1998 Year of the Ocean The U.S. Marine Transportation System 



Coast and Geodetic Survey Act , as amended, 33 U.S.C. §§ 883a-k 



The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to conduct hydrographic and topographic surveys, tide 

 and current observations, geodetic-control surveys, field surveys for aeronautical charts, and 

 geomagnetic, seismological, gravity, and related geophysical measurements to provide nautical and 

 aeronautical charts and other information for safe marine and air navigation. Also, these charts and 

 information have commercial and industrial uses and fulfill engineering and scientific purposes. 

 This information is collected, assimilated, and distributed by the National Oceanic and 

 Atmospheric Administration under its authority in the Act. 



Inland Navigational Rules , as amended, 33 U.S.C. §§ 2001-2073 



The Inland Navigational Rules provides regulations that govern ship navigation for vessels upon 

 the inland waters of the United States, and to U.S. vessels on the Canadian waters of the Great 

 Lakes to the extent there is no conflict with Canadian law. 



International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea , as amended, (72 COLREGS), 33 

 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1608 



The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea provides binding comprehensive 

 regulations for the prevention of collisions on the water. The 72 COLREGS apply beyond 

 established demarcation lines. In the United States, the 72 COLREGS govern ship navigation on 

 non-internal waters. The scope of the 72 COLREGS include Steering and Sailing Rules, e.g., 

 conduct of vessels in sight of one another, conduct of vessels in restricted visibility; Lights and 

 Shapes, and Sound and Light Signals. The statute also contains special provisions for ships of war, 

 vessels proceeding under convoy, and fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. Civil penalties 

 may be assessed for violations of the 72 COLREGS. 



Wreck Act , as amended, 33 U.S.C. § 409 et seq. 



The Act prohibits the anchoring or tying of vessels or other craft in navigable waters in a manner 

 that prevents or obstructs passage of other vessels or craft. Also, the Act places a duty on an owner, 

 lessee or operator of a vessel, raft or other craft that has sunk in a navigable channel to mark the 

 wreck with a buoy or beacon and to maintain such marker until the wreck is removed or 

 abandoned. The owner, lessee, or operator has the duty to commence the immediate removal of the 

 wreck. 



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