Public Law 76–243

Coast Guard Reserve Act of 1939.

That this Act may be cited as the “Coast Guard Reserve Act of 1939”.

Sec. 2.

Objectives declared.

United States Coast Guard Reserve, establishment, composition, qualifications.

In the interest of (a) safety to life at sea and upon the navigable waters, (b) the promotion of efficiency in the operation of motorboats and yachts, and (c) a wider knowledge of, and better compliance with, the laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation and navigation of motorboats and yachts, and (d) facilitating certain operations of the Coast Guard, there is hereby established a United States Coast Guard Reserve (hereinafter referred to as the “Reserve”) which shall be composed of citizens of the United States and of its Territories and possessions, except the Philippine Islands, who are owners (sole or part) of motorboats or yachts, and who may be enrolled therein pursuant to regulations prescribed under the authority of this Act.

Sec. 3.

The Reserve shall be a voluntary organization and shall be

To be a voluntary organization; administration by Commandant of Coast Guard, etc.

administered by the Commandant of the Coast Guard (hereinafter referred to as the “Commandant”) under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Commandant shall, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

Sec. 4.

The Coast Guard is authorized to utilize in the conduct

Utilization of boats of Reserve members in conduct of Coast Guard duties.

Provisos.

Craft to be placed in charge of Coast Guard officer during such assignment.

Operating expenses, payment restrictions.

of duties incident to the saving of life and property and in the patrol of marine parades and regattas any motorboat or yacht temporarily placed at its disposition for any of such purposes by any member of the Reserve: Provided, That no such motorboat or yacht shall be assigned to any such Coast Guard duty unless it is placed in charge of a commissioned officer, chief warrant officer, warrant officer, or petty officer of the Coast Guard during such assignment: Provided further, That appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be available for the payment of actual necessary expenses of operation of any such motorboat or yacht when so utilized, but shall not be available for the payment of compensation for personal services, incident to such operation, to other than the personnel of the regular Coast Guard.

Sec. 5.

Any motorboat or yacht, while assigned to Coast Guard

Motorboat, etc., while so assigned deemed a public vessel.

49 Stat. 1514.

14 U. S. C., Supp. IV, § 71.

duty as herein authorized, shall be deemed to be a public vessel of the United States, and, within the meaning of the Act of June 15, 1936 (49 Stat. 1514; U. S. C., Supp. IV, title 14, sec. 71), shall be deemed to be a vessel of the United States Coast Guard.

Sec. 6.

The Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe one or more

Distinguishing flags and insignia.

Unauthorized use, penalty.

suitable distinguishing flags to be flown from the motorboats and yachts owned by members of the Reserve, and one or more suitable insignias which may be worn by such members. Such flags and insignias shall be furnished by the Coast Guard to members of the Reserve at actual cost, and the proceeds received therefor shall be credited to the appropriation from which paid. Any person who shall, without proper authority, fly from a motorboat, yacht, or other vessel, any flag of the Reserve, or wear any insignia of the Reserve, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding $100.

Sec. 7.

No member of the Reserve, solely by reason of such

Membership not vested with rights, duties, etc., of Coast Guard personnel.

membership, shall be vested with or exercise any right, privilege, power, or duty vested in or imposed upon the personnel of the Coast Guard.

Sec. 8.

The services and facilities of the Coast Guard may be

Use of Coast Guard services and appropriations.

employed in the administration and operation of the Reserve; and the appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be available to effectuate the purposes of this Act.