ing a case for prosecution. This delays enforcement action, and since 

 the offending vessel is generally available for very short periods, it is 

 frequently beyond reach before the law can be enforced. 



It was recoTnmended that administration be transferred from the 

 Corps of Engineers to the Coast Guard, but with the Corps of Engi- 

 neers to continue enforcement; that Coast Guard be given authority 

 to make agreements with other agencies in order to enforce the law; 

 that jurisdiction of the Oil Pollution Act of 1924 be extended to all 

 U.S. navigable waters; and that penalties for convicted violators be 

 increased. 



Harbor Safety and Regulation 



Control of Vessel Movement and Anchorage to 

 Protect U.S. Navy Vessels 



The Coast Guard has authority to control the anchorage and move- 

 ment of any vessel in U.S. waters to protect the security of U.S. Navy 

 ships. However, there are no penalties for violation, and the law 

 gives no control over surface or underwater swimmers. 



It was recommended that the basic statute be amended to provide 

 control over swimmers in restricted areas, and to establish penalties 

 for violations. 



Anchorage Grounds and Harbor Regulations — Refuse Act 



The Coast Guard and Army Engineers cooperate to enforce regula- 

 tions in harbors and anchorage grounds and to protect navigable wa- 

 ters as well as river and harbor improvements. Included in these 

 are laws forbidding the dumping of refuse, floating logs or timbers, 

 damaging U.S. marine facilities, obstructing navigation by anchoring 

 or sinking a vessel in channels. Fines are provided for violations. 

 Enforcement of most of these requires expanding efforts. 



Carreage of Explosives or Dangerous Substances 



Regulations covering the handling of explosives (46 USC 170) and 

 dangerous substances have been adequately enforced. But the con- 

 tinuing development of hazardous new chemicals, radioactive mate- 

 rials, and new types of containers presage a need for increased efforts 

 in order to maintain the present safety record. Broader enforcement 

 will also be required because more foreign ships, generally unaware of 

 U.S. safety requirements, are calling at U.S. ports. 



A high degree of compliance is essential, since a mishap from care- 

 less handling can endanger an entire port. 



It was recommended that minimum standards be established for 

 supervising the handling, storage, and loading and unloading of dan- 

 gerous cargo. 



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