Section 3316 prescribes the relationship between certain classification societies and the Federal Government with respect to the promotion of maritime safety and the security of life and property at sea. Briefly stated, a classification society, like the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), establishes and administers standards for the design, construction, and periodic survey of commercial vessels, yachts, and other marine structures. Classification certifies adherence to these standards, thus representing that a vessel or structure possesses the structural and mechanical fitness required for its intended service.

The section requires that a Federal department, agency, or instrumentality recognize the American Bureau of Shipping as its agent for classing vessels owned by the Federal Government and in any matters related to classification. In effect, the ABS has a statutory monopoly on classing vessels of the United States Government. Additionally, the section contains the authority to permit the Secretary to rely on reports, documents, and certificates issued by a classification society that is similar to the American Bureau of Shipping. However, a “similar classification society” continues to mean one that is organized like the American Bureau of Shipping with attendant governmental representation.

The date of the enactment of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, referred to in subsec. (f)(3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 113–281, which was approved Dec. 18, 2014.

The date of the enactment of the Hamm Alert Maritime Safety Act of 2018, referred to in subsec. (g)(3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 115–265, which was approved Oct. 11, 2018.

Section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, referred to in subsec. (h), was classified to section 4605(j) of Title 50, War and National Defense, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title XVII, § 1766(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2232.

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act, referred to in subsec. (h), is title II of Pub. L. 95–223, Dec. 28, 1977, 91 Stat. 1626, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§ 1701 et seq.) of Title 50, War and National Defense. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of Title 50 and Tables.

Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, referred to in subsec. (h), is classified to section 2371 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, referred to in subsec. (h), is classified to section 2780 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

2018—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 115–265 added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

2014—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 113–281 added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

2012—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 112–213, § 304(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 112–213, § 304(2), added subpar. (C).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 112–213, § 304(3), added subsecs. (e) and (f).

2010—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–281, § 622(b), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “A classification society (including an employee or agent of that society) may not review, examine, survey, or certify the construction, repair, or alteration of a vessel in the United States unless—

“(A) the society has applied for approval under this subsection and the Secretary has reviewed and approved that society with respect to the conduct of that society under paragraph (2); or

“(B) the society is a full member of the International Association of Classification Societies.”

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–281, § 622(a), added subsec. (d).

2004—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–293 added subsec. (c).

1996—Pub. L. 104–324, § 607(b)(1), substituted “Classification societies” for “United States classification societies” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–324, § 607(a)(3), which directed the substitution of “American Bureau of Shipping” for “Bureau”, was executed by making the substitution the first place appearing, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 104–324, § 607(a)(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (b) as (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: “In carrying out this part, the Secretary may rely on reports, documents, and certificates issued by the American Bureau of Shipping or a similar United States classification society, or an agent of the Bureau or society.”

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–324, § 607(a)(2), (4), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b), added pars. (1) and (2), redesignated former par. (2) as (3), and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary may delegate to the Bureau or a similar United States classification society, or an agent of the Bureau or society, the inspection or examination, in the United States or in a foreign country, of a vessel documented or to be documented as a vessel of the United States. The Bureau, society, or agent may issue the certificate of inspection required by this part and other certificates essential to documentation.” Former subsec. (b) redesignated (a).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–324, § 607(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–324, § 607(a)(1), struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows: “The Secretary also may make an agreement with or use the Bureau or a similar United States classification society, or an agent of the Bureau or society, for reviewing and approving plans required for issuing a certificate of inspection.”

Pub. L. 108–293, title IV, § 413(b), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1046, provided that: “Section 3316(c)(1) of title 46, United States Code, shall apply with respect to operation as a classification society on or after January 1, 2005.”

Section effective Apr. 15, 1984, see section 2(g)(1) of Pub. L. 98–89, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Pub. L. 115–265, title II, § 215(b), Oct. 11, 2018, 132 Stat. 3751, provided that: “The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish the office required by the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] by not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 11, 2018].”

Pub. L. 115–265, title II, § 219, Oct. 11, 2018, 132 Stat. 3752, provided that:

[For definition of “recognized organizations” as used in section 219 of Pub. L. 115–265, set out above, see section 203 of Pub. L. 115–265, set out as a note under section 2101 of this title.]