73 S T A T. ]
475
PUBLIC LAW 86-244-8EPT. 9, 1959
Public Law 86-244 AN ACT
To amend section 4488 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, to authorize the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescriba regulations governing lifesaving equipment, flrefigfating equipment, muster lists, ground tackle, hawsers, and bilge systems aboard vessels, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the S&nMe and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That section 4488 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (46 U.S.C. 481), is further amended to read as follows: " (a) I n order to provide against hazard to life and property, the Secretary of the Department m which the Coast Guard is operating (hereinafter referred to as the 'Secretary') shall prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary for vessels subject to inspection and certification by the United States Coast Guard with respect to the following matters: "(1) Lifesaving equipment, including, but not limited to, the number, type, size, capacity, details of construction, methods of operation, stowage, maintenance, manning, use, testing, and inspecting of such equipment, and drills and exercises necessary to assure proper functioning and use of such equipment. "(2) Firefighting equipment and precautionary measures guarding against fire, including, but not limited to, the number, type, size, capacity, details of construction, methods of operation, stowage, maintenance, manning, use, testing, and inspecting of such equipment, and drills and exercises necessary to assure proper functioning and use of such equipment. "(3) Muster lists, including, but not limited to, the posting of such lists, and prescribing the special duties to be performed by crew members in the event of emergency. "(4) Ground tackle and hawsers, including, but not limited to, the number, size, stowage, use, maintenance, manning, testing, and inspection. "(5) Bilge systems for the removal of liquid from the various parts of the vessel, including, but not limited to, design, installation, capacity, composition, functioning, manning, testing, and inspection. " (b)(1) I n prescribing rules and regulations pursuant to this section, the Secretary-^ shall give consideration to the age, size, service, route, and other factors affecting the operation of the vessels. "(2) Unless otherwise prescribed by treaty or other international agreement, the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to this section shall be applicable to all foreign vessels carrying passengers from ports of the United States. " (3) The Secretary may, upon his own motion, or upon the application of any interested party, determine that the application to any vessel of the rules and regulations prescribed pursuant to this section, or any part thereof, is not necessary in the public interest, and he may order such vessel exempt from their application upon such terms and conditions and for such periods of time as he may specify in the order. "(c) The owner or operator of any vessel who neglects or refuses to provide and equip his vessel with the lifesaving, firefighting, or other equipment, or take other measures required by the rules or regulations issued pursuant to this section shall be liable to the United States in a penalty of $1,000 for each such neglect or refusal for which sum the vessel shall be liable and may be seized and proceeded against by way of libel in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction 32716 O-60—33
September 9, 1959 [S. 2 H S ]
Coast Guard. JJ i f e s a v i n g equipment, regula-
Foreign v e s s e l s.
Exemptions.
VIelation, alty.
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