT (United States official number 1038382).
(c) Application.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to a vessel described in subsection (b)—
- (1) until the Secretary determines that the application of subsection (a) will not compromise safety; and
- (2) on or after any date on which the Secretary determines that the vessel has undergone any major modification.
SEC. 604. OPERATION OF VESSEL STAD AMSTERDAM.
(a) In General.—Notwithstanding section 8 of the Act of June 19, 1886 (46 App. U.S.C. 289), and the ruling by the Acting Director of the International Trade Compliance Division of the Customs Service on May 17, 2002 (Customs Bulletins and Decisions, Vol. 36, No. 23, June 5, 2002), the vessel STAD AMSTERDAM (International Maritime Organization number 9185554) shall be authorized to carry within United States waters and between ports or places in the United States individuals who are not directly and substantially connected with the operation, navigation, ownership, or business of the vessel, who are friends, guests, or employees of the owner of the vessel, and who are not actual or prospective customers for hire of the vessel.
(b) Limitation.—This section does not authorize the vessel STAD AMSTERDAM—
- (1) to be used to carry individuals for a fare or to be chartered on a for hire basis in the coastwise trade; or
- (2) to carry individuals described in subsection (a) within United States waters and between ports or places in the United States for more than 45 calendar days in any calendar year.
(c) Revocation.—The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall revoke the authorization provided by subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the STAD AMSTERDAM has been operated in violation of the limitations imposed by subsection (b).
SEC. 605. GREAT LAKES NATIONAL MARITIME ENHANCEMENT INSTITUTE.
(a) Authority To Designate Institute.—The Secretary of Transportation may designate a National Maritime Enhancement Institute for the Great Lakes region under section 8 of the Act of October 13, 1989 (103 Stat. 694; 46 U.S.C. App. 1121–2). In making any decision on the designation of such an institute, the Secretary shall consider the unique characteristics of Great Lakes maritime industry and trade.
(b) Study and Report.—
- (1) In general.—The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a study that—
- (A) evaluates short sea shipping market opportunities on the Great Lakes, including the expanded use of freight ferries, improved mobility, and regional supply chain efficiency;
- (B) evaluates markets for foreign trade between ports on the Great Lakes and draft limited ports in Europe and Africa;
- (C) evaluates the environmental benefits of waterborne transportation in the Great Lakes region;
