85 STAT. ]
165
PUBLIC LAW 92-63-AUG. 4, 1971
designated by the Federal Communications Commission, after consultation with other cognizant agencies, for the exchange of navigational information. (b) The radiotelephone required by subsection (a) shall be carried on board the described vessels, dredges, and floating plants upon the navigable waters of the United States inside the lines established pursuant to section 2 of the Act of February 19, 1895 (28 Stat. 672), as amended. SEC. 5. The radiotelephone required by this Act is for the exclusive use of the master or person in charge of the vessel, or the person designated by the master or person in charge to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel, who shall maintain a listening watch on the designated frequency. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted as precluding the use of portable radiotelephone equipment to satisfy the requirements of this Act. SEC. 6. Whenever radiotelephone capability is required by this Act, a vessel's radiotelephone equipment shall be maintained in effective operating condition. If the radiotelephone equipment carried aboard a vessel ceases to operate, the master shall exercise due diligence to restore it or cause it to be restored to effective operating condition at the earliest practicable time. The failure of a vessel's radiotelephone equipment shall not, in itself, constitute a violation of this Act, nor shall it obligate the master of any vessel to moor or anchor his vessel; however, the loss of radiotelephone capability shall be given consideration in the navigation of the vessel. SEC. 7. The Secretary may, if he considers that marine navigational safety will not be adversely affected or where a local communication system fully complies with the intent of this concept but does not conform in detail, issue exemptions from any provisions of this Act, on such terms and conditions as he considers appropriate. SEC. 8. (a) The Federal Communications Commission shall, after consultation with other cognizant agencies, prescribe regulations necessary to specify operating and technical conditions and characteristics including frequencies, emission, and power of radiotelephone equipment required under this Act. (b) The Secretary shall, subject to the concurrence of the Federal Communications Commission, prescribe regulations for the enforcement of this Act. SEC. 9. (a) Whoever, being the master or person in charge of a vessel subject to this Act, fails t-o enforce or comply with this Act or the regulation, hereunder; or Whoever, being designated by the master or person in charge of a vessel subject to this Act to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel, fails to enforce or comply with this Act or the regulations hereunder— Is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $500 to be asses.^ed by the Secretary. (b) Every vessel navigating in violation of this Act or the regulations hereunder is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $500 to be assessed by the Secretary for which the vessel may be proceeded against in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction. (c) Any penalty assessed under this section may be remitted or mitigated by the Secretary upon such terms as he may deem proper. SEC. 10. This Act shall become effective May 1, 1971, or six months after the promulgation of regulations which would implement its provisions, whichever is later. Approved August 4, 1971.
33 USC 151. Use, restriction.
Equipment, maintenance.
Exemptions.
Regulations.
Penalty.
Effective date.
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