HR 563

112th CONGRESS
1st Session

H. R. 563

To authorize issuance of certificates of documentation authorizing certain vessels to engage in coastwise trade in the carriage of natural gas, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 8, 2011

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska (for himself and Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

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A BILL

To authorize issuance of certificates of documentation authorizing certain vessels to engage in coastwise trade in the carriage of natural gas, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Domestic Energy Independence and Maritime Jobs Creation Act'.

SEC. 2. VESSEL DOCUMENTATION EXEMPTION.

(a) In General- Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132 and chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for each of the following vessels:

(1) LNG GEMINI (United States official number 595752).

(2) LNG LEO (United States official number 595753).

(3) LNG VIRGO (United States official number 595755).

(b) Limitation on Operation- Coastwise trade authorized under subsection (a) shall be limited to carriage of natural gas, as that term is defined in section 3(13) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1502(13)).

(c) Termination of Effectiveness of Endorsements- The coastwise endorsement issued under subsection (a) for a vessel shall expire on the date of the sale of the vessel by the owner of the vessel on the date of enactment of this Act to a person who is not related by ownership or control to such owner.

SEC. 3. OPERATION OF DRY DOCK IN KETCHIKAN, ALASKA.

A vessel transported in Dry Dock #2 (State of Alaska registration AIDEA FDD-2) is not merchandise for purposes of section 55102 of title 46, United States Code, if, during such transportation, Dry Dock #2 remains connected by a utility or other connecting line to pierside moorage located in Ketchikan, Alaska.

END