William Tauzin: “as the principal author of section 365 of the conference report, I rise to amplify the limited description of this…”

“as the principal author of section 365 of the conference report, I rise to amplify the limited description of this provision in the statement of managers. In essence, this provision will permit a large ocean-going American-flag vessel operating in accordance with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System [GMDSS] of the SOLAS Convention to sail without a radio telegraphy station operated by a radio officer or operator. In implementing this section, the Coast Guard can rely on the Federal Communications Commission to determine that a large-ocean going vessel has GMDSS equipment installed and operating in good working condition. We do not contemplate the Coast Guard conducting a rulemaking, public hearings, or other lengthy regulatory process. Rather, we contemplate a simple adaptation of current, well-established Commission certification procedures. Under section 359 of current law, the Federal Communications Commission is authorized to issue a certificate of compliance to the operator of a vessel demonstrating that the vessel is in full compliance with the radio provisions of the SOLAS Convention. By law, this certificate must be carried on board the vessel at all times the ship is in use.”