Volume 79 · 424
Public Law 89–99
To exempt oceanographic research vessels from tile application of certain vessel inspection laws, and for other purposes.
Approved July 30, 1965
Statutory text
AN ACT
To exempt oceanographic research vessels from tile application of certain vessel inspection laws, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That, as used in this Act—
the term ‘Oceanographic research vessel’ means a vessel which the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating finds is being employed exclusively in instruction in oceanography or limnology, or both, or exclusively in oceanographic research, including, but not limited to, such studies pertaining to the sea as seismic, gravity meter and magnetic exploration and other marine geophysical or geological surveys, atmospheric research, and biological research;
the term “scientific personnel” means persons who are aboard a vessel solely for the purpose of engaging in scientific research, instructing, or receiving instruction, in oceanography or limnology.
Sec. 2.
An oceanographic research vessel shall not be considered a passenger vessel, a vessel carrying passengers, or a passenger-carrying vessel under the provisions or the laws relating to the inspection and manning of merchant vessels by reason of the carriage of scientific personnel.
Sec. 3.
An oceanographic research vessel shall not be deemed to be engaged in trade or commerce.
Sec. 4.
Scientific personnel on an oceanographic research vessel shall not be considered seamen under the provisions of title 53 of the Revised
Statutes and Act amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.
Sec. 5.
If the Secretary of the department m which the Coast Guard is operating determines that the application to any oceanographic research vessel of any provision of title 52 or title 53 of the Revised
Statutes, or Acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto, is not necessary in the performance of the mission of the vessel, he may by regular ion exempt any such vessel from such provision, upon such terms and conditions as he may specify.
Approved July 30, 1965.