
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 46USC2103]

 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
                     Subtitle II--Vessels and Seamen
 
                       Part A--General Provisions
 
                           CHAPTER 21--GENERAL
 
Sec. 2103. Superintendence of the merchant marine

    The Secretary has general superintendence over the merchant marine 
of the United States and of merchant marine personnel insofar as the 
enforcement of this subtitle is concerned and insofar as those vessels 
and personnel are not subject, under other law, to the supervision of 
another official of the United States Government. In the interests of 
marine safety and seamen's welfare, the Secretary shall enforce this 
subtitle and shall carry out correctly and uniformly administer this 
subtitle. The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out the 
provisions of this subtitle.

(Pub. L. 98-89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 506; Pub. L. 99-307, Sec. 9, May 
19, 1986, 100 Stat. 447.)

                      Historical and Revision Notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Revised section                Source section (U.S. Code)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2103..............................  46:2
                                    46:372
                                    46:689
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 2103 provides the Secretary with the authority to 
superintend the merchant marine and those involved personnel insofar as 
the vessels and personnel are not subject, under other laws, to the 
supervision of another official. The Secretary has the duty to enforce 
the laws with respect to vessels and seamen and to carry out correctly 
and uniformly these laws and regulations. The term ``superintendence'' 
is used to indicate the Secretary's broad responsibility for overseeing 
maritime safety and seamen's welfare, including employment, shipping, 
navigation, and protection of the marine environment.


                               Amendments

    1986--Pub. L. 99-307 substituted ``subtitle. The Secretary may 
prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle'' for 
``subtitle and regulations prescribed under this subtitle''.
