Source: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title46-subtitle5-partB&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjQ2IHNlY3Rpb246NTEzMTIgZWRpdGlvbjpwcmVsaW0p%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2020-08-13 15:21:35
Document Index: 313271249

Matched Legal Cases: ['§51101', '§8', '§603', '§1301', '§2', '§51102', '§1302', '§2', '§12', '§708', '§3515', '§51103', '§8', '§404', '§302', '§1301', '§2', '§12', '§1308', '§2', '§404', '§404', '§404', '§51104', '§8', '§603', '§12', '§1301', '§2', '§12', '§8', '§3516', '§3504', '§3517', '§3514', '§3513', '§3515', '§3516', '§3523', '§51501', '§8', '§3505', '§1304', '§2', '§51502', '§8', '§1304', '§2', '§51503', '§1304', '§2', '§8', '§3502', '§3523', '§3505', '§1304', '§2', '§4', '§705', '§3523', '§3502', '§3502', '§3523', '§8', '§3502', '§3523', '§3515', '§1304', '§2', '§5', '§3523', '§3502', '§3502', '§3523', '§51506', '§8', '§3515', '§1304', '§2', '§3', '§3515', '§3515', '§3515', '§51507', '§8', '§1304', '§2', '§51508', '§1304', '§2', '§8', '§515', '§3508', '§3523', '§3503', '§177', '§3507', '§3507', '§1304', '§2', '§12', '§2', '§6201', '§3515', '§3507', '§3507', '§3526', '§3508', '§3508', '§3526', '§51510', '§8', '§1304', '§2', '§12', '§3515', '§51511', '§8', '§515', '§3523', '§1304', '§2', '§3523', '§515', '§515', '§3523', '§502', '§51701', '§8', '§3509', '§3510', '§3523', '§1306', '§2', '§3515', '§3523', '§3509', '§3523', '§3509', '§3509', '§3510', '§3523', '§3510', '§51702', '§8', '§1307', '§2', '§4', '§51703', '§8', '§5', '§1305', '§2', '§51704', '§8', '§1305', '§712', '§51705', '§502', '§502', '§3523', '§51901', '§8', '§2', '§51902', '§4', '§51903', '§8', '§5', '§51904', '§5', '§51905', '§6', '§51906', '§7', '§51907', '§8', '§3510', '§3523', '§5', '§3523', '§3510', '§3523', '§3510', '§3510', '§3523', '§51908', '§8', '§3510', '§3526', '§8', '§3526', '§3510', '§3526', '§3510', '§3510', '§3526', '§52101', '§8', '§3502', '§3546', '§302', '§10']

[USC02] 46 USC Subtitle V, Part B: Merchant Marine Service
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46 USC Subtitle V, Part B: Merchant Marine Service
CHAPTER 511—GENERAL
§51101. Policy
It is the policy of the United States that merchant marine vessels of the United States should be operated by highly trained and efficient citizens of the United States and that the United States Navy and the merchant marine of the United States should work closely together to promote the maximum integration of the total seapower forces of the United States.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1568.)
51101 46 App.:1126–1(a) (1st sentence). Pub. L. 94–361, title VI, §603(a) (1st sentence), July 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 929.
46 App.:1295 (1st sentence). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1301 (1st sentence), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 1997.
§51102. Definitions
(1) Academy.—The term "Academy" means the United States Merchant Marine Academy located at Kings Point, New York, and maintained under chapter 513 of this title.
(2) Cost of education provided.—The term "cost of education provided" means the financial costs incurred by the United States Government for providing training or financial assistance to students at the Academy and the State maritime academies, including direct financial assistance, room, board, classroom academics, and other training activities.
(3) Merchant marine officer.—The term "merchant marine officer" means an individual issued a license by the Coast Guard authorizing service as—
(A) a master, mate, or pilot on a documented vessel that—
(i) is of at least 1,000 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title; and
(ii) operates on the oceans or the Great Lakes; or
(B) an engineer officer on a documented vessel propelled by machinery of at least 4,000 horsepower.
(4) State maritime academy.—The term "State maritime academy" means—
(A) a State maritime academy or college sponsored by a State and assisted under chapter 515 of this title; and
(B) a regional maritime academy or college sponsored by a group of States and assisted under chapter 515 of this title.
51102 46 App.:1295a. June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1302, as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 1997; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(143), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 166; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, §708, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3934; Pub. L. 108–136, title XXXV, §3515(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1792.
The definition of "Secretary" is omitted as unnecessary because the full title is used the first time the term appears in each section.
In the definition of "merchant marine office", the words "documented vessel" are substituted for "vessel . . . which is documented under the laws of the United States" because of the definition of "documented vessel" in 46 U.S.C. 2101, which is being moved to chapter 1 of the revised title.
In the definition of "State maritime academy", the words "or territory of the United States" and "or territories of the United States" are omitted as unnecessary because of the definition of "State" in chapter 1 of the revised title.
§51103. General authority of Secretary of Transportation
(a) Education and Training.—The Secretary of Transportation may provide for the education and training of citizens of the United States for the safe and efficient operation of the merchant marine of the United States at all times, including operation as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.
(b) Property for Instructional Purposes.—
(1) In general.—The Secretary may cooperate with and assist the institutions named in paragraph (2) by making vessels, fuel, shipboard equipment, and other marine equipment, owned by the United States Government and determined by the entity having custody and control of such property to be excess or surplus, available to those institutions for instructional purposes, by gift, loan, sale, lease, or charter on terms and conditions the Secretary considers appropriate. The consent of the Secretary of the Navy shall be obtained with respect to any property from National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels, if such vessels are either Ready Reserve Force vessels or other National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels determined to be of sufficient value to the Navy to warrant their further preservation and retention.
(2) Institutions.—The institutions referred to in paragraph (1) are—
(A) the United States Merchant Marine Academy;
(B) a State maritime academy; and
(C) a nonprofit training institution or a training institution that is an instrumentality of a State, the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States, or a unit of local government thereof jointly approved by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating as offering training courses that meet Federal regulations for maritime training.
(c) Assistance From Other Agencies.—
(1) In general.—The Secretary of Transportation may secure directly from an agency, on a reimbursable basis, information, facilities, and equipment necessary to carry out this part.
(2) Detailing personnel.—At the request of the Secretary, the head of an agency (including a military department) may detail, on a reimbursable basis, personnel from the agency to the Secretary to assist in carrying out this part.
(d) Academy Personnel.—To carry out this part, the Secretary may—
(1) employ an individual as a professor, lecturer, or instructor at the Academy, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service; and
(2) pay the individual without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5.
(e) Donation for Historical Purposes.—
(1) In general.—The Secretary may convey the right, title, and interest of the United States Government in any property administered by the Maritime Administration, except real estate or vessels, if—
(A) the Secretary determines that such property is not needed by the Maritime Administration; and
(B) the recipient—
(i) is a nonprofit organization, a State, or a political subdivision of a State;
(ii) agrees to hold the Government harmless for any claims arising from exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, or lead paint, after conveyance of the property;
(iii) provides a description and explanation of the intended use of the property to the Secretary for approval;
(iv) has provided to the Secretary proof, as determined by the Secretary, of resources sufficient to accomplish the intended use provided under clause (iii) and to maintain the property;
(v) agrees that when the recipient no longer requires the property, the recipient shall—
(I) return the property to the Secretary, at the recipient's expense and in the same condition as received except for ordinary wear and tear; or
(II) subject to the approval of the Secretary, retain, sell, or otherwise dispose of the property in a manner consistent with applicable law; and
(vi) agrees to any additional terms the Secretary considers appropriate.
(2) Reversion.—The Secretary shall include in any conveyance under this subsection terms under which all right, title, and interest conveyed by the Secretary shall revert to the Government if the Secretary determines the property has been used other than as approved by the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B)(iii).
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1569; Pub. L. 112–213, title IV, §404, Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1570; Pub. L. 113–281, title III, §302, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3042.)
51103(a) 46 App.:1295 (last sentence cl. (1)). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1301 (last sentence cl. (1)), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 1997; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(142)(A), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 166.
51103(b) 46 App.:1295g(b). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1308(b)–(d), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2007.
51103(c) 46 App.:1295g(c).
51103(d) 46 App.:1295g(d).
In subsection (c), the word "department" is omitted as unnecessary because of the definition of "agency" in chapter 1 of the revised title.
2014—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–281 added subsec. (e).
2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–213, §404(1), struck out "Surplus" before "Property" in heading.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 112–213, §404(2), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary may cooperate with and assist the institutions named in paragraph (2) by making vessels, shipboard equipment, and other marine equipment, owned by the United States Government and determined to be excess or surplus, available to those institutions for instructional purposes, by gift, loan, sale, lease, or charter on terms the Secretary considers appropriate."
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 112–213, §404(3), inserted "or a training institution that is an instrumentality of a State, the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States, or a unit of local government thereof" after "a nonprofit training institution".
§51104. General authority of Secretary of the Navy
The Secretary of the Navy, in cooperation with the Maritime Administrator and the head of each State maritime academy, shall ensure that—
(1) the training of future merchant marine officers at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and at State maritime academies includes programs for naval science training in the operation of merchant vessels as a naval and military auxiliary; and
(2) naval officer training programs for future officers, insofar as possible, are maintained at designated maritime academies consistent with Navy standards and needs.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1570.)
51104 46 App.:1126–1(a) (last sentence), (b). Pub. L. 94–361, title VI, §603(a) (last sentence), (b), July 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 929; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(76), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 160.
46 App.:1295 (last sentence cl. (2)). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1301 (last sentence cl. (2)), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 1997; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(142)(B), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 166.
(a) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation may appoint each year without competition as cadets at the United States Merchant Marine Academy not more than 50 qualified individuals with qualities the Secretary considers to be of special value to the Academy. In making these appointments, the Secretary shall try to achieve a national demographic balance at the Academy.
(b) Appointment of Candidates Selected for Preparatory School Sponsorship.—The Secretary of Transportation may appoint each year as cadets at the United States Merchant Marine Academy not more than 40 qualified individuals sponsored by the Academy to attend preparatory school during the academic year prior to entrance in the Academy, and who have successfully met the terms and conditions of sponsorship set by the Academy.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1572; Pub. L. 114–328, div. C, title XXXV, §3516(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2789; Pub. L. 116–92, div. C, title XXXV, §3504, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1970.)
2019—Pub. L. 116–92 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).
United States Merchant Marine Academy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
Pub. L. 116–92, div. C, title XXXV, §3517, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1986, provided that:
"(a) Implementation of Recommendations.—The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this title [Dec. 20, 2019], the recommendations in report of the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation on the effectiveness sexual assault prevention and response program of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (mandated under section 3512 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2786)), are fully implemented.
"(b) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a report that includes—
"(1) confirmation that the recommendations described in subsection (a) have been fully implemented, and explaining how those recommendations have been implemented; or
"(2) if such recommendations have not been fully implemented as of the date of the report, an explanation of why such recommendations have not been fully implemented and a description of the resources that are needed to fully implement such recommendations."
Pub. L. 114–328, div. C, title XXXV, §3514, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2788, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. C, title XXXV, §3513, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1919; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3515(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2312; Pub. L. 116–92, div. C, title XXXV, §3516(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1986, provided that:
"(A) criteria that domestic and international vessel operators must meet in order to participate in the Sea Year program of the United States Merchant Marine Academy that addresses sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other inappropriate conduct; and
CHAPTER 515—STATE MARITIME ACADEMY SUPPORT PROGRAM
General support program.
Use of training vessels.
Annual payments for maintenance and support.
Conditions to receiving payments and use of vessels.
Allowances for students.
Deferment of service obligation under student incentive payment agreements.
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3523(a)(1), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 598, substituted "Navy Reserve" for "Naval Reserve" in item 51511.
§51501. General support program
(a) Assistance to State Maritime Academies.—The Secretary of Transportation shall cooperate with and assist State maritime academies in providing instruction to individuals to prepare them for service in the merchant marine of the United States.
(b) Course Development.—The Secretary shall provide to each State maritime academy guidance and assistance in developing courses on the operation and maintenance of new vessels, on equipment, and on innovations being introduced to the merchant marine of the United States.
(c) American Maritime Centers of Excellence.—The Secretary shall designate each State maritime academy as an American Maritime Center of Excellence.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1577; Pub. L. 116–92, div. C, title XXXV, §3505, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1970.)
51501(a) 46 App.:1295c(a). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(a), (d)(2), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2003, 2004.
51501(b) 46 App.:1295c(d)(2).
§51502. Detailing of personnel
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1577.)
51502 46 App.:1295c(e). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(e), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2004.
The reference to territories is omitted as unnecessary because of the definition of "State" in chapter 1 of the revised title.
§51503. Regional maritime academies
51503 46 App.:1295c(b). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(b), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2003.
(a) Applications To Use Vessels.—The Governor of a State sponsoring a State maritime academy (or the Governor of the State designated to conduct the affairs of a regional maritime academy) may apply in writing to the Secretary of Transportation to obtain the use of a training vessel for the academy. A vessel provided under this section remains the property of the United States Government.
(b) General Authority.—Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary may provide to a State maritime academy, for use as a training vessel, a suitable vessel under the control of the Secretary or made available to the Secretary under subsection (e). If a suitable vessel is not available, the Secretary may build and provide a suitable vessel.
(c) Approval Requirements.—The Secretary may provide a vessel under this section only if—
(d) Preparation and Maintenance.—A vessel provided under this section shall be—
(e) Agency Vessels.—An agency may provide to the Secretary, for use by a State maritime academy, a vessel (including equipment) that—
(f) Fuel Costs.—
(1) In general.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall pay to each State maritime academy the costs of fuel used by a vessel provided under this section while used for training.
(2) Maximum amounts.—The amount of the payment to a State maritime academy under paragraph (1) may not exceed—
(g) Vessel Sharing.—
(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, the Secretary, acting through the Maritime Administrator, shall upon consultation with the maritime academies, and to the extent feasible with the consent of the maritime academies, implement a program of training vessel sharing, requiring maritime academies to share training vessel 1 provided by the Secretary among maritime academies, as necessary to ensure that training needs of each academy are met.
(2) Program of vessel sharing.—For purposes of this subsection, a program of vessel sharing shall include—
(3) Additional funding.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Maritime Administrator may provide additional funding to State maritime academies during periods of limited training vessel capacity, for costs associated with training vessel sharing.
(4) Evaluation.—Not later than 30 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, the Secretary, acting through the Maritime Administrator, shall evaluate the vessel sharing program under this subsection to determine the optimal utilization of State maritime training vessels, and modify the program as necessary to improve utilization.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1577; Pub. L. 109–163, div. C, title XXXV, §3502(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3548; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3523(a)(2), (b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 599, 600; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3505, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2308.)
51504(a) 46 App.:1295c(c)(1) (A)(ii), (v). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(c)(1), (2), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2003.
51504(g) 46 App.:1295c note. Pub. L. 101–115, §4, Oct. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 692; Pub. L. 101–595, title VII, §705, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2994.
2018—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–232 amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) related to removing vessels from service and vessel sharing.
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b), repealed Pub. L. 109–163, §3502(b). See 2006 Amendment note below.
2006—Pub. L. 109–163, §3502(b), which directed the amendment of section 1295c(c)(2) of the former Appendix to this title from which subsec. (f) of this section was derived, was repealed by Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b). See 2008 Amendment note for subsec. (f) and Historical and Revision notes above.
(a) Payment Agreements.—The Secretary of Transportation may make an agreement (effective for not more than 4 years) with the following academies to provide annual payments to those academies for their maintenance and support:
(b) Payments.—
(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), an annual payment to an academy under subsection (a) shall be at least equal to the amount given to the academy for its maintenance and support by the State in which it is located, or, for a regional maritime academy, by all States cooperating to sponsor the academy.
(2) Maximum.—The amount under paragraph (1) may not be more than $25,000, unless the academy satisfies section 51506(b) of this title.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1578; Pub. L. 109–163, div. C, title XXXV, §3502(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3547; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3523(a)(3), (b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 599, 600; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3515(d), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2313.)
51505 46 App.:1295c(d)(1). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(d)(1), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2004; Pub. L. 101–115, §5, Oct. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 693.
2018—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–232 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The amount under paragraph (1) may not be more than $25,000. However, if the academy satisfies section 51506(b) of this title, the amount shall be—
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b), repealed Pub. L. 109–163, §3502(a). See 2006 Amendment note below.
2006—Pub. L. 109–163, §3502(a), which directed the amendment of section 1295c(d)(1) of the former Appendix to this title from which this section was derived, was repealed by Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b). See 2008 Amendment note for subsec. (b)(2)(B) and Historical and Revision notes above.
§51506. Conditions to receiving payments and use of vessels
(a) General Conditions.—As conditions of receiving an annual payment or the use of a vessel under this chapter, a State maritime academy shall—
(1) provide courses of instruction on navigation, marine engineering (including steam and diesel propulsion), the operation and maintenance of new vessels and equipment, and innovations being introduced to the merchant marine of the United States;
(2) agree in writing to conform to the standards for courses, training facilities, admissions, and instruction that the Secretary of Transportation may establish after consultation with the superintendents of State maritime academies;
(3) agree in writing to require, as a condition for graduation, that each individual who is a citizen of the United States and who is attending the academy in a merchant marine officer preparation program pass the examination required for the issuance of a license under section 7101 of this title; and
(4) agree that any individual enrolled at such State maritime academy in a merchant marine officer preparation program—
(A) shall, not later than 9 months after such individual's date of enrollment, pass an examination in form and substance satisfactory to the Secretary that demonstrates that such individual meets the medical and physical requirements—
(i) required for the issuance of an original license under section 7101; or
(ii) set by the Coast Guard for issuing merchant mariners' documentation under section 7302, with no limit to the individual's operational authority;
(B) following passage of the examination under subparagraph (A), shall continue to meet the requirements described in subparagraph (A) throughout the remainder of the individual's enrollment at the State maritime academy; and
(C) if the individual has a medical or physical condition that disqualifies the individual from meeting the requirements referred to in subparagraph (A), shall be transferred to a program other than a merchant marine officer preparation program, or otherwise appropriately disenrolled from such State maritime academy, until the individual demonstrates to the Secretary that the individual meets such requirements.
(b) Additional Condition to Payments of More Than $25,000.—As a condition of receiving an annual payment of more than $25,000 under section 51505 of this title, a State maritime academy also must agree to admit each year a number of citizens of the United States who meet its admission requirements and reside in a State not supporting that academy. The Secretary shall determine the number of individuals to be admitted by each academy under this subsection. The number may not be more than one-third of the total number of individuals attending the academy at any time.
(c) Secretarial Waiver Authority.—The Secretary may modify or waive any of the terms set forth in subsection (a)(4) with respect to any individual or State maritime academy.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1579; Pub. L. 114–328, div. C, title XXXV, §3515, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2788.)
51506 46 App.:1295c(f). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(f), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2004; Pub. L. 101–115, §3(a), Oct. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 692.
In subsection (a)(3), the words "administered by the Coast Guard" are omitted as unnecessary.
2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §3515(1)(A), substituted "shall" for "must" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, §3515(1)(B)–(D), added par. (4).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–328, §3515(2), added subsec. (c).
§51507. Places of training
The Secretary of Transportation may provide for the training of students attending a State maritime academy—
(1) on vessels owned or subsidized by the United States Government;
(2) on other documented vessels, with the permission of the owner; and
(3) in shipyards or plants and with industrial or educational organizations.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1579.)
51507 46 App.:1295c(c) (3)(A). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(c)(3)(A), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2003.
§51508. Allowances for students
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation, a student at a State maritime academy shall receive from the Secretary allowances for transportation (including reimbursement of traveling expenses) when traveling under orders to receive training under section 51507 of this title.
51508 46 App.:1295c(c) (3)(B). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(c)(3)(B), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2004.
(a) General Authority.—If a State maritime academy has an agreement with the Secretary of Transportation under section 51505 of this title, the Secretary may make an agreement with a student at the academy who is a citizen of the United States to make student incentive payments to the individual. An agreement with a student may not be effective for more than 4 academic years. The Secretary shall allocate payments under this section among the various State maritime academies in an equitable manner.
(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), payments under an agreement under this section shall be equal to $8,000 each academic year and be paid in such installments as the Secretary shall determine while the individual is attending the academy, as prescribed by the Secretary.
(2) Exception.—The Secretary may modify the payments made to an individual under paragraph (1), but the total amount of payments to that individual may not exceed $32,000.
(3) Authorized uses.—The payments shall be used for uniforms, tuition, books, and subsistence.
(c) Enlisted Reserve Status.—An agreement under this section shall require the student to accept enlisted reserve status in the Navy Reserve (including the Strategic Sealift Officer Program, Navy Reserve) or the Coast Guard Reserve before receiving any payments under the agreement.
(d) Agreement Requirements.—An agreement under this section shall require the student to—
(5) serve the foreign and domestic commerce and the national defense of the United States for at least 3 years after graduation from the academy—
(e) Failure To Complete Course of Instruction.—
(1) Active duty.—
(A) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may order an individual to serve on active duty in the armed forces of the United States for a period of not more than 2 years if—
(B) 3 or more years.—The Secretary of Defense may order an individual to serve on active duty in the armed forces of the United States for a period of not more than 3 years if—
(C) Hardship waiver.—In cases of hardship as determined by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Transportation may waive this paragraph in whole or in part.
(2) Recovery of cost.—If the Secretary of Defense is unable or unwilling to order an individual to serve on active duty under paragraph (1), or if the Secretary of Transportation determines that reimbursement of the cost of education provided would better serve the interests of the United States, the Secretary of Transportation may recover from the individual the amount of student incentive payments, plus interest and attorney fees. The Secretary may reduce the amount to be recovered to reflect partial performance of service obligations and other factors the Secretary determines merit a reduction.
(f) Failure To Carry Out Other Requirements.—
(1) Active duty.—If the Secretary of Transportation determines that an individual has failed to fulfill any part of the agreement described in subsection (d)(2)–(6), the individual may be ordered to serve on active duty for a period of at least 2 years but not more than the unexpired period (as determined by the Secretary) of the service required by subsection (d)(5). The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall determine in which service the individual shall serve. In cases of hardship as determined by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Transportation may waive this paragraph in whole or in part.
(g) Actions To Recover Cost.—To aid in the recovery of the cost of education provided by the Government under a commitment agreement under this section, the Secretary of Transportation may—
(h) Alternative Service.—
(1) Service as commissioned officer.—An individual who, for the 5-year period following graduation from an academy, serves as a commissioned officer on active duty in an armed force of the United States or as a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Public Health Service shall be excused from the requirements of paragraphs (3) through (5) of subsection (d).
(2) Modification or waiver.—The Secretary may modify or waive any of the terms and conditions set forth in subsection (d) through the imposition of alternative service requirements.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1579; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(g)(2)(A), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3236; Pub. L. 109–364, div. C, title XXXV, §3508, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2517; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §§3523(a)(1), (b), 3526(d), (g), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 598, 600, 602; Pub. L. 110–417, div. C, title XXXV, §3503, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4762; Pub. L. 111–8, div. I, title I, §177, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 944; Pub. L. 111–84, div. C, title XXXV, §3507, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2721; Pub. L. 114–92, div. C, title XXXV, §3507, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1221.)
51509(a) 46 App.:1295c(g)(1) (words before 5th comma, cl. (A)), (8). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(g)(1)–(5), (8), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2004, 2006; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(145)(A), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 166; Pub. L. 101–115, §2(a)–(d), Oct. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 691; Pub. L. 102–587, title VI, §6201(a)(1), (b), (c), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5093; Pub. L. 108–136, title XXXV, §3515(d), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1794.
2015—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–92, §3507(1), designated first sentence as par. (1) and last sentence as par. (3), inserted headings, realigned margins, in par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), payments" for "Payments", and added par. (2).
2009—Pub. L. 111–84, §3507(a), substituted "and be paid in such installments as the Secretary shall determine" for "and be paid before the start of each academic year, as prescribed by the Secretary," and "academy, as prescribed by the Secretary." for "academy.".
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, §3526(g), repealed Pub. L. 109–364, §3508. See 2006 Amendment note below.
2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §3508, which directed the amendment of section 1295c(g)(2) of the former Appendix to this title from which subsec. (c) of this section was derived, was repealed by Pub. L. 110–181, §3526(g). See 2008 Amendment note for subsec. (c) and Historical and Revision notes above.
§51510. Deferment of service obligation under student incentive payment agreements
The Secretary of Transportation may defer the service commitment of an individual under section 51509(d)(5) of this title (as specified in the agreement under section 51509) for not more than 2 years if the individual is engaged in a graduate course of study approved by the Secretary. However, deferment of service as a commissioned officer on active duty must be approved by the Secretary of the affected military department (or the Secretary of Commerce, for service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1581.)
51510 46 App.:1295c(g)(7). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(g)(7), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2006; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(145)(B), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 166; Pub. L. 108–136, title XXXV, §3515(d)(7), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1795.
The words "affected military department" are substituted for "military department . . . which has jurisdiction over such service" for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words.
§51511. Midshipman status in the Navy Reserve
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1582; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(g)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3236; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3523(a)(1), (b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 598, 600.)
51511 46 App.:1295c(h). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1304(h), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2006.
Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(a)(1), incorporated the substance of the amendment by Pub. L. 109–163, §515(g)(2), into this section by substituting "Navy Reserve" for "Naval Reserve" wherever appearing in section catchline and text. See 2006 Amendment note below and section 18(a) of Pub. L. 109–304, set out as a Legislative Purpose and Construction note preceding section 101 of this title.
2006—Pub. L. 109–163, §515(g)(2), which directed the amendment of section 1295c of the former Appendix to this title from which this section was derived, was repealed by Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b). See 2008 Amendment notes and Historical and Revision notes above.
CHAPTER 517—OTHER SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT MARINE TRAINING
Training program for use of force against piracy.1
2012—Pub. L. 112–213, title V, §502(c), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1575, added item 51705.
§51701. United States Maritime Service
(a) General Authority.—The Secretary of Transportation may establish and maintain a voluntary organization, to be known as the United States Maritime Service, for the training of citizens of the United States to serve on merchant vessels of the United States and to perform functions to assist the United States merchant marine, as determined necessary by the Secretary.
(b) Specific Authority.—The Secretary may—
(1) determine the number of individuals to be enrolled for training and reserve purposes in the Service;
(2) fix the rates of pay and allowances of the individuals without regard to chapter 51 or subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5;
(3) prescribe the course of study and the periods of training for the Service; and
(4) prescribe the uniform of the Service and the rules on providing and wearing the uniform.
(c) Ranks, Grades, and Ratings.—The ranks, grades, and ratings for personnel of the Service shall be the same as those prescribed for personnel of the Coast Guard.
(d) Medals and Awards.—The Secretary may establish and maintain a medals and awards program to recognize distinguished service, superior achievement, professional performance, and other commendable achievement by personnel of the Service.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1582; Pub. L. 109–163, div. C, title XXXV, §3509, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3557; Pub. L. 109–364, div. C, title XXXV, §3510(d)(1), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2520; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3523(a)(4), (b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 599, 600.)
51701 46 App.:1295e. June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1306, as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2006; Pub. L. 108–136, title XXXV, §3515(e), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1795.
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b), repealed Pub. L. 109–163, §3509. See 2006 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(a)(4), incorporated the substance of the amendment by Pub. L. 109–163, §3509, into this section by substituting "of the United States and to perform functions to assist the United States merchant marine, as determined necessary by the Secretary." for "of the United States." See 2006 Amendment note below and section 18(a) of Pub. L. 109–304, set out as a Legislative Purpose and Construction note preceding section 101 of this title.
2006—Pub. L. 109–163, §3509, as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, §3510(d)(1), which directed the amendment of section 1295e(a) of the former Appendix to this title from which subsec. (a) of this section was derived, was repealed by Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b). See 2008 Amendment note for subsec. (a) and Historical and Revision notes above.
Pub. L. 109–364, div. C, title XXXV, §3510(d)(2), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2521, provided that: "This subsection [amending section 3509 of Pub. L. 109–163 which had amended section 1295e(a) of the former Appendix to this title, from which subsec. (a) of this section is derived] shall be effective immediately after section 3509 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (119 Stat. 3557) [Pub. L. 109–163] takes effect [Jan. 6, 2006]."
§51702. Civilian nautical schools
(a) Definition.—In this section, the term "civilian nautical school" means a school operated in the United States (except the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a State maritime academy, or another school operated by the United States Government) that offers instruction to individuals quartered on a vessel primarily to train them for service in the merchant marine.
(b) Inspection.—Each civilian nautical school is subject to inspection by the Secretary of Transportation.
(c) Rating and Certification.—The Secretary may, under regulations the Secretary may prescribe, provide for the rating and certification of civilian nautical schools as to the adequacy of their course of instruction, the competence of their instructors, and the suitability of the equipment used in their course of instruction.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1582.)
51702 46 App.:1295f. June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1307, as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2007; Pub. L. 98–89, §4(b), Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 603.
The text of 46 App. U.S.C. 1295f(d) is omitted because it apparently was intended to apply to former 46 App. U.S.C. 1295f(c), which was repealed in 1983.
§51703. Additional training
(a) General Authority.—The Secretary of Transportation may provide additional training on maritime subjects to supplement other training opportunities and make the training available to the personnel of the merchant marine of the United States and individuals preparing for a career in the merchant marine of the United States.
(b) Equipment, Supplies, and Contracts.—The Secretary may—
(1) prepare or buy equipment or supplies required for the additional training; and
(2) without regard to section 6101(b) to (d) of title 41, make contracts for services the Secretary considers necessary to prepare the equipment and supplies and to supervise and administer the additional training.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1583; Pub. L. 111–350, §5(n), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3853.)
51703 46 App.:1295d(a), (b). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1305(a), (b), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2006.
In subsection (a), before paragraph (1), the words "as the Secretary deems necessary" are omitted as unnecessary.
In subsection (b), the words "with any person, partnership, firm, association, or corporation" and "the performance of" are omitted as unnecessary.
2011—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–350 substituted "section 6101(b) to (d) of title 41" for "section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5)".
§51704. Training for maritime oil pollution prevention, response, and clean-up
(a) Assistance in Establishing Program.—The Secretary of Transportation shall assist maritime training institutions approved by the Secretary in establishing a training program for maritime oil pollution prevention, response, and clean-up.
(b) Providing Training Vessels.—Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary may provide, with title free of all liens, to maritime training institutions that have a program established under subsection (a), offshore supply vessels and tug/supply vessels that were built in the United States and are in the possession of the Maritime Administration because of a default on a loan guaranteed under chapter 537 of this title.
(c) Requirements.—In addition to any other requirements the Secretary considers appropriate, the following requirements apply to vessels provided under this section:
(1) The vessel shall be offered to the institution at a location selected by the Secretary.
(2) The institution shall use the vessel to train students and appropriate maritime industry personnel in oil spill prevention, response, clean-up, and related skills.
(3) The institution shall make the vessel and qualified students available to appropriate Federal, State, and local oil spill response authorities when there is a maritime oil spill.
(4) The institution may not sell, trade, charter, donate, scrap, or in any way alter or dispose of the vessel without prior approval of the Secretary.
(5) The institution may not use the vessel in competition with a privately-owned vessel documented under chapter 121 of this title or titled under the law of a State, unless necessary to carry out this section.
(6) When the institution can no longer use the vessel for its training program, the institution shall return the vessel to the Secretary. The Secretary shall take possession at the institution and thereafter may provide the vessel to another institution under this section or dispose of the vessel.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1583.)
51704(a) 46 App.:1295d(c)(1). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1305(c), as added Pub. L. 101–595, title VII, §712, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2998.
51704(b) 46 App.:1295d(c) (2)(A), (4).
51704(c) 46 App.:1295d(c) (2)(B), (3).
In subsection (c)(5), the words "or titled under the law of a State" are substituted for "documented under the laws of . . . any State" for consistency with the terminology in 46 U.S.C. 2101(46) (which is being moved to chapter 1 of the revised title) and 46 U.S.C. ch. 125.
§51705. Training for use of force against piracy
The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall certify a training curriculum for United States mariners on the use of force against pirates. The curriculum shall include—
(1) information on waters designated as high-risk waters by the Commandant of the Coast Guard;
(2) information on current threats and patterns of attack by pirates;
(3) tactics for defense of a vessel, including instruction on the types, use, and limitations of security equipment;
(4) standard rules for the use of force for self-defense as developed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating under section 912(c) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–281; 46 U.S.C. 8107 note), including instruction on firearm safety for crewmembers of vessels carrying cargo under section 55305 of this title; and
(5) procedures to follow to improve crewmember survivability if captured and taken hostage by pirates.
(Added Pub. L. 112–213, title V, §502(a), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1574.)
Pub. L. 112–213, title V, §502(b), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1575, provided that: "The Secretary of Transportation shall certify the curriculum required under the amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section] not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2012]."
CHAPTER 519—MERCHANT MARINE AWARDS
Awards for individual acts or service.
Gallant Ship Award.
51903.
51904.
Presentation to representatives.
Flags and grave markers.
Special certificates for civilian service to armed forces.
Provision of decorations, medals, and replacements 1
51908.
Prohibition against unauthorized manufacture, sale, possession, or display of awards.
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3523(a)(5)(B), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 599, substituted "Provision of decorations, medals, and replacements" for "Manufacture and sale of awards and replacements." in item 51907.
§51901. Awards for individual acts or service
(a) General Authority.—The Secretary of Transportation may award decorations and medals of appropriate design (including ribbons, ribbon bars, emblems, rosettes, miniature facsimiles, plaques, citations, or other suitable devices or insignia) for individual acts or service in the merchant marine of the United States. The design may be similar to the design of a decoration or medal authorized for members of the armed forces for similar acts or service.
(b) Specific Authority.—The Secretary may award—
(1) a Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to an individual for outstanding acts, conduct, or valor beyond the line of duty;
(2) a Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal to an individual for meritorious acts, conduct, or valor in the line of duty, but not of the outstanding character that would warrant the award of the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal;
(3) a decoration or medal to an individual for service during a war, national emergency proclaimed by the President or Congress, or operations by the armed forces outside the continental United States under conditions of danger to life and property; and
(4) a decoration or medal to an individual for other acts or service of conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and extraordinary heroism under conditions of danger to life and property that would warrant a similar decoration or medal for a member of the armed forces.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1584.)
51901(a) 46 App.:2001. Pub. L. 100–324, §§2, 3, 5(d), May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 576, 577.
46 App.:2004(d).
51901(b) 46 App.:2002.
§51902. Gallant Ship Award
(a) Awards to Vessels.—The Secretary of Transportation may award a Gallant Ship Award and a citation to a vessel (including a foreign vessel) participating in outstanding or gallant action in a marine disaster or other emergency to save life or property at sea. The Secretary may award a plaque to the vessel, and a replica of the plaque may be preserved as a permanent historical record.
(b) Awards to Crews.—The Secretary of Transportation may award an appropriate citation ribbon bar to the master and each individual serving, at the time of the action, on a vessel issued an award under subsection (a).
(c) Consultation.—The Secretary of Transportation shall consult with the Secretary of State before awarding an award or citation to a foreign vessel or its crew under this section.
51902 46 App.:2003. Pub. L. 100–324, §4, May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 576.
In subsection (a), the words "a vessel (including a foreign vessel)" are substituted for "a United States vessel or to a foreign-flag vessel" to eliminate unnecessary words.
§51903. Multiple awards
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1585.)
51903 46 App.:2004(a). Pub. L. 100–324, §5(a), May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 576.
§51904. Presentation to representatives
51904 46 App.:2004(b). Pub. L. 100–324, §5(b), May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 577.
§51905. Flags and grave markers
Except as authorized under another law, the Secretary of Transportation may issue, at no cost, a flag of the United States and a grave marker to the family or personal representative of a deceased individual who served in the merchant marine of the United States in support of the armed forces of the United States or its allies during a war or national emergency.
51905 46 App.:2005. Pub. L. 100–324, §6, May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 577.
§51906. Special certificates for civilian service to armed forces
(a) General Authority.—The Maritime Administrator may issue a special certificate to an individual, or the personal representative of an individual, in recognition of service of that individual in the merchant marine of the United States, if the service has been determined to be active duty under section 401 of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95–202; 38 U.S.C. 106 note).
(b) Relationship to Other Laws.—Issuance of a certificate under subsection (a) does not entitle an individual to any rights, privileges, or benefits under a law of the United States.
51906 46 App.:2006. Pub. L. 100–324, §7, May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 577.
§51907. Provision of decorations, medals, and replacements
(1) the decorations and medals authorized by this chapter and replacements for those decorations and medals; and
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1585; Pub. L. 109–163, div. C, title XXXV, §3510, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3557; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3523(a)(5)(A), (b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 599, 600.)
51907 46 App.:2004(c). Pub. L. 100–324, §5(c), May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 577.
The Secretary's authority to provide decorations and medals at cost, or to authorize the sale of decorations and medals at reasonable prices, is restated to apply only to replacement awards because Congress probably did not intend that recipients being honored would pay for their decorations and medals.
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b), repealed Pub. L. 109–163, §3510. See 2006 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(a)(5)(A), incorporated the substance of the amendment by Pub. L. 109–163, §3510, into this section by amending section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary of Transportation may—
"(1) authorize private persons to manufacture decorations and medals authorized under this chapter or a prior law; and
"(2) provide at cost, or authorize private persons to sell at reasonable prices, replacements for those decorations and medals."
2006—Pub. L. 109–163, §3510, which directed the amendment of section 2004(c) of the former Appendix to this title from which this section was derived, was repealed by Pub. L. 110–181, §3523(b). See 2008 Amendment notes and Historical and Revision notes above.
§51908. Prohibition against unauthorized manufacture, sale, possession, or display of awards
(a) Prohibition.—Except as authorized by this chapter or the Secretary of Transportation, a person may not manufacture, sell, possess, or display a decoration or medal provided for in this chapter.
(b) Civil Penalty.—A person violating this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $2,000.
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1585; Pub. L. 109–364, div. C, title XXXV, §3510(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2520; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, §3526(e), (g), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 602.)
51908 46 App.:2007. Pub. L. 100–324, §8, May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 577.
In subsection (b), the words "not more than" are added for clarity and for consistency in the revised title.
2008—Pub. L. 110–181, §3526(g), repealed Pub. L. 109–364, §3510(b). See 2006 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–181, §3526(e), incorporated the substance of the amendment by Pub. L. 109–364, §3510(b), into this section by substituting "by this chapter or the Secretary of Transportation" for "under this chapter". See 2006 Amendment note below and section 18(a) of Pub. L. 109–304, set out as a Legislative Purpose and Construction note preceding section 101 of this title.
2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §3510(b), which directed the amendment of section 2007 of the former Appendix to this title from which this section was derived, was repealed by Pub. L. 110–181, §3526(g). See 2008 Amendment note for subsec. (a) and Historical and Revision notes above.
CHAPTER 521—MISCELLANEOUS
§52101. Reemployment rights for certain merchant seamen
(a) In General.—An individual who is certified by the Secretary of Transportation under subsection (c) shall be entitled to reemployment rights and other benefits substantially equivalent to the rights and benefits provided for by chapter 43 of title 38 for any member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who is ordered to active duty.
(b) Time for Application.—An individual may submit an application for certification under subsection (c) to the Secretary not later than 45 days after the date the individual completes a period of employment described in subsection (c)(1)(A) with respect to which the application is submitted.
(c) Certification Determination.—Not later than 20 days after the date the Secretary receives from an individual an application for certification under this subsection, the Secretary shall—
(i) in the National Defense Reserve Fleet maintained under section 57100 in a period in which the vessel was in use or being activated for use under subsection (b) of that section;
(ii) requisitioned or purchased under chapter 563 of this title; or
(iii) owned, chartered, or controlled by the United States Government and used by the Government for a war, armed conflict, national emergency, or maritime mobilization need (including for training purposes or testing for readiness and suitability for mission performance); and
(B) during the period of that employment, possessed a valid license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document issued under chapter 71 or 73 of this title; and
(2) if the Secretary makes affirmative determinations under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), certify that individual under this subsection.
(d) Equivalence to Military Selective Service Act Certificate.—For purposes of reemployment rights and benefits provided by this section, a certification under subsection (c) shall be considered to be the equivalent of a certificate described in section 9(a) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3808(a)).
(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1585; Pub. L. 115–91, div. C, title XXXV, §3502(b)(4), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1910; Pub. L. 115–232, div. C, title XXXV, §3546(m), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2327.)
52101 46 App.:1132. June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title III, §302, as added Pub. L. 104–239, §10(a), Oct. 8, 1996, 110 Stat. 3133.
In subsection (c)(1)(B), the words "(as applicable)" are omitted as unnecessary.
In subsection (d), the words "certificate described in section 9(a) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 App. U.S.C. 459(a))" are substituted for "certificate referred to in paragraph (1) of section 4301(a) of title 38" because section 4301 of title 38 was amended generally by section 2(a) of Public Law 103–353, and before the amendment section 4301(a)(1) referred to a certificate described in section 9(a) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 App. U.S.C. 459(a)).
2018—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3808(a))" for "(50 App. U.S.C. 459(a))".
2017—Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 57100" for "section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 (50 App. U.S.C. 1744)".