46 U.S.C. § 3311

Certificate of inspection required

(a)

Except as provided in subsection (b), a vessel subject to inspection under this part may not be operated without having on board a certificate of inspection issued under section 3309 of this title .

(b)

The Secretary may direct the owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a vessel subject to inspection under this chapter and not having on board a certificate of inspection—

(1)

to have the vessel proceed to mooring and remain there until a certificate of inspection is issued;

(2)

to take immediate steps necessary for the safety of the vessel, individuals on board the vessel, or the environment; or

(3)

to have the vessel proceed to a place to make repairs necessary to obtain a certificate of inspection.

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 515 ; Pub. L. 98–498, title II, § 211(b) , Oct. 19, 1984 , 98 Stat. 2304 .)