33 U.S.C. § 1223a : US Code - Section 1223A: Electronic charts

Search 33 U.S.C. § 1223a : US Code - Section 1223A: Electronic charts

(a) System requirements
(1) Requirements
Subject to paragraph (2), the following vessels, while
operating on the navigable waters of the United States, shall be
equipped with and operate electronic charts under regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating:
(A) A self-propelled commercial vessel of at least 65 feet
overall length.
(B) A vessel carrying more than a number of passengers for
hire determined by the Secretary.
(C) A towing vessel of more than 26 feet in overall length
and 600 horsepower.
(D) Any other vessel for which the Secretary decides that
electronic charts are necessary for the safe navigation of the
vessel.
(2) Exemptions and waivers
The Secretary may -
(A) exempt a vessel from paragraph (1), if the Secretary
finds that electronic charts are not necessary for the safe
navigation of the vessel on the waters on which the vessel
operates; and
(B) waive the application of paragraph (1) with respect to
operation of vessels on navigable waters of the United States
specified by the Secretary, if the Secretary finds that
electronic charts are not needed for safe navigation on those
waters.
(b) Regulations
The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating shall prescribe regulations implementing subsection (a)
of this section before January 1, 2007, including requirements for
the operation and maintenance of the electronic charts required
under subsection (a) of this section.