Skip to main content
HR 2916 104th Congress House Transportation and Public Works Administrative procedure Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Congress Congressional reporting requirements Department of Transportation Disciplining of employees Discrimination in employment Dismissal of employees Electronic data processing Equipment and supplies Fines (Penalties) Government Operations and Politics Government paperwork Inland water transportation Labor and Employment Law Legal fees Licenses Maps

Towing Vessel Safety Act of 1996

Introduced: January 31, 1996 See on congress.gov
Sign in to write a letter Sign in to watch
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 12, 1996
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Feb 1, 1996
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E125-126)
Jan 31, 1996
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jan 31, 1996
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Towing Vessel Safety Act of 1996 - Amends Federal marine safety law to require the Secretary of Transportation, in prescribing regulations for towing vessels, to: (1) consider the characteristics and nature of the service of towing vessels; (2) consult with the Towing Safety Advisory Committee; and (3) require the installation of certain navigational safety equipment on each towing vessel (other than one used only for towing disabled vessels).

Revises the marine casualty reporting deadline to require that marine casualties be reported as soon as practicable, but in no case later than within five days (currently, within five days). Increases from $1,000 to up to $25,000 the civil penalty for vessel owners and operators for failing to report marine casualties.

Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing a differential global positioning satellite navigation system and creating electronic charts for U.S. inland waterways.

Revises antidiscrimination provisions to prohibit a vessel owner or operator from temporarily removing a seaman because he or she refuses in good faith to violate marine safety regulations.

Requires towing vessels to be: (1) manned by a licensed master; and (2) operated by a licensed individual. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations which establish licenses for masters and mates of such vessels, subject to specified conditions.

Subjects towing vessels to Federal inspection laws, with specified exceptions.

Increases civil penalties for violations of licensing (from $5,000 to $25,000) and manning (from $1,000 to up to $25,000) requirements committed by owners and operators of uninspected towing vessels.

What's happening now February 12, 1996

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 1
All 1 Democratic 1