Last updated on December 2nd, 2023 at 07:13 pm
Title 46—Shipping–Volume 8
CHAPTER II—MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
SUBCHAPTER A—POLICY, PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
PART 200 [RESERVED]
PART 201—RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
Subpart A—General Information (Rule 1)
§ 201.1 Scope of rules.
The regulations in this part govern practice and procedure before the Maritime Administration and Maritime Subsidy Board (as described in 49 CFR 1.66 and 1.67), hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Administration,” under the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, as amended, Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, Merchant Ship Sales Act, 1946, Administrative Procedure Act, and related Acts. In addition, certain proceedings under sections 605(c) and 805(a) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, shall be conducted in accordance with part 203 of this chapter except as may be provided otherwise by the Administration.
§ 201.2 Mailing address; hours.
Documents required to be filed in, and correspondence relating to, proceedings governed by the regulations in this part should be addressed to “Secretary, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.” The Office of the Secretary, Maritime Administration, including the public document reading room, located in room 7210, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
§ 201.3 Authentication of rules, orders, determinations and decisions of the Administration.
All rules, orders, determinations or decisions issued in any proceeding covered by the regulations in this part shall, unless otherwise specifically provided by the Administration, be signed and authenticated by seal by the Secretary of the Administration in the name of the Administration.
§§ 201.4-201.5 [Reserved]
§ 201.6 Documents in foreign languages.
Every document, exhibit, or other paper written in a language other than English and filed with the Administration or offered in evidence in any proceeding before the Administration under the regulations in this part or in response to any rule or order of the Administration pursuant to the regulations in this part, shall be filed or offered in the language in which it is written and shall be accompanied by an English translation thereof duly subscribed.
§ 201.7 Information; special instructions.
Information as to procedure under the regulations in this part, and instructions supplementing the regulations in this part in special instances, will be furnished upon application to the Secretary of the Administration.
§ 201.8 Use of gender and number.
Words importing the singular number may extend and be applied to several persons or things; words importing the plural number may include the singular; and words importing the masculine gender may be applied to females.
§ 201.9 Suspension, amendment, etc., of rules.
The regulations in this part may, from time to time, be suspended, amended, or revoked, in whole or in part. Notice of any such action will be published in the
Subpart B—Appearance and Practice Before the Administration (Rule 2)
§ 201.15 Appearance in person or by representative.
A party may appear in person or by an officer, partner, or regular employee of the party, or by or with counsel or other duly qualified representative, in any proceeding under the regulations in this part. A party may offer testimony, produce and examine witnesses, and be heard upon brief and at oral argument if oral argument is granted. Any person compelled to appear in a proceeding pursuant to subpoena may be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel and may purchase a transcript of his testimony.
§ 201.16 Authority for representation.
Any individual acting in a representative capacity in any proceeding before the Administration may be required by the Administration or the Presiding Officer to show his authority to act in such capacity.
§ 201.17 Written appearance.
Persons who appear at any hearing shall deliver a written notation of appearance to the reporter, stating for whom the appearance is made. The written appearance shall be made a part of the record.
§ 201.18 Practice before the Administration defined.
Practice before the Administration shall be deemed to comprehend all matters connected with any presentation to the Administration or its staff.
§ 201.19 Presiding officers.
Hearings on any matter before the Administration will be held by a duly designated Member or Members thereof, or a Hearing Examiner qualified under section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act, assigned by the Chief Hearing Examiner, who shall be designated as the Presiding Officers. Where appropriate the Administration may designate other members of the staff to serve as Presiding Officers in hearings not required by statute, as provided in § 201.86.
§ 201.20 Attorneys at law.
Attorneys at law who are admitted to practice before the Federal courts or before the courts of any State or territory of the United States may practice before the Administration. An attorney’s own representation that he is such in good standing before any of the courts herein referred to will be sufficient proof thereof.
§ 201.21 [Reserved]
§ 201.22 Firms and corporations.
Except as regards law firms, practice before the Administration by firms or corporations on behalf of others shall not be permitted.
§ 201.23 [Reserved]
§ 201.24 Suspension or disbarment.
The Administration may, in its discretion, deny admission to, suspend, or disbar any person from practice before the Administration who it finds does not possess the requisite qualifications to represent others or is lacking in character, integrity, or to have engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct. Disrespectful, disorderly, or contumacious language or contemptuous conduct at any hearing before the Administration or a presiding officer shall constitute grounds for immediate exclusion from said hearing by the Presiding Officer. Any person who has been admitted to practice before the Administration may be disbarred from such practice only after he has been afforded an opportunity to be heard.
§ 201.25 Statement of interest.
The Administration, in its discretion, may call upon any practitioner for a full statement of the nature and extent of his interest in the subject matter presented by him before the Administration. Attorneys retained on a contingent fee basis shall file with the Administration a copy of the contract of employment.
§ 201.26 Former employees.
(a) No former officer or employee of the Administration, after his or her employment with the Administration has ceased, shall act as agent or attorney for anyone other than the United States in connection with any particular matter in which a specific party or parties are involved and in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest and in which the former officer or employee participated personally and substantially as an officer or employee of the Maritime Administration through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise while so employed by the Maritime Administration.
(b) No former officer or employee of the Administration shall practice, appear, or represent anyone, directly or indirectly, other than the United States, before the Administration in any matter for a period of 1 year subsequent to the termination of his or her employment with the Administration in connection with any proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other particular matter involving a specific party or parties in which the United States is a party or directly and substantially interested and which was under his or her official responsibility as an officer or employee of the Administration at any time during the last year of his or her service.
(c) Any person in doubt as to the applicability of paragraph (a) or (b) of this § 201.26 to a particular case or to the postemployment activities of a former officer or employee of the Administration may address an application to the Administration for the Administration’s consent to appear, stating his former connection with the Administration or predecessor agency, identifying the matter in which he or she desires to appear and describe in detail his or her participation in or responsibility for the particular matter and the specific party or parties involved and the extent, if any, in which the former officer or employee had participated while employed by the Administration. The applicant shall be promptly advised as to his or her privilege to appear in the particular matter. Separate consents to appear must be obtained in each particular matter.
Subpart C—Parties (Rule 3)
§ 201.30 Parties; how designated.
The term party, whenever used in these Rules, shall include any natural person, corporation, association, firm, partnership, trustee, receiver, agency, public or private organization, or governmental agency. A party requesting official action subject to these Rules shall be designated as applicant. A party whose petition for leave to intervene is granted pursuant to § 201.78 shall be designated as intervenor. Only a party as designated in this section may introduce evidence or examine witnesses at hearings.
§ 201.31 Public counsel.
The Assistant General Counsel, Chief, Division of Operating Subsidy Contracts, shall be a party to all proceedings involving operating-differential subsidy contracts. The Assistant General Counsel and his representatives shall be designated as Public Counsel and shall be served with copies of all papers, pleadings, and documents in such proceedings. In addition the General Counsel may designate any member of his staff to serve as Staff Counsel in contract appeal cases or any other proceeding governed by the regulations in this part. Public Counsel or Staff Counsel shall participate in any proceeding to which he is a party, to the extent he deems required in the public interest, subject to the separation of functions required by section 5(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act.
§ 201.32 Substitution of parties.
Upon petition and for good cause shown, the Administration may order a substitution of parties; except that in case of death of a party substitution may be ordered upon suggestion and without the filing of a petition.
Subpart D—Form, Execution and Service of Documents (Rule 4)
§ 201.41 Form and appearance of documents filed with the Administration.
All papers to be filed under the regulations in this part may be reproduced by printing or by any other process, provided the copies are clear and legible; shall be dated, the original signed in ink, and shall show the docket description and title of the proceeding, and the title, if any, and address of the signatory. If typewritten, the impression shall be on only one side of the paper and shall be double spaced, except that quotations shall be single spaced and indented. Documents not printed, except correspondence and exhibits, should be on strong, durable paper and shall not be more than 8
§ 201.42 Subscription, authentication of documents.
(a) Documents filed shall be subscribed: (1) By the person or persons filing same, (2) by an officer thereof if it be a corporation, (3) by an officer or employee if it be a government instrumentality, or (4) by an attorney or other person having authority with respect thereto.
(b) Documents submitted pursuant to stipulation of counsel where no sponsoring witness will be used must be verified.
§ 201.43 Service by parties.
All documents, when tendered for filing should show that service has been made upon all parties to the proceeding. Such service shall be made by delivering one copy to each party in person or by mailing by first-class mail properly addressed with postage prepaid. When a party has appeared by attorney or other representative, service upon such attorney or other representative will be deemed service upon the party. All documents served by mail preferably should be mailed in sufficient time to reach the parties on the date on which the original is due to be filed and should be air mailed if addressee is more than 300 miles distant.
§ 201.44 Date of service.
The date of service of documents shall be the day when the matter served is deposited in the United States mail, shown by the postmark thereon, or is delivered in person, as the case may be.
§ 201.45 Certificate of service.
The original of every document filed with the Administration and required to be served upon all parties to a proceeding shall be accompanied by a certificate of service signed by the party making service, stating that such service has been made upon each party to the proceeding. Certificates of service may be in substantially the following form:
I hereby certify that I have this day served the foregoing document upon all parties of record in this proceeding by mailing, postage prepaid (or by delivering in person) a copy to each such party.
Dated at __________________ this ____________ day of ________________, 19____
§ 201.46 Copies of documents for use of the Administration.
Except as otherwise provided in the regulations in this part, an original and fifteen copies of every document shall be filed for use of the Administration, except written testimony and exhibits to be made a part of a record, which shall be filed in triplicate unless otherwise directed.
Subpart E—Time (Rule 5)
§ 201.51 Computation.
In computing any period of time under these Rules, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of the period, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or national legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be excluded from the computation.
§ 201.52 Additional time after service by mail.
Whenever service of a document has been made by mail in accordance with § 201.43 three (3) days shall be added to the prescribed period for answer.
§ 201.53 Extension of time to file documents.
Applications for extension of time for the filing of any document shall set forth the reasons for the application and may be granted upon a showing of good cause on the part of applicant. Answers to such applications are permitted.
§ 201.54 Reduction of time to file documents.
Except as prohibited by law, for good cause the Administration, or the Presiding Officer with respect to matters pending before him, may reduce any time limit prescribed in the regulations in this part.
§ 201.55 Postponement of hearing.
Applications for postponement of any hearing date may be granted upon a showing of good cause on the part of the applicant. Answers to such applications are permitted.
Subpart F—Rule Making (Rule 6)
§ 201.61 Petition for issuance, amendment, or repeal of rule or regulation.
Any interested person may file with the Administration a petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law, policy, organization, procedure, or practice requirements of the Administration. The petition shall set forth the interest of petitioner and the nature of the relief desired, shall include any facts, views, arguments, and data deemed relevant by petitioner, and shall be subscribed to. If such petition is for the amendment or repeal of a rule, it shall be accompanied by proof of service on all persons, if any, specifically named in such rule, and shall conform in all other aspects to subpart D of this part. Answers to such petition shall conform to the requirements of subpart D of this part.
§ 201.62 Notice of proposed rule making.
After receipt of petitions and any answers thereto described in § 201.61, or upon its own initiative, the Administration may, in its discretion, direct that notice thereof be published in the
§ 201.63 Participation in rule making.
Interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to participate in rule making through submission of written data, views, or arguments, with or without opportunity to present the same orally in any manner: Provided, That where the proposed rules are such as are required by statute to be made on the record after opportunity for a hearing, or where a hearing is ordered by the Administration upon petition of any party or upon its own initiative, such hearing shall be conducted pursuant to sections 7 and 8 of the Administrative Procedure Act.
§ 201.64 Contents of rules.
The Administration will incorporate in any rule to be adopted a concise general statement of their basis and purpose.
§ 201.65 Effective date of rules.
The publication or service of any substantive rule shall be made not less than 30 days prior to its effective date except: (a) As otherwise provided by the Administration for good cause found and published in the
Subpart G—Formal Proceedings, Notice, Pleadings, Replies (Rule 7)
§ 201.71 Commencement of proceedings.
Formal proceedings may be commenced with respect to any phase of an application for Government aid or other relief, the processing of which by statute requires a public hearing. The Administration may, in its discretion, also direct the holding of a hearing not required by statute for any purpose authorized in the statutes it administers.
§ 201.72 Notice.
Notice of any matter which may result in or involves the institution of a formal proceeding will be given by publication in the
§ 201.73 Joinder of proceedings.
(a) Two or more matters which have been set for hearing by the Administration, and which involve similar issues, may be consolidated for the purpose of hearing. Such consolidation may, at the discretion of the Administration, or Presiding Officer after hearing has been ordered, be ordered upon petition of any party to said hearing or upon the initiative of the Administration.
(b) A petition to consolidate shall be filed not later than the first prehearing conference in the proceeding with which consolidation is requested, and shall relate only to then pending applications. If made at such conference, the petition may be oral. A petition which is not timely filed shall be dismissed unless the petitioner shall clearly show good cause for the failure to file said petition on time. A petition which does not relate to an application pending at the time of or before a prehearing conference in a proceeding with which consolidation is requested, shall likewise be dismissed unless the petitioner shall clearly show good cause for a failure to file the application within the prescribed period.
§ 201.74 Declaratory orders.
The Administration may issue a declaratory order to terminate a proceeding or to remove uncertainty. Petitions for the issuance thereof shall state clearly and concisely the nature of the controversy or uncertainty, shall cite the statutory authority involved, shall include a complete statement of the facts and grounds supporting the petition, together with a full disclosure of petitioner’s interest.
§ 201.75 Petitions—general.
All petitions shall be written and shall state the petitioner’s grounds of interest in the subject matter, the facts relied upon, and the relief sought, and shall cite the authority upon which the petition rests. The petition shall be served upon all parties named therein or affected thereby. Answers to petitions may be filed.
§ 201.76 Applications for Government aid.
Applications for operating-differential subsidies, charter of Government-owned vessels, and other types of Government aid shall conform to the requirements set forth in the various general orders and other regulations of the Administration specifically provided therefor.
§ 201.77 Amendments or supplements to pleadings.
Amendments or supplements to any pleading will be allowed or refused in the discretion of the Administration if the case has not been assigned for hearing, otherwise in the discretion of the presiding officer designated to conduct the hearing; Provided, That after a prehearing conference has been held no amendment shall be allowed which would substantially broaden the issues, unless an opportunity is afforded all parties to answer such amended pleadings and to prepare for hearing upon the broadened issues. The presiding officer may direct a party to state its case more fully and in more detail by way of amendment. If a response to an amended pleading is necessary, it may be filed and served. Amendments or supplements allowed prior to hearing will be served in the same manner as the original pleading. Whenever by the regulations in this part a pleading is required to be subscribed, the amendment or supplement shall also be subscribed.
§ 201.78 Petition for leave to intervene.
A petition for leave to intervene may be filed in any proceeding before the Administration. The petition will be granted by the presiding officer if the proposed intervenor establishes that it has a substantial interest in the proceeding and will not unduly broaden the issues therein or unduly delay the proceeding. All such petitions shall be filed prior to the opening of the prehearing conference, or if none is held, before the commencement of hearing, unless petitioner shows good cause for allowing the petition at a later time. Intervention petitions shall be served in the same manner as other petitions, and shall be subject to answer. Intervention petitions will be granted where necessary to protect substantial interests of the petitioner and where intervention will not materially broaden the issues. A person granted permission to intervene becomes a party to the proceeding.
§ 201.79 Motions.
All motions and requests for rulings shall state the relief sought, the authority relied upon, and the facts alleged. If made before or after the hearing, such motions shall be in writing. If made at the hearing, they may be stated orally: Provided, however, That the presiding officer may require that such motion be reduced to writing and filed and served in the same manner as a formal motion. Answers to formal motions shall comply with the requirements of § 201.80. Motions and answers thereto shall be addressed to the presiding officer if the case is pending before such officer. Oral argument upon a written motion in which an answer has been filed may be granted within the discretion of the Administration or the presiding officer, as the case may be. A repetitious motion will not be entertained.
§ 201.80 Answers to applications, petitions, or motions.
A pleading filed in response to an application, petition, or motion is called an answer. An answer may be filed to any application, petition, motion or pleading which is required to be served on the answering party or noticed in the
Subpart H—Responsibilities and Duties of Presiding Officer (Rule 8)
§ 201.85 Commencement of functions of Department of Transportation Office of Hearings.
In proceedings handled by the Department of Transportation Office of Hearings, its functions shall attach upon notice of the institution of a formal proceeding involving a prehearing conference and/or a hearing by the Administration.
§ 201.86 Presiding officer.
An Administrative Law Judge in the Department of Transportation Office of Hearings will be designated by the Department’s Chief Administrative Law Judge to preside at hearings required by statute, or directed to be held under the Administration’s discretionary authority in hearings not required by statute, in rotation so far as practicable, unless the Administration shall designate one or more of its officials to serve as presiding officer(s) in hearings required by statute, or member(s) of the staff in proceedings not required by statute.
§ 201.87 Authority of presiding officer.
The officer designated to hear a case shall have authority to arrange and issue notice of the date, time and place of hearings; under appropriate circumstances consolidate dockets for joint hearing; sign and issue subpoenas authorized by law; take or cause depositions to be taken; rule upon proposed amendments or supplements to pleadings; hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of matters embraced in the proceedings; regulate the course of the hearing; prescribe the order in which evidence shall be presented; dispose of procedural requests or similar matters; hear and initially rule upon all motions and petitions before him; administer oaths and affirmations; examine witnesses, direct witnesses to testify or produce available evidence and to submit reports, studies and analyses of data available to them which may be generally relevant and material to the determination of any questions of fact in issue; rule upon offers of proof and receive competent, relevant, material, reliable, and probative evidence; exclude irrelevant, immaterial, unreliable, repetitious or cumulative evidence; exclude cross-examination which is primarily intended to elicit self-serving declarations in favor of the witness; and limit cross-examination of any questions of fact in issue; for a full and true disclosure of the facts in issue; act upon petitions to intervene; act upon submission of facts, or argument; initially consider offers of settlement or other proposals of adjustment upon which recommendations to the Administration may be made; hear oral argument at the close of testimony; fix the time for filing briefs, motions and other documents to be filed in connection with hearings and replies thereto; and issue the initial or recommended decisions and dispose of any other pertinent matter that normally and properly arises in the course of proceedings. When the presiding officer is unavailable for any reason, and the exercise of any of his powers and functions, as described herein, is due, timely, and necessary, the Chief Administrative Law Judge may exercise such powers and functions until the presiding officer becomes available or until his successor is designated.
§ 201.88 Postponement or change of place by presiding officer.
If, in the judgment of the presiding officer, convenience or necessity so requires he may postpone the time or change the place of hearing.
§ 201.89 Disqualification of presiding officer.
Any presiding officer may at any time withdraw if he deems himself disqualified, in which case another presiding officer will be designated. If a party to a proceeding, or his representative, files in good faith a timely and sufficient affidavit of personal bias or disqualification of a presiding officer, the Administration will determine the matter as a part of the record and decision in the case.
Subpart I—Summary Disposition (Rule 9)
§ 201.91 Filing of motions, answers.
Any party or (if a petition to intervene shall have been filed but not have been acted upon) any prospective party may at or before the first prehearing conference in any proceeding, or at such later time as might be allowed by the presiding officer, move with supporting affidavits for a summary disposition in his favor of all or any part of the proceeding. Any adverse party may within 20 days serve opposing affidavits or may countermove for summary disposition. Oral argument thereon may be granted in the discretion of the presiding officer.
§ 201.92 Ruling on motion.
The presiding officer may grant such motion if the application, motion, or other pleadings, affidavits or depositions, if any, and matters of official notice show that there is no genuine issue as to any material facts, that there is no necessity that further facts be developed in the record, and that such party is entitled to a decision as a matter of law.
§ 201.93 Review of ruling, appeal.
The order of the presiding officer denying a motion for summary disposition shall be subject to interlocutory appeal under the provisions of § 201.123. An order granting a motion for summary disposition is automatically reviewable by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of § 201.133 and shall not be final until acted upon by the Administration.
Subpart J—Prehearing Conference; Settlements; Procedural Agreements (Rule 10)
§ 201.101 Prehearing conference.
Prior to any hearing a prehearing conference may be held before the presiding officer. Written notice of a prehearing conference shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Administration or the Chief Hearing Examiner to all parties of record including persons whose petitions for leave to intervene in the proceeding have not theretofore been granted, and where practicable, by general release to the public press.
(a) At the prehearing conference the following matters, among others, shall be considered: (1) Petitions for leave to intervene; (2) motions for consolidation or severance of dockets for joint or separate hearing to the extent that the Administration has not theretofore taken specific action; (3) simplification and delineation of the issues to be heard; (4) designation of matters in respect of which official notice may be taken; (5) requests for discovery and production of evidence considered to be generally relevant and material to the issues in the proceeding; (6) stipulations; (7) limitation of number of witnesses, particularly the avoidance of duplicate expert witnesses; (8) procedure applicable to the proceeding; (9) offers of settlement, as hereinafter to be more particularly discussed in § 201.103; and (10) scheduling of the dates for exchange of exhibits, written testimony both affirmative and rebuttal and establishing the date, time and place for hearing.
(b) If deemed necessary or appropriate, the presiding officer may also, on his own motion, or on motion of Public Counsel direct any party to a proceeding to prepare and submit exhibits setting forth studies, forecasts, or estimates on matters relevant and material to the issues in the proceeding to be sponsored by witnesses available for cross-examination thereon.
§ 201.102 Prehearing rulings.
The presiding officer will, where practicable, issue prehearing rulings, acting on petitions for leave to intervene, delineating the issues, summarizing the rulings made at the conference, specifying a schedule for the exchange of exhibits and written testimony, the date, time and place of hearing and specifying a time for the filing of exceptions to the rulings. The prehearing rulings shall be served upon all parties to the proceeding and any persons who participated in the conference. Exceptions to the prehearing rulings may be filed by any such party or person within the time specified therein. The presiding officer may serve amended rulings in the light of the exceptions presented. Such rulings and amendments, if any, shall constitute the official account of the conference and shall control the subsequent course of the proceeding, but they may be reconsidered and modified at any time to protect the public interest or to prevent injustice.
§ 201.103 Opportunity for agreement of parties and settlement of case.
Where time, the nature of the proceeding, and the public interest permit, all interested parties shall have the opportunity for submission to and consideration by the presiding officer of offers of settlement, or proposals of adjustment together with facts and/or arguments relevant to such offers or proposals without prejudice to the rights of the parties. The presiding officer need not be present at any negotiations of such nature. The presiding officer shall issue an initial or recommended decision thereon recommending approval or disapproval of such offer of settlement or proposal of adjustment to the Administration for final action thereon. No agreement, offer, or proposal shall be admissible in evidence over the objection of any party in any hearing on the matter. When any settlement does not dispose of the whole proceeding, the remaining issues shall be determined in accordance with sections 7 and 8 of the Administrative Procedure Act.
Subpart K—Discovery and Depositions (Rule 11)
§ 201.109 Discovery and production of documents.
Upon request of any party showing good cause therefor, at the prehearing conference or otherwise upon notice to all other parties, the Administration or presiding officer may direct any party to produce and permit the inspection and copying or photographing, by or on behalf of the moving party, of any designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects, or tangible things, not privileged which constitute or contain evidence relating to any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending proceeding, and which are in his possession, custody or control. The order shall specify the time, place, and manner of making the inspection and taking the copies and photographs and may prescribe such terms and conditions as are just. In lieu of such inspections the material may be produced in exhibit form and served upon all parties to a formal proceeding. Such exhibits may also, upon request of any party, be offered in evidence at a hearing.
§ 201.110 Depositions: request for orders to take; time of filing.
The Administration or presiding officer may, upon proper request of a party to a proceeding or under circumstances deemed proper, issue an order to take a deposition regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the proceedings. A motion to take a deposition shall be filed not less than fifteen (15) days before the proposed date for taking the deposition, unless a shorter period is fixed under § 201.54, and shall set forth the reason for the deposition, the place and time of taking, the officer before whom it is to be taken, the name and address of each witness to be examined, if known, and, if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify him or the particular class or group to which he belongs, and whether the deposition is to be based upon written interrogatories or upon oral examination. If the deposition is to be based upon oral examination, the motion shall contain a statement of the matters concerning which each witness will testify. If the deposition is to be based on written interrogatories, the motion shall be accompanied by the interrogatories to be propounded, serially numbered. Copies of all motions to take depositions, and accompanying interrogatories, if any, shall conform to the requirements of subpart D of this part. Objection to the taking of such depositions may be made in an answer to such motion. Without prejudice to objection, the answer may also state objection to any individual interrogatory, and if the deposition is permitted, the presiding officer will rule upon such objections to interrogatories. A party served with an order to take a deposition on written interrogatories shall have ten (10) days after date of service of such order unless a shorter period is fixed under § 201.54, within which to file and serve written cross interrogatories, which shall be served pursuant to subpart D of this part. Answers to applications for cross interrogatories may be filed in accordance with § 201.80. Upon the issuance of an order by the Administration or the presiding officer for the taking of a deposition, the Docket Clerk shall mail a copy thereof to all parties, including the party who requested the deposition. An application to take a deposition in a foreign country will be entertained when necessary or convenient, and authority to take such deposition will be granted upon such notice and other terms and directions as are lawful and appropriate.
§ 201.111 Contents of order.
The order issued authorizing the taking of a deposition will state the name and address of each witness or a general description sufficient to identify him or the particular class or group to which he belongs, the matters concerning which the witness may be questioned, the place where, the time when, and the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken, any or all of which may or may not be the same as set forth in the motion filed. If the deposition is to be taken upon written interrogatories, a list of the interrogatories will accompany the order.
§ 201.112 Record of examination; oath; objections.
The officer before whom the deposition is to be taken shall put the witness under oath and shall personally, or by someone acting under his direction and in his presence, record the testimony of the witness. The testimony shall be taken stenographically, shall be translated to English, if necessary, and shall be transcribed unless the parties agree otherwise. All objections made at the time of the examination to the qualifications of the officer taking the deposition, or to the manner of taking it, or to the evidence presented, or to the conduct of any party, and any other objections to the proceedings, shall be noted by the officer upon the deposition. Any party served with a notice to take an oral deposition may cross-examine a witness whose testimony is taken under such deposition. In lieu of cross-examination, parties served with notice of taking a deposition may transmit written interrogatories or cross-interrogatories to the officer taking the deposition, who shall propound them to the witness and record the answers verbatim together with any objections interposed thereto by adverse parties.
§ 201.113 Submission to witness, changes, signing.
When the testimony is fully transcribed the deposition of each witness shall be submitted to him for examination and shall be read to or by him. Any changes in form or substance which the witness desires to make shall be entered upon the deposition by the officer with a statement of the reasons given by the witness for making them. The deposition shall then be signed by the witness, unless the parties by stipulation waive the signing or the witness is ill or cannot be found or refuses to sign. If the deposition is not signed by the witness, the officer shall sign it and state on the record the fact of the waiver or of the illness or absence of the witness or the fact of the refusal to sign, together with the reason, if any, given therefor; and the deposition may then be used as fully as though signed, unless upon objection the presiding officer holds that the reasons given for the refusal to sign require rejection of the deposition in whole or in part.
§ 201.114 Certification and filing by officer; copies.
The officer taking the deposition shall certify on the deposition that the witness was duly sworn by him and that the deposition is a true record of the testimony given by the witness, and that said officer is not of counsel or attorney to either of the parties and is not directly or indirectly interested in the outcome of the proceeding or investigation. He shall then securely seal the deposition in an envelope endorsed with the title of the proceeding and marked “Deposition of (here insert name of witness)”, and shall promptly send the original and two copies thereof, together with the original and two copies of all exhibits, by registered mail to the Administration. Parties shall make their own arrangements with the officer taking the deposition for copies of the testimony and exhibits.
§ 201.115 Waiver of objections and admissibility.
Objections to the form of question and answer shall be made before the officer taking the deposition by parties or representatives present, and if not so made, shall be deemed waived. Depositions shall, when offered at the hearing, be subject to proper legal objections.
§ 201.116 Time of filing.
Any depositions to be offered in evidence shall be filed with the presiding officer not later than the close of the offering party’s presentation.
§ 201.117 Inclusion in record.
No deposition or part thereof shall constitute a part of the record in any proceeding until received in evidence.
§ 201.118 Witness fees; expenses of taking depositions.
Witnesses whose depositions are taken pursuant to the regulations in this part, and the officer taking such deposition, shall severally be entitled to the same fees and mileage as are paid in the courts of the United States. All expenses of taking such depositions shall be paid by the party at whose instance the deposition is taken.
Subpart L—Subpoenas (Rule 12)
§ 201.121 Application for subpoena ad testificandum.
An application for a subpoena requiring attendance of a witness at a hearing may be made without notice by any party to the presiding officer, or, in the event that a presiding officer has not been assigned to a proceeding or the presiding officer is not available, to the Chief Hearing Examiner, for action by him or by a member of the Administration. A subpoena for the attendance of a witness shall be issued on oral application at any time and shall be issued upon request of any interested party upon tender of an original and two copies of such subpoena. A record of the issuance of such a subpoena shall be entered in the docket.
§ 201.122 Application for subpoena duces tecum.
An application for a subpoena duces tecum for documentary or tangible evidence shall be in duplicate except that for good cause shown it may be made during the course of a hearing on the record to the presiding officer. Such application need not be served upon all parties. All such applications, whether written or oral, shall contain a statement or showing of general relevance and reasonable scope of the evidence sought and shall be accompanied by an original and two copies of the subpoena sought which shall describe the documentary or tangible evidence to be subpoenaed with as much particularity as is feasible.
§ 201.123 Standards for issuance of subpoena duces tecum.
The officer considering any application for a subpoena duces tecum shall issue the subpoena requested if he is satisfied the application complies with this section and the request is not unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope or unduly burdensome. No attempt shall be made to determine the admissibility of evidence in passing upon an application for a subpoena duces tecum and no detailed or burdensome showing shall be required as a condition to the issuance of any subpoena.
§ 201.124 Service and quashing of subpoenas.
Subpoenas issued under this section may be served upon the person to whom directed in accordance with subpart D of this part. Any person upon whom a subpoena is served may within seven (7) days after service or at any time prior to the return date thereof, whichever is earlier, file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena with the officer who issued the subpoena for action by him, and serve a copy of such motion to quash upon the party requesting the subpoena. If the person to whom the motion to modify or quash the subpoena has been addressed or directed has not acted upon such a motion by the return date, such date shall be stayed pending his final action thereon. The Administration may at any time review, upon its own initiative, the ruling of the officer denying a motion to quash a subpoena. In such cases, the Administration may at any time order that the return date of a subpoena which it has elected to review be stayed pending Administration action thereon.
§ 201.125 Attendance and mileage fees.
Persons attending hearings under requirement of subpoenas are entitled to the same fees and mileage as in the courts of the United States, to be paid by the party at whose instance the persons are called.
§ 201.126 Service of subpoenas.
If service of subpoena is made by a United States marshal or his deputy, such service shall be evidenced by his return thereon. If made by any other person, such person shall make affidavit thereto, describing the manner in which service is made, and return such affidavit on or with the original subpoena. In case of failure to make service, the reasons for the failure shall be stated on the original subpoena. In making service the original subpoena shall be exhibited to the person served, shall be read to him if he is unable to read, and a copy thereof shall be left with him. The original subpoena, bearing or accompanied by required return, affidavit, or statement, shall be returned without delay to the Administration, or if so directed on the subpoena, to the presiding officer before whom the person named in the subpoena is required to appear.
§ 201.127 Subpoena of Administration employees, documents, or things.
No subpoena for the attendance of an Administration officer or employee, or for the production of Administration documents or things shall be complied with except upon written authorization of the General Counsel upon written application by the party requesting the subpoena.
Subpart M—Hearing Procedures (Rule 13)
§ 201.131 Presentation of evidence.
(a) Testimony. Where appropriate, the Presiding officer may direct that the testimony of witnesses be prepared in written exhibit form and shall be served at designated dates in advance of the hearing. Evidence as to events occurring after the exhibit-exchange dates shall be presented by a revision of exhibits. Witnesses sponsoring exhibits shall be made available for cross-examination. However, unless authorized by the presiding officer, witnesses will not be permitted to read prepared testimony into the record. The evidentiary record shall be limited to factual and expert opinion testimony. Argument will not be received in evidence but rather should be presented in opening and/or closing statements of counsel and in briefs to the presiding officer subsequently filed.
(b) Exhibits. All exhibits and responses to requests for evidence shall be numbered consecutively by the party submitting same and appropriately indexed as to number and title and shall be exchanged on dates prior to the hearing prescribed in the prehearing rulings. Written testimony should be identified alphabetically. Two copies shall be sent to each party and two to the presiding officer. No response to a request for evidence will be received into the record unless offered and received as an exhibit at the hearing. The exhibits, other than the written testimony, shall include appropriate footnotes or narrative material explaining the source of the information used and the methods employed in statistical compilations and estimates and shall contain a short commentary explaining the conclusions which the offeror draws from the data. Rebuttal exhibits should refer specifically to the exhibits being rebutted. Where one part of a multipage exhibit is based upon another part, appropriate cross-reference should be made. The principal title of each exhibit should state precisely what it contains and may also contain a statement of the purpose for which the exhibit is offered. However, such explanatory statement, if phrased in an argumentative fashion, will not be considered as a part of the evidentiary record. Additional exhibits pertinent to the issues may be submitted in a proceeding with the approval of the presiding officer.
(c) Cooperation on basic data. Parties having like interests are specifically encouraged to cooperate with each other in joint presentations particularly in such items as basic passenger, cargo, and scheduling data compiled from official or semiofficial sources, and any other evidence susceptible to joint presentation. Duplicate presentation of the same evidence should be avoided wherever possible.
(d) Authenticity. The authenticity of all documents submitted as proposed exhibits in advance of the hearing shall be deemed admitted unless written objection thereto is filed prior to the hearing, except that a party will be permitted to challenge such authenticity at a later time upon a clear showing of good cause for failure to have filed such written objection.
(e) Statement of position and trial briefs. A written statement of position should be exchanged by all counsel with copies to all other parties prior to the beginning of the hearing: Provided, however, That Public Counsel or counsel for a public body which has intervened as its interests may appear, may offer his statement of position at the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, unless such is impracticable. This statement should include a showing of the theory of the case of the party submitting the statement and will not be subject to cross-examination. Trial briefs are acceptable but will not be required.
§ 201.132 Conduct of the hearing.
(a) Order of presentation. Normally the order of presentation at the hearing will be alphabetical in each of the following categories:
(1) MarAd statistical material.
(2) Shipper interests, United States and foreign government departments.
(3) Applicants.
(4) Intervenors.
(5) Public counsel.
(b) Burden of proof. The burden of proof shall be (1) upon an applicant for any form of government aid or grant; and (2) upon a proponent for the issuance of any rule or order within the jurisdiction of the Administration. The burden of going forward with rebuttal evidence in proceedings involving matters under paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section shall fall upon opposing intervenors. Whenever an intervenor is permitted by the presiding officer to raise or advance a new issue in the proceeding, the burden of proof as to such issue shall fall upon such intervenor. If the burden of proof is met as to such new issue, the other parties shall have the burden of going forward with rebuttal evidence in such regard.
(c) Requirement for submission of corrected copies of exhibits. Each party shall present three fully corrected copies of its exhibits to be offered in evidence, one for the docket and two for the presiding officer.
(d) Offer of exhibits in evidence. The exhibits and written testimony sponsored by each witness shall be offered in evidence at the close of his direct examination to the extent practicable. After ruling upon motions to strike they shall be received in evidence subject to cross-examination. The presiding officer, in his discretion, may defer such ruling until after completion of cross-examination.
(e)(1) Cross-examination. Cross-examination shall be limited to the scope of the direct examination and, except for Public Counsel and counsel for public bodies which have intervened as their interests may appear, to witnesses whose testimony is adverse to the party desiring to cross-examine—this being intended specifically to prohibit so-called “friendly cross-examination”. Cross-examination, which is not necessary to test the truth and completeness of the direct testimony and exhibits, will not be permitted.
(2) Re-cross-examination. Second rounds of cross-examination normally will not be permitted unless it is necessary to cover new matters raised by a subsequent examination. Cross-examination of any particular witness shall be limited to one attorney for each party and shall not include subjects which are not germane to the interest represented by the cross-examiner.
(f) Oral motions. Oral presentation on any motion or objection shall be limited to the party or parties making the motion or objection and the party or parties against which the motion or objection is directed and Public Counsel. Such presentation shall also be limited to one attorney for each party.
(g) Official notice; public document items. Whenever there is offered (in whole or in part) a public document, such as an official report, decision, opinion, or published scientific or economic statistical data issued by any of the executive departments (or their subdivisions), legislative agencies or committees, or administrative agencies of the Federal Government (including Government-owned corporations), or a similar document issued by a State or its agencies, and such document (or part thereof) has been shown by the offerer to be reasonably available to the public, such document need not be produced or marked for identification, but may be offered for official notice as a public document item by specifying the document or relevant part thereof.
(h) Oral argument at hearings. A request for oral argument at the close of testimony will be granted or denied by the presiding officer in his discretion.
§ 201.133 Appeal from ruling of presiding officer.
Rulings of presiding officers may not be appealed prior to, or during the course of, the hearing except where the presiding officer has granted a Motion for Summary Disposition under subpart I of this part, or in extraordinary circumstances where prompt decision by the Administration is necessary to prevent unusual delay, expense, or detriment to the public interest, in which instances the matter shall be referred forthwith by the presiding officer to the Administration. Any such appeal shall be filed within fifteen (15) days from the date of the ruling by the presiding officer.
§ 201.134 Separation of functions.
The separation of functions as required by section 5(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act shall be observed in adversary proceedings involving controverted factual issues arising under the regulations in this part.
Subpart N—Evidence (Rule 14)
§ 201.136 Evidence admissible.
In any proceeding under the regulations in this part all evidence which is relevant, material, reliable and probative, and not unduly repetitious or cumulative shall be admissible. Irrelevant and immaterial or unduly repetitious or cumulative evidence shall be excluded.
§ 201.137 Rights of parties as to presentation of evidence.
Every party shall have the right to present his case or defense by oral or documentary evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and to conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts.
§ 201.138 Unsponsored written material.
(a) Material that may be deemed evidence. Where a formal hearing is held, a party shall be afforded an opportunity to participate through submission of relevant, material, reliable and probative written evidence including official notice matters covered in § 201.132(g): Provided, That such evidence submitted by persons not present at the hearing will not be made a part of the record if opposed to by any party for good cause shown.
(b) Material that may not be deemed evidence. Letters expressing views or urging action and other unsponsored written material in respect of matters embraced in, or related to, a formal hearing will be placed in the correspondence section of the docket of the proceeding. These data are not to be deemed part of the evidence or part of the record in the material unless sponsored at the public hearing by an authenticating and supporting witness.
§ 201.139 Documents containing matter both material and not material.
Where written matter offered in evidence is embraced in a document containing other matter which is not intended to be offered in evidence, the party offering shall present the original document to all parties at the hearing for their inspection, and shall offer a true copy of the matter which is to be introduced unless the presiding officer determines that the matter is short enough to be read into the record. Opposing parties shall be afforded an opportunity to introduce in evidence, or by stipulations other portions of the original document which are material and relevant.
§ 201.140 Records in other proceedings.
When any portion of the record before the Administration in any proceeding other than the one being heard is offered in evidence, a true copy of such portion shall be presented for the record in the form of an exhibit unless the parties represented at the hearing stipulate upon the record that such portion may be incorporated by reference.
§ 201.141 Stipulations.
The parties may, by stipulation in writing filed at the prehearing conference, or by written or oral stipulation presented at the hearing or by written stipulation subsequent to the hearing, agree upon any facts involved in the proceeding and include them in the record with the consent of the presiding officer. Proposed written stipulations shall be subscribed by the sponsors and served upon all parties of record. Only upon acceptance by all parties to the proceeding may a stipulation be noted for the record or received as evidence.
§ 201.142 Further evidence required by presiding officer during hearing.
At any time during the hearing the presiding officer may call for the production of further relevant and material evidence, reports, studies, and analyses upon any issue, and require such evidence, where available, to be presented by the party or parties concerned, either at the hearing or adjournment thereof in accordance with § 201.132(b). Such material shall be received subject to appropriate motions, cross-examination and/or rebuttal. If a witness refuses to testify or produce the evidence as requested, the presiding officer shall report such refusal to the Administration forthwith.
§ 201.143 Exceptions to rulings of presiding officer unnecessary.
Formal exceptions to rulings of the presiding officer are unnecessary. It is sufficient that a party, at the time the ruling of the presiding officer is made or sought, makes known the action which he desires the presiding officer to take or his objection to an action taken, and his grounds therefor.
§ 201.144 Offer of proof.
An offer of proof made in connection with an objection taken to any ruling of the presiding officer rejecting or excluding proffered oral testimony shall consist of a statement of the substance of the evidence which counsel contends would be adduced by such testimony; and, if the excluded evidence consists of evidence in documentary or written form or of reference to documents or records, a copy of such evidence shall be marked for identification and shall accompany the record as the offer of proof.
Subpart O—The Record: Contents; Development; Perfection; Confidential Treatment (Rule 15)
§ 201.146 Receipt of documents after hearing.
Documents to be submitted for the record after the close of the hearing will not be received in evidence except upon ruling of the presiding officer. Such documents when submitted shall be accompanied by proof that copies have been served upon all parties, who shall have an opportunity to comment thereon; and shall be received not later than ten (10) days after the close of the hearing except for good cause shown, and not less than ten (10) days prior to the date set for filing briefs. Exhibit numbers should be assigned by counsel or the party. In computing the time within which to file such documents or other writings the five (5) additional days provided in § 201.54 shall not apply. Documents which are submitted but do not comply with the provisions of this rule will be filed in the correspondence section of the docket.
§ 201.147 Official transcript.
The Administration will designate the official reporter for all hearings. The official transcript of testimony taken, together with any exhibits and any briefs or memoranda of law filed therewith shall be filed with the Administration. Transcripts of testimony will be available in any proceeding under the regulations in this section, and will be supplied by the official reporter to the parties and to the public except when required for good cause to be held confidential, at rates not to exceed the maximum rates fixed by the contract between the Administration and the reporter.
§ 201.148 Corrections of transcript.
Motions made at the hearing to correct the record will be acted upon by the presiding officer. Motions made after the hearing to correct the record as to matters of substance rather than form, shall be filed with the presiding officer within ten (10) days after receipt of the transcript, unless otherwise directed by the presiding officer, and shall be served on all parties. Such motions may be in the form of a letter and shall certify the date when the transcript was received. If no objections are received within ten (10) days after date of service, the transcript will, upon approval of the presiding officer, be changed to reflect such corrections. If objections are received, the motion will be acted upon with due consideration of the stenographic record of the hearing.
§ 201.149 Copies of data or evidence.
Every person compelled to submit data or evidence shall be entitled to retain or procure a copy of transcript thereof on payment of proper costs.
§ 201.150 Record for decision.
The transcript of testimony and exhibits, together with all papers and requests (except the correspondence section of the docket), including rulings and any recommended or initial decisions filed in the proceeding shall constitute the exclusive record for decision. Final decisions will be predicated on the same record, including the initial decision of the presiding officer.
§ 201.151 Objections to public disclosure of information.
Upon objection to public disclosure of any information sought to be elicited during a hearing, and a showing of cause satisfactory to the presiding officer, the witness shall disclose such information only in the presence of the presiding officer, official reporter and such attorneys or representatives of each party with demonstrated interests, as the presiding officer shall determine and after all present have been sworn to secrecy. The transcript of testimony shall be held confidential. Within five (5) days after such testimony is given, or document received, the objecting party shall file with the presiding officer a verified written motion to withhold such information from public disclosure, setting forth sufficient identification of same and the basis upon which public disclosure should not be made. Copies of said transcript and motion need not be served upon any other parties than those sworn to secrecy unless so ordered by the presiding officer.
Subpart P—Briefs, Requests for Findings, Decisions, Exceptions (Rule 16)
§ 201.155 Briefs; request for findings.
The time for filing briefs to the presiding officer, and extensions thereof, shall be fixed by him. The period of time allowed shall be the same for all parties unless the presiding officer, for good cause shown, directs otherwise. Normally there shall be an opening brief by the moving parties, an answering brief by the proponents of a contrary conclusion and a short reply by the moving parties. Briefs and statements of position as authorized, shall be served upon all parties pursuant to subpart D of this part. Briefs shall include a summary of evidence, together with references to exhibit numbers and pages of the transcript, and memoranda of law with appropriate citations of the authorities relied upon. They shall contain proposed findings of fact and conclusions in serially numbered paragraphs.
§ 201.156 Requests for extension of time for filing briefs.
Requests for extension of time within which to file briefs shall conform to the requirements of § 201.53. Except for good cause shown, such requests shall be filed and served not later than five (5) days before the expiration of the time fixed for the filing of briefs.
§ 201.157 Reopening of a case by presiding officer prior to decision.
At any time prior to the filing of his initial or recommended decision, the presiding officer, either upon petition or upon his own initiative may, for good cause shown and upon reasonable notice, reopen the case for the receipt of further evidence.
To the presiding officer is delegated the authority to render initial or recommended decisions in all proceedings before him, including motions, petitions and other pleadings. Tentative or final decisions will be rendered by the Administration. The same officers who preside at the reception of evidence pursuant to section 7 of the Administrative Procedure Act shall render the initial or recommended decisions except where such officers become unavailable to the Administration, in which case another Presiding Officer will be designated to make such decision or certify the record to the Administration. Where the Administration requires the entire record in the case to be certified to it for initial decision, the Presiding Officer shall first recommend a decision, except that in rule making:
(a) In lieu thereof the Administration may issue a tentative decision or any of its responsible officers may recommend a decision or (b) any such procedure may be omitted in any case in which the Administration finds upon the record that due and timely execution of its functions in the public interest imperatively and unavoidably so requires.
§ 201.159 Decisions; contents and service.
All initial, recommended, tentative, and final decisions, whether rendered orally or in writing shall include a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or bases therefor, upon the material issues presented, as well as a statement of the appropriate rule, order, sanction, relief to be imposed, or the denial thereof. A copy of each decision when issued or when transcribed if orally rendered (and all orally presented decisions shall be stenographically recorded) shall be served on the parties to the proceeding, and furnished to interested persons upon request.
§ 201.160 Decision based on official notice.
Official notice may be taken of such matters as might be judicially noticed by the courts, or of technical or scientific facts within the general or specialized knowledge of the Administration as an expert body or of a document required to be filed with or published by a duly constituted governmental body: Provided, That where a decision or part thereof rests on the official notice of a material fact not appearing in the evidence of the record, the fact of official notice shall be so stated in the decision, and any party, on timely request, shall be afforded an opportunity to show the contrary.
§ 201.161 Exceptions to, and review by the Administration of initial or recommended decisions.
Within twenty (20) days after the service date of the initial or recommended decision, whether oral or in writing, unless a shorter period is fixed under § 201.54, any party may file exceptions to any conclusions, findings, or statements contained in such decision, and a brief in support of such exceptions. Such exceptions and brief shall constitute one document, shall indicate with particularity alleged errors, shall indicate pages of transcript and exhibit numbers when referring to the record, and shall be served on all parties pursuant to subpart D of this part. Whenever the presiding officer renders an initial decision, in the absence of the filing of exceptions thereto, or notice of review thereof by the Administration, such decision, shall upon the issuance of an appropriate order by the Administration, become the decision of the Administration. Upon the filing of exceptions to, or notice of review of, an initial or recommended decision, such decision shall become inoperative until the Administration determines the matter. Where exceptions are filed to, or the Administration reviews, an initial or recommended decision, the Administration, except as it may limit the issues upon notice or by rule, will have all the powers which it would have in making the initial decision. Whenever the Administration shall determine to review an initial or recommended decision on its own initiative, notice of such intention shall be served upon the parties within thirty (30) days after the date when the initial or recommended decision is orally rendered and, if in writing, served.
§ 201.162 Replies to exceptions.
Any party may file and serve a reply to exceptions within twenty (20) days after date of service thereof, unless a shorter period is fixed pursuant to § 201.54. Such reply shall indicate pages of the transcript and exhibit numbers when referring to the record.
§ 201.163 Request for extension of time for filing exceptions and replies thereto.
Requests for extension of time within which to file exceptions, and briefs in support thereof, or replies to exceptions shall conform to the applicable provisions of subpart E of this part. Except for good cause shown, such requests shall be filed and served not later than five (5) days before the expiration of the time fixed for the filing of such documents.
§ 201.164 Certification of record by presiding officer.
The presiding officer shall certify and transmit the entire record to the Administration when: (a) Exceptions are filed or the time therefor has expired, (b) notice is given by the Administration that the initial or recommended decision will be reviewed on its own initiative, or (c) the Administration requires the case to be certified to it for initial decision.
Subpart Q—Oral Argument; Submittal for Final Decision (Rule 17)
§ 201.166 Oral argument.
If oral argument before the Administration is desired on exceptions or replies to exceptions to an initial, recommended, or tentative decision, or on a motion, petition, or application, a request therefor shall be made in writing properly addressed to the Administration. Any party may make such request irrespective of his filing exceptions or replies. If a brief on exceptions or replies thereto are filed, the request for oral argument shall be incorporated therein. Requests for oral argument on any motion, petition, or application shall be made in the motion, petition, or application or in the reply thereto. Requests for oral argument will be granted or denied in the discretion of the Administration, and, if granted, the notice of oral argument will set forth the order of presentation and the amount of time to be allotted. Those who appear before the Administration for oral argument should confine their argument to points of controlling importance and shall limit their argument to points upon which exceptions have been filed. Where the facts of a case are adequately and accurately dealt with in the initial, recommended, or tentative decision, parties should, as far as possible, address themselves in argument to the conclusions. Effort should be made by parties taking the same position to agree in advance of the argument upon those who are to present their side of the case. The names of persons who will argue and the amount of time requested by each should be received by the Administration not later than ten (10) days before the date set for the argument. Ordinarily, consolidation of appearances at oral argument will permit the parties’ interests to be presented more effectively in the time allotted.
§ 201.167 Submission to Administration for final decision.
A proceeding will be deemed submitted to the Administration for its determination as follows: (a) If oral argument is had, on the date of completion thereof, or if memoranda on points of law are permitted to be filed after argument, the last date of such filing; (b) if oral argument is not had, the last date when exceptions or replies thereto are filed, or if exceptions are not filed, the expiration date for such exceptions or the date when all parties have stated that no exceptions will be filed; (c) in the case of an initial decision, the date of notice of the Administration to review the decision, if such notice is given.
Subpart R—Stay of Administration’s Decision, Reopening of Proceedings (Rule 18)
§ 201.171 Stay of Administration’s decision.
The Administration’s decision or order shall be stayed pending resolution by the Administration of a petition for reopening, duly filed, and for so long as such Administration’s action has not been finally disposed of in accordance with the provisions of section 7 of Department of Commerce Order 117 (Revised).
§ 201.172 Time for filing petition to reopen.
Except for good cause shown, and upon leave granted, petition to reopen under § 201.174, shall be filed with the Administration within twenty (20) days after the date of service of the Administration’s decision or order in the proceeding, unless a different period is fixed under § 201.54.
§ 201.173 Reopening by Administration and modification or setting aside of decision.
Upon petition and a showing of compelling cause, filed in accordance with § 201.174, or on its own motion, the Administration may at any time reopen any proceeding under the regulation in this part for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration in whole or in part. After reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing or such other procedure as the Administration may direct, the Administration may alter, modify or set aside in whole or in part its decision therein if it finds such action is required by changed conditions in fact or law or by the public interest.
§ 201.174 Petition for reopening.
A petition for reopening for the purpose of rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration, shall be made in writing, shall state the grounds relied upon, and conform to the requirements of subpart D of this part. If the petition is for the purpose of rehearing, said petition shall state the nature and purpose of the new evidence to be adduced and that such evidence was not available at the time of the prior hearing. If the petition be for reargument or reconsideration, the matter claimed to have been erroneously decided shall be specified and the alleged errors briefly stated. In case of exceptional circumstances, satisfactorily shown by the petitioner, a request for modification of rules or orders may be made by telegram or otherwise, upon notice to all parties or attorneys of record, but such request shall be followed by a petition filed and served in accordance with subpart D of this part.
§ 201.175 Answers to petition to reopen.
Answers to petitions to reopen shall conform to the requirements of subpart D of this part.
Subpart S—Judicial Standards of Practice (Rule 19)
§ 201.181 General matters.
(a) In general, the functions of the Administration involve hearing procedures comparable to those of a court and accordingly parties to proceedings before the Administration and persons representing these parties are expected to conduct themselves with honor and dignity. For the same reasons, the members of the Administration and those of its employees who participate with the Administration in the determination of formal proceedings are expected to conduct themselves with the same fidelity to standards of propriety that characterizes a court and its staff. The standing and the effectiveness of the Administration are in direct relation to the observance by it, its staff and the parties and attorneys appearing before it of the highest of judicial and professional ethics.
(b) It is essential in cases to be determined after notice and hearing and upon a record, or in any other cases which the Administration by order may designate, that the judicial character of the Administration be recognized and protected. As a consequence, from the time of the filing of an application or a petition which can be granted by the Administration only after notice and opportunity for hearing, or in the case of other matters from the time of notice by the Administration that such matters shall be determined after notice and opportunity for hearing, no ex parte communications, as hereinafter defined, are to constitute or be considered part of the record on which the final decision is to be predicated.
§ 201.182 Improper pressures.
It is determined to be improper that there be any effort by any person interested in a case before the Administration to attempt to sway the judgment of the Administration by undertaking to bring pressure or influence to bear upon the Administration, its staff, or the presiding officer assigned to the proceeding. It is further determined to be improper that such interested persons or any member of the Administration’s staff or the presiding officer directly or indirectly give statements to the press or radio, by paid advertisements or otherwise, designed to influence the Administration’s judgment in the matter. In addition, it is further determined to be improper that any person solicit communications to the Administration or any of its members, its staff or the presiding officer in the case other than by counsel of record who shall serve copies thereof on all other parties to the proceeding.
§ 201.183 Ex parte communications.
(a) Requests for expeditious treatment of matters pending with the Administration are deemed communications on the merits and as such are improper except when forwarded from parties to a proceeding and served upon all other parties thereto. Such communications from parties to a proceeding should be in the form of a motion and are to be dealt with as such by the Administration, the presiding officer, and the parties to the proceeding. Any such request which is not made as a motion shall be placed in the public correspondence file and will not be considered by the Administration or any of its staff members or the presiding officer in connection with the disposition of the case.
(b) Written or oral communications involving any substantive or procedural issue in a matter subject to public hearing directed to a Member of the Administration, its staff, or the presiding officer in the case, from any individual in private or public life shall be deemed a private communication in respect of the merits of the case. These communications, unless otherwise provided for by law or a published rule of the Administration are deemed ex parte communications and are not to be considered part of any record or the basis for any official action by the Administration, members of its staff or the presiding officer: Provided, however, That this prohibition shall not be determined to apply to informal petitions or applications filed with the Administration; the usual informal communications between counsel including discussions directed toward the development of a stipulation or settlement between parties; communications of a nature deemed proper in proceedings in U.S. Federal courts; and communications which merely inquire as to the status of a proceeding without discussing issues or expressing points of view. Any prohibited communications in writing received by a Member of the Administration, its staff or the presiding officer shall be made public by placing it in the correspondence file of the docket which is available for public inspection and will not be considered by the Administration or the presiding officer as part of the record for decision. If the ex parte communication is received orally, a memorandum setting forth the substance of the conversation shall be made and filed in the correspondence section of the appropriate public docket.
Subpart T—Effective Date (Rule 20)
§ 201.185 Effective date and applicability of rules.
The regulations in this part shall become effective October 23, 1964, and shall apply only to cases which are designated for hearing on or after October 23, 1964: Provided, however, That the regulations in this part shall be applicable to cases designated for hearing prior to October 23, 1964, if consolidated with a case designated for hearing on or after that date. All other cases designated for hearing prior to October 23, 1964, shall be governed by the rules in effect immediately prior to such date.
PART 202—PROCEDURES RELATING TO REVIEW BY SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION OF ACTIONS BY MARITIME SUBSIDY BOARD
§ 202.1 Purpose.
The rules of this part prescribe procedures relating to Secretarial review of any decision, report, order or action of the Maritime Subsidy Board (Board) pursuant to Department Order 117–A (31 FR 8087, 15331). Section 6 of Department Order 117–A is reprinted here for the convenience of the public.
.02 The Secretary may on his own motion review all actions of the Maritime Subsidy Board other than those referred to in paragraph .01 of this section by entering a written order stating that he elects to review the action of the Board. Any person having an interest in any action of the Board under this paragraph shall have the privilege of submitting to the Secretary within ten (10) days after the date of such Board action, a request that the Secretary undertake such review. Such request shall be in writing and shall state the grounds upon which the person submitting the same relies and his interest in the action for which review is requested. Ten (10) copies of such requests shall be submitted to the Secretary. Any other person having an interest in such matter shall have the privilege of submitting within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Board’s action, a written request that the Secretary not exercise such review. Copies of request that the Secretary undertake or not exercise review will be open for public inspection at the office of the Secretary of the Board. If either a request that the Secretary undertake review or a request that he not exercise review is submitted within the time prescribed, an action of the Board shall be final in ten (10) days after expiration of the time prescribed for submission of a request that review not be exercised unless the Secretary, prior to the expiration of the ten (10) days, enters a written order stating that he elects to review the action of the Board. If neither a request that the Secretary undertake review nor a request that he not exercise review is submitted within the time prescribed, an action of the Board shall be final in twenty (20) days after the date of such action unless the Secretary, prior to expiration of the twenty (20) days, enters a written order stating that he elects to review the action of the Board. Copies of all orders for review shall be served upon the Board, and upon all persons filing requests as herein described.
.03 If a timely petition for reconsideration is filed under the rules prescribed by the Board, the time for filing a petition or request for review by the Secretary under paragraph .01 or .02 of this section, respectively, or the entry of an order by the Secretary on his own motion electing to review an action of the Board under paragraph .01 or .02 of this section, shall, in the case of actions under paragraph .01 of this section run from the date of service of the Board’s action and, in the case of actions under paragraph .02 of this section, run from the date of the Board’s action, finally disposing of the issues presented by the petition for reconsideration.
.04 In computing any period of time under this section, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of the period unless it is Saturday, Sunday, or national legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or such holiday. The prescribed time for action by the Secretary in a proceeding in which additional days have been added pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph shall be extended by the total of such additional days.
.05 Petitions and requests for review by the Secretary shall not be filed:
a. Unless the petitioner shall have first exhausted his administrative remedies (other than a petition for reconsideration) before the Maritime Subsidy Board; nor
b. With respect to interlocutory decisions of the Maritime Subsidy Board in actions or proceedings referred to in paragraphs .01 and .02 of this section.
.06 The Secretary may, for good cause and/or in order to prevent undue hardship in any particular case, waive or modify any procedural provision of this section by written order.
§ 202.2 Time and place for filings.
All petitions, requests and replies relating to Secretarial review of Maritime Subsidy Board actions shall be filed with the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, Department of Transportation. Such papers shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of and within the time periods prescribed by Department Order 117–A.
§ 202.3 Form of petitions, requests and replies.
(a) All papers presented to the Secretary, other than records, shall bear on the cover the name and post office address of the party, and the name and address of the principal attorney or authorized representative (if any) for the party concerned. Certification shall be made that service of the paper has been made upon all parties of record (if any) and upon the Secretary of the Maritime Subsidy Board. One copy of every paper filed with the Secretary must in addition bear at its close the hand written signature of the party or attorney.
(b) All papers presented to the Secretary, other than records, shall, unless they are fewer than 10 pages in length, be preceded by a subject index of the matter contained therein, with page references, and a table of the cases (alphabetically arranged), textbooks, statutes and other material cited, with references to the pages where they are cited.
(c) Whenever a reference is made to a transcript, exhibit or other part of the record, such reference must be accompanied by a specific citation identifying the document and indicating the relevant page number of the document concerned.
(d) Papers filed with the Secretary should be logically arranged, with proper headings, concise, and free from irrelevant and unduly repetitious matter.
(e) It will not be necessary to reproduce the opinion of the Board.
§ 202.4 Petitions and requests for review—content.
Petitions and requests for review shall contain in the order here indicated—
(a) A reference to the decision, report, order or action of the Board;
(b) A concise statement of the interest of the party submitting the paper;
(c) A concise summary statement of the case containing that which is material to the consideration of the questions presented;
(d) A listing of each of the grounds upon which the party seeking review relies, expressed in the terms and circumstances of the case, each ground set forth in a separate, numbered paragraph;
(e) The argument, generally amplifying the material in paragraph (d) of this section and exhibiting clearly the points of law, policy and fact being presented, citing the authorities, statutes and other material relied upon. The argument should separately identify and treat each of the grounds upon which review is sought. In cases where reversible legal error is contended, a full legal argument on the points concerned should be presented. In cases where policy error is contended, it should be pointed out what policy of the Board is alleged to be wrong, what is wrong with it and what policy the submitting party advocates as the correct one. In cases where reversible factual error is contended, the findings of fact alleged to be erroneous should be pointed out along with citations to the record where appropriate. The party should further indicate precisely what it contends to be the correct findings of fact, with supporting references;
(f) A conclusion, specifying with particularity the action which the submitting party believes the Secretary should take.
§ 202.5 Replies and requests that review not be exercised—content.
Replies and requests that review not be exercised shall contain in the order here indicated—
(a) A reference to the decision, report, order, or action of the Board;
(b) A concise statement of the interests of the party submitting the paper;
(c) Where deemed necessary by the submitting party, a concise summary statement of the case explicitly pointing out any inaccuracy or omission in the statement of the other side, with references to the record where appropriate;
(d) A listing of the reasons why review should not be exercised, each reason set forth in a separate, numbered paragraph;
(e) The argument generally amplifying the material in paragraph (d) of this section and, in addition, specifically replying to the points of law, policy and fact presented by the other side (each stated separately) citing the authorities, statutes, and other material relied upon by the submitting party;
(f) A conclusion, specifying with particularity the action which the submitting party believes the Secretary should take.
§ 202.6 Grant or denial of review.
(a) A petition or request for review by the Secretary of any decision, report, order or action of the Board will not be granted unless significant and important questions of over-all policy requiring the Secretary’s attention are involved or there appears to be significant legal, policy, or factual error in the Board’s action.
(b) The parties and the Secretary of the Board will be notified, by Order, of the Secretary’s decision to review a case on his own motion, and of his decision to review or to deny review of a case where a petition or request concerning review has been filed.
(c) Promptly upon notice of a decision by the Secretary to review a case subject to review under section 6.01 of Department Order 117–A, the Secretary of the Board shall certify to the Secretary the complete record of the proceeding before the Board and shall serve upon all parties a copy of such certification which shall adequately identify the matter so certified. The Secretary of the Board shall further serve upon all parties a copy of any further communication from the Board or Maritime Administration on such a case.
§ 202.7 Supplemental briefs.
If an order taking review is entered by the Secretary, further briefs supplementing the arguments set forth in the petitions and replies may be requested in cases where the Secretary deems such to be appropriate and desirable.
§ 202.8 Oral argument.
Generally, oral argument will not be necessary. However, the Secretary reserves the right to schedule such when he deems it desirable.
§ 202.9 Decisions by the Secretary of Transportation.
Decisions of the Secretary will be reached in accordance with applicable law and the evidence. Upon the determination of a case taken under review by the Secretary, a written decision and opinion which states the Secretary’s conclusions and an explanation thereof will be issued.
§ 202.10 Petitions for reconsideration.
Petitions for reconsideration of decisions by the Secretary in any case taken under review will be considered, upon a showing of good cause, if filed within ten (10) days of service of the Secretary’s decision.
§ 202.11 Ex parte communications.
Oral or written communications with the Department concerning a matter subject to Secretarial review under section 6.01 of Department Order 117–A, unless otherwise provided by law or by order, rule, or regulation of the Department, shall be deemed ex parte communications and shall not be part of the record and shall not be considered in making any recommendation, decision or action; Provided, however, That this rule shall not apply to customary informal communications with Department counsel, including discussions directed toward the development of a stipulation or settlement between parties; communications of a nature deemed proper in proceedings in U.S. Federal courts; and communications with Department counsel which merely inquire as to procedures or the status of a proceeding without discussing issues or expressing points of view. Any written communication subject to the above stated rule received by the Department shall be placed in the correspondence file of the case, which is available for public inspection. If an oral communication subject to the above stated rule is received, a memorandum setting for the substance of the conversation shall be made and placed in the correspondence file.
PART 203—PROCEDURES RELATING TO CONDUCT OF CERTAIN HEARINGS UNDER THE MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1936, AS AMENDED
§ 203.1 Scope of rules.
(a) The provisions of this part apply to applications which involve statutorily mandated hearings under sections 605(c) and 805(a) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. app. 1175(c), 1223(a)), hereinafter referred to as the “Act”, conducted by the Maritime Administrator or Maritime Subsidy Board of the Maritime Administration, hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Administration”.
(b) The provisions of this part are to be construed consistently with the Administration Rules of Practice and Procedure in 46 CFR part 201. If this part and 46 CFR part 201 conflict, this part shall govern.
§ 203.2 Applications.
(a) Notice of all applications subject to this part shall be published in the
(b) All applications under section 605(c) of the Act shall specify, at a minimum, full details of the existing or proposed new or amended service, to include itineraries and the number and type of vessels currently operated in the trade or trade route, the number and type of vessels proposed to be operated in the trade or trade route, the frequency of sailings and port calls and the nature and extent of U.S.-flag and any foreign-flag competition. As a matter of discretion, the Administration may request additional information, which may be protected by a confidentiality ruling, if justified. If the application is one for additional service on a route in which the applicant has an established service, or for an existing service, then the applicant must include information on its previous three years of operation. Applicants for permission under section 805(a) of the Act must describe clearly the scope of permission sought, including details of proposed domestic service and existing or proposed foreign service, as well as the applicant’s operating structure.
(c) Applications under section 605(c) of the Act shall be filed on Form MA–964, in accordance with the instructions annexed thereto. Copies of Form MA–964 may be obtained on request from the Secretary of the Administration.
(d) Applications for permission under section 805(a) of the Act shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in 46 CFR part 380, and shall comply with all of the requirements of that part.
§ 203.3 Opposition to applications.
(a) Required documents. A person seeking to oppose an application shall file with the Secretary of the Administration, and concurrently serve upon the applicant, a petition for leave to intervene, together with an answer, within the time period specified in the
(b) Petition for leave to intervene. The petition for leave to intervene shall specify the basis upon which such person asserts a right to intervene and shall set forth with particularity:
(1) The number and type of U.S.-flag vessels currently operated by the person seeking intervention in the trade or trade route to which the application pertains.
(2) The frequency of sailings of vessels operated by such person in the trade or trade route to which the application pertains in the 36 calendar months immediately preceding the date of the application.
(3) The specific ports of call conducted by such person in the trade or trade route to which the application pertains in the 36 calendar months immediately preceding the date of the application.
(4) The average annual carriage by such person for the past 36 months on the trade route to which the application pertains.
(5) If applicable, specific information detailing firm and definite plans for the inauguration of a new service, including, as appropriate, but not limited to, approval by the board of directors or general partners, membership in applicable conference agreements, office openings or the retention of agents in the proposed service area, acquisition of vessels and related equipment, subsidy applications, applications for any needed Government approvals or advertisement for the proposed service.
(6) Such other information as the person believes should be considered in a determination of such person’s right to intervene.
(c) Answer. (1) The answer shall be simultaneously filed with the petition for leave to intervene and shall specify the basis upon which such person asserts the application should be denied or granted subject to modifications.
(2) The answer shall set forth with particularity:
(i) The ground upon which opposition is based;
(ii) The factual matters which such person believes must be determined by the Administration;
(iii) The legal matters which such person believes must be determined by the Administration;
(iv) For each factual and legal matter raised such person’s position and basis therefor; and
(v) The precise nexus between each factual and legal matter raised and the decision of the Administration.
(d) Right to intervene in Opposition to applications. (1) Leave to intervene in opposition to applications under section 605(c) of the Act will only be granted to operators of U.S.-flag vessels, and only to the extent, as demonstrated by the petition for leave to intervene, that such person provides an existing service, or that such person has firm and definite plans to provide a service, by a showing that its vessels operate in the same trade or on the same trade route as that proposed by the applicant and so operate in a manner competitive with the specific service proposed by the applicant. Although persons seeking intervention need not call at the same specific ports proposed by the applicant by direct vessel calls, any filing based on intermodal service in opposition to an application shall demonstrate that such person regularly competes by intermodal service for cargo moving to or from ports in the service proposed by the applicant. The burden of demonstrating competition between the vessels of the person seeking intervention and those of the applicant will be with the person seeking such intervention. Leave to intervene will not be granted to those conducting a competing service on an intermittent or de minimis basis.
(2) Leave to intervene in opposition to applications under section 805(a) of the Act will be granted, as provided in the statute, to every person, firm, or corporation “having any interest” in such application.
§ 203.4 Replies.
Within ten (10) days after the date for filing answers, the applicant may file a reply specifically addressed to the issues raised in the answers and to oppose the grant to any petitioner of leave to intervene.
§ 203.5 Types of hearings.
(a) Oral Evidentiary Hearing: If, upon review of the application, answers, petitions to intervene and replies, the Administration determines that the proceeding involves a disputed issue of material fact which cannot be resolved on the basis of available information of record, and that the case is anticipated to involve the submission of extensive evidence, or the Administration determines that it is otherwise appropriate, the Administration may issue an order referring the case to an Administrative Law Judge for oral evidentiary hearing. Such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set out in 46 CFR part 201. The Administration may resolve issues of intervention in such order or refer such issues to the Administrative Law Judge. The burden of establishing that there is a disputed issue of material fact is upon the party seeking the oral evidentiary hearing.
(b) Hearing on Submission of Written Evidence and Argument: If, upon review of the application, answers, petitions to intervene and replies, the Administration determines that the proceeding involves a disputed issue of material fact which cannot be resolved on the basis of available information of record, but which is not anticipated to involve the submission of extensive evidence, the Administration may fulfill the hearing requirement in sections 605(c) and 805(a) of the Act by rendering a decision solely on the merits of papers submitted, provided that a full and true disclosure of the facts is made and such procedure is fair to all parties. The Administration may, in its discretion, direct the submission of briefs on legal issues together with evidence in written form, and/or the holding of oral argument before the Administration prior to issuing its final decision on the proceeding.
(c) Show Cause Proceeding: If, upon review of the application, answers, petitions to intervene and replies, the Administration determines that the proceeding does not or is not likely to involve a disputed issue of material fact or that if such facts exist they can be resolved on the basis of available information subject to official notice, and if the case is not anticipated to involve the submission of extensive evidence, the Administration may determine to handle the matter by show-cause proceeding. In that event, it will issue a decision setting out its tentative conclusions on all of the matters of fact and law at issue in the proceeding. A Notice summarizing such decision shall be published in the
§ 203.6 Oral evidentiary hearing before one or more members.
If an oral evidentiary hearing is to be conducted, the Maritime Administration, or the Maritime Subsidy Board or one or more of its members, may conduct such hearing. A member who is not present at the hearing may participate in the consideration and the decision of the case where the oral evidentiary hearing, if held, has been stenographically recorded in full and transcribed for the member’s review.
PART 204—CLAIMS AGAINST THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT
§ 204.1 Scope and procedure for filing claims.
This part prescribes the requirements and procedure for administrative settlement of claims against the United States, involving the Maritime Administration, under the Federal Tort Claims Act, based on death, personal injury, or damage to or loss of property. The controlling regulations are promulgated by the Department of Justice at 28 CFR Part 14—Administrative Claims Under Federal Tort Claims Act. These regulations supplement those of the Department of Justice and provide specific guidance regarding claims processing in the Maritime Administration.
§ 204.2 Claims payable.
Claims for death, personal injury, or damage to or loss of real or personal property are payable when the death, injury or damage is caused by a negligent or wrongful act or omission of an employee of the Maritime Administration, while acting within the scope of employment and under circumstances in which the United States, if a private person, would be liable to the claimant under the law of the place where the act or omission occurred.
§ 204.3 Claims not payable.
A claim is not payable under the regulations in this part 204, if such tort claim is excluded from the scope of the Federal Tort Claims Act, as amended, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2680.
§ 204.4 Time limitations on claims.
(a) A claim can be settled only if presented in writing within two years after it accrues.
(b) The two year statute of limitations is not tolled until the Office of the Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration receives from a claimant, or the claimant’s duly authorized agent or legal representative, an executed Standard Form 95, “Claims for Damage, Injury, or Death,” or written notification of an incident, together with a claim for money damages in a sum certain, for death, personal injury, or damage to or loss of real or personal property. When a claim is received in any office, mail unit, or other Maritime Administration activity other than the Office of the Chief Counsel, such office, unit or activity shall transmit it to the Office of the Chief Counsel without delay.
§ 204.5 Notification to claimant of action on claim.
(a) If a claim is approved (either for the amount claimed or less than such full amount), the claimant, prior to the disbursement of an award, shall sign a document releasing the United States, its agents and employees from all further claims relating to the incident giving rise to the approved claim.
(b) If the claim is finally denied, the official vested with such authority shall inform the claimant by certified or registered mail of the final denial of the claim. Notification of final denial shall include a statement that a claimant who does not accept or is dissatisfied with the action may institute suit against the United States not later than six months after the date of mailing of the notice of final denial.
(c) A claimant may regard the failure of the Maritime Administration to make a final disposition of a claim within six months after the date of receipt of the claim by the Maritime Administration as a final denial for the purpose of filing suit.
§ 204.6 Payment of claims.
(a) Once the amount to be paid has been agreed upon, the agency shall attempt to forward a check for such amount to the claimant within thirty days.
(b) If a claimant is represented by an attorney, both the claimant and the claimant’s attorney shall be designated as payees on any check delivered to the claimant’s attorney.
(a) Subject to written approval of the Attorney General of the United States of any payment in excess of $100,000, the Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration is authorized to approve the award, compromise, or settlement of any tort claim and to authorize payment of the claim.
(b) The Chief Counsel is authorized to deny any claim and to settle and authorize payment of any tort claim involving the Maritime Administration in an amount not exceeding $100,000.
§ 204.8 Where to file claims.
Claimants must file claims with the Chief Counsel (MAR–220), Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation, Room 7232, SW, Washington, DC 20590 at the Nassif Building, 7th and D Streets.
§ 204.9 Indemnity or contribution.
(a) Sought by the United States. If a claim arises under circumstances in which the United States is entitled to indemnity or contribution under a contract or the applicable law governing joint tort-feasors, the Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration shall notify the third party of the claim and request the third party to honor its obligation to the United States or to accept its share of joint liability. If the issue of third party indemnity or contribution is not satisfactorily adjusted, the underlying claim shall be settled only after consultation with the Department of Justice as provided in 28 CFR 14.7
(b) Sought from the United States. Claims for indemnity or contribution from the United States shall be settled under this part only if the incident giving rise to liability and the claim is otherwise cognizable under this part.
§ 204.10 Attorney’s fees.
Attorney’s fees for any claim settled under this part are limited to not more than twenty percent of the amount paid in settlement.
PART 205—AUDIT APPEALS; POLICY AND PROCEDURE
§ 205.1 Purpose.
This part establishes the policy and procedure for parties to use when seeking redress and appeals of audit decisions involving contracts with the Maritime Subsidy Board or the Maritime Administration (MARAD, we, our, or us). A party to a contract (you or your) may appeal MARAD’s findings, interpretations, or decisions of annual or special audits.
§ 205.2 Policy.
If you disagree with audit findings and fail to settle any differences with the appropriate Office Director, you may ask the appropriate office Associate Administrator to review the audit findings. If you disagree with the Associate Administrator, you may appeal to the Maritime Administrator (Administrator).
§ 205.3 Procedure.
(a) You have 90 days from the date you receive the initial audit findings to file a written request for review of the audit findings with the appropriate Associate Administrator. Your written request must state the legal or factual bases for your disagreement. The appropriate Associate Administrator will issue a written determination.
(b) You have 30 days following the Associate Administrator’s final audit determination to submit your appeal in writing to the Administrator. Your written appeal must set forth the legal and factual bases for your appeal. The Administrator may, at his or her discretion, extend the time limitation in the case of extenuating circumstances.
(c) We will notify you, in writing, if you must submit additional facts for our consideration of the appeal. We will notify you, in writing, once the Administrator has made a decision regarding your appeal.
§ 205.4 Finality of decisions.
The Administrator’s decision will be the final administrative action on all audit appeals.
§ 205.5 Contracts containing disputes article.
When a contract contains a disputes article, the disputes article will govern the bases for negotiating disputes regarding audit findings, interpretations, or decisions made by MARAD and any appeals.
SUBCHAPTER B—REGULATIONS AFFECTING MARITIME CARRIERS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
PART 221—REGULATED TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING DOCUMENTED VESSELS AND OTHER MARITIME INTERESTS
Subpart A—Introduction
§ 221.1 Purpose.
(a) This part implements statutory responsibilities of the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) with respect to:
(1) The regulation pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 56101 and 56103of transactions involving transfers of:
(i) An interest in or control of Documented Vessels owned by Citizens of the United States (including the Transfer of a Controlling Interest in such owners) to Noncitizens or;
(ii) A Documented Vessel to registry or Operation under Authority of a Foreign Country or for scrapping in a foreign country; and
(2) Transactions involving maritime interests in time of war or national emergency under 46 U.S.C. 56102.
(b) The responsibilities in paragraph (a) (1) and (2) of this section have been delegated by the Secretary to the Maritime Administrator.
§ 221.3 Definitions.
For the purpose of this part, when used in capitalized form:
(a) Bowaters Corporation means a Noncitizen corporation organized under the laws of the United States or of a State that has satisfied the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 12118 and holds a valid Certificate of Compliance issued by the Coast Guard.
(b) Charter means any agreement or commitment by which the possession or services of a vessel are secured for a period of time, or for one or more voyages, whether or not a demise of the vessel.
(c) Citizen of the United States means a Person (including receivers, trustees and successors or assignees of such Persons as provided in 46 U.S.C. 50502), including any Person (stockholder, partner or other entity) who has a Controlling Interest in such Person, any Person whose stock or equity is being relied upon to establish the requisite U.S. citizen ownership, and any parent corporation, partnership or other entity of such Person at all tiers of ownership, who, in both form and substance at each tier of ownership, satisfies the following requirements—
(1) An individual who is a Citizen of the United States, by birth, naturalization or as otherwise authorized by law;
(2) A corporation organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, the Controlling Interest of which is owned by and vested in Citizens of the United States and whose chief executive officer, by whatever title, chairman of the board of directors and all officers authorized to act in the absence or disability of such persons are Citizens of the United States, and no more of its directors than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum are Noncitizens;
(3) A partnership organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, if all general partners are Citizens of the United States and a Controlling Interest in the partnership is owned by Citizens of the United States;
(4) An association organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, whose chief executive officer, by whatever title, chairman of the board of directors (or equivalent committee or body) and all officers authorized to act in their absence or disability are Citizens of the United States, no more than a minority of the number of its directors, or equivalent, necessary to constitute a quorum are Noncitizens, and a Controlling Interest in which is vested in Citizens of the United States;
(5) A joint venture, if it is not determined by the Maritime Administrator to be in effect an association or a partnership, which is organized under the laws of the United States or of a State, if each coventurer is a Citizen of the United States. If a joint venture is in effect an association, it will be treated as is an association under paragraph (c)(4) of this section, or, if it is in effect a partnership, will be treated as is a partnership under paragraph (c)(3) of this section; or
(6) A Trust described in paragraph (t)(1) of this section.
(d) Controlling interest owned by and vested in Citizens of the United States means that—
(1) In the case of a corporation:
(i) Title to a majority of the stock thereof is owned by and vested in Citizens of the United States, free from any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of any Noncitizen;
(ii) The majority of the voting power in such corporation is vested in Citizens of the United States;
(iii) Through no contract or understanding is it so arranged that the majority of the voting power may be exercised, directly or indirectly, in behalf of any Noncitizen; and
(iv) By no other means whatsoever control of the corporation is conferred upon or permitted to be exercised by any Noncitizen;
(2) In the case of a partnership, all general partners are Citizens of the United States and ownership and control of a majority of the partnership interest, free and clear of any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of any Noncitizen, is vested in a partner or partners each of whom is a Citizen of the United States;
(3) In the case of an association, a majority of the voting power is vested in Citizens of the United States, free and clear of any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of any Noncitizen; and
(4) In the case of a joint venture, a majority of the equity is owned by and vested in Citizens of the United States free and clear of any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of any Noncitizen; but
(5) In the case of a corporation, partnership, association or joint venture owning a vessel which is operated in the coastwise trade, the amount of interest and voting power required to be owned by and vested in Citizens of the United States shall be not less than 75 percent as required by 46 U.S.C. 50501.
(e) Documented vessel means a vessel documented under chapter 121, title 46, United States Code or a vessel for which an application for such documentation is pending.
(f) Fishing vessel means a vessel that commercially engages in the planting, cultivating, catching, taking, or harvesting of fish, shellfish, marine animals, pearls, shells, or marine vegetation or an activity that can reasonably be expected to result in the planting, cultivating, catching, taking, or harvesting of fish, shellfish, marine animals, pearls, shells, or marine vegetation.
(g) Fish processing vessel means a vessel that commercially prepares fish or fish products other than by gutting, decapitating, gilling, skinning, shucking, icing, freezing, or brine chilling.
(h) Fish tender vessel means a vessel that commercially supplies, stores, refrigerates, or transports (except in foreign commerce) fish, fish products, or materials directly related to fishing or the preparation of fish to or from a Fishing Vessel, Fish Processing Vessel, or another Fish Tender Vessel or a fish processing facility.
(i) Hearing Officer means an individual designated by the Maritime Administrator to conduct hearings under Subpart E of this part and assess civil penalties.
(j) Noncitizen means a Person who is not a Citizen of the United States.
(k) Operation under the authority of a foreign country means any agreement, undertaking or device by which a Documented Vessel is voluntarily subjected to any restriction or requirement, actual or contingent, under the laws or regulations of a foreign country or instrumentality thereof concerning use or operation of the vessel that is or may be in derogation of the rights and obligations of the owner, operator or master of the vessel under the laws of the United States, unless such restriction or requirement is of general applicability and uniformly imposed by such country or instrumentality in exercise of its sovereign prerogatives with respect to public health, safety or welfare, or in implementation of accepted principles of international law regarding cabotage or safety of navigation.
(l) Party means the Person alleged to have violated the statute or regulations for which a civil penalty may be assessed.
(m) Person includes individuals and corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, associations and Trusts existing under or authorized by the laws of the United States or of a State or, unless the context indicates otherwise, or any foreign country.
(n) Pleasure vessel means a vessel that has been issued a Certificate of Documentation with a recreational endorsement and is operated only for pleasure pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 12109.
(o) Settlement means the process whereby a civil penalty or other disposition of the alleged violation is agreed to by the Hearing Officer and the Party in accordance with § 221.73 of this part.
(p) State means a State of the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
(q) Transfer means the passing of control of or an interest in a Documented Vessel and includes the involuntary conveyance by a foreign judicial or administrative tribunal of any interest in or control of a Documented Vessel owned by a Citizen of the United States to a Noncitizen that is not eligible to own a Documented Vessel.
(r) Trust means:
(1) In the case of ownership of a Documented Vessel, a Trust that is domiciled in and existing under the laws of the United States, or of a State, of which the trustee is a Citizen of the United States and a Controlling Interest in the Trust is held for the benefit of Citizens of the United States; or
(s) United States, when used in the geographic sense, means the States of the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States; when used in other than the geographic sense, it means the United States Government.
(t) United States Government means the Federal Government acting by or through any of its departments or agencies.
(u) Vessel Transfer Officer means the Maritime Administration’s Vessel Transfer and Disposal Officer, whose address is MAR–630, Maritime Administration, United States Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590, or that person’s delegate.
§ 221.5 Citizenship declarations.
(a) Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 31306(a), when an instrument transferring an interest in a Documented Vessel owned by a Citizen of the United States is presented to the United States Government for filing or recording, the Person filing shall submit therewith Maritime Administration Form No. MA–899 so it may be determined if 46 U.S.C. 56101 and 56103 apply to the transaction. Form No. MA–899 is available from the Coast Guard Documentation Office at the port of record of the vessel or from the Vessel Transfer Officer.
(b) The filing required by paragraph (a) of this section is not required for transactions involving vessel types described in § 221.11(b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this part.
(c) The filing required by paragraph (a) of this section is waived for transactions which are given general approval in this part.
(d) If the transfer of interest is one which requires written approval of the Maritime Administrator, the Person filing shall submit therewith evidence of that approval.
(e) A declaration filed by any Person other than an individual shall be signed by an official authorized by that Person to execute the declaration.
§ 221.7 Applications and fees.
(a) Applications. Whenever written approval of the Maritime Administrator is required for transfers to Noncitizens or to foreign registry or Operation Under Authority of a Foreign Country, or pursuant to a Maritime Administration contract or Order, an application on Maritime Administration Form MA–29 or MA–29B giving full particulars of the proposed transaction shall be filed with the Vessel Transfer Officer.
(b) Fees. Applications for written approval of any of the following transactions shall be accompanied by the specified fee:
(1) Transactions requiring approval for:
| (i) Sale and delivery by a Citizen of the United States to a Noncitizen, or Transfer to foreign registry or Operation Under Authority of a Foreign Country, of a Documented Vessel, per vessel— | |
| (A) Of 1,000 gross tons and over | $325 |
| (B) Of less than 1,000 gross tons | 170 |
| (ii) Transfer of any interest in, or control of, a Documented Vessel owned by a Citizen of the United States to a Noncitizen, per vessel | 250 |
| (iii) Charter of a Documented Vessel owned by a Citizen of the United States to a Noncitizen, per vessel | 250 |
| (iv) Sale or Transfer of an interest in or the control of an interest in an entity that is a Citizen of the United States and owns, or is the direct or indirect parent of an entity that owns, any Documented Vessel, if by such sale or Transfer the Controlling Interest in such entity is vested in, or held for the benefit of, any Noncitizen | 325 |
(2) Transactions requiring written approval pursuant to a Maritime Administration contract or Order:
| (i) Transfer of ownership or registry, or, both, of the vessel, per vessel | $260 |
| (ii) Sale or Transfer of any interest in the owner of the vessel, if by such sale or Transfer the Controlling Interest in the owner is vested in, or held for the benefit of, a Noncitizen, per vessel | 235 |
| (iii) Charter of the vessel to a Noncitizen, per vessel | 240 |
(c) Modification of applications or approvals. An application for modification of any pending application or prior approval, or of an outstanding Maritime Administration contract or Order, shall be accompanied by the fee established for the original application.
(d) Reduction or waiver of fees. The Maritime Administrator, in appropriate circumstances, and upon a written finding, may reduce any fee imposed by paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, or may waive the fee entirely in extenuating circumstances where the interest of the United States Government would be served.
Subpart B—Transfers to Noncitizens or to Registry or Operation Under Authority of a Foreign Country
§ 221.11 Required approvals.
(a) Except as provided in section 12119 of title 46, United States Code, a Person may not, without the approval of the Maritime Administrator:
(1) Sell, lease, charter, deliver, or in any manner Transfer to a Noncitizen, or agree (unless such agreement by its terms requires approval of the Maritime Administrator in order to effect such transfer), to sell, lease, charter, deliver, or in any manner Transfer to a Noncitizen, any interest in or control of a Documented Vessel owned by a Citizen of the United States or a vessel the last documentation of which was under the laws of the United States except as provided in this part; or
(2) Place any Documented Vessel, or any vessel the last documentation of which was under the laws of the United States, under foreign registry or operate that vessel under the authority of a foreign country, except as provided in this part.
(b)(1) The approvals required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section are not required for the following Documented Vessel types if the vessel has been operated exclusively and with bona fides for one or more of the following uses, under a Certificate of Documentation with an appropriate endorsement and no other, since initial documentation or renewal of its documentation following construction, conversion, or transfer from foreign registry, or, if it has not yet so operated, if the vessel has been designed and built and will be operated for one or more of the following uses:
(i) A Fishing vessel;
(ii) A Fish processing vessel;
(iii) A Fish tender vessel; and
(iv) A Pleasure vessel.
(2) A vessel of a type specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section will not be ineligible for the approval granted by this paragraph by reason of also holding or having held a Certificate of Documentation with a coastwise or registry endorsement, so long as any trading under that authority has been only incidental to the vessel’s principal employment in the fisheries and directly related thereto.
§ 221.13 General approval.
(a) Transactions other than transfer of registry or operation under authority of a foreign country. (1) The Maritime Administrator hereby grants the approval required by 46 U.S.C. 56101 for the sale, lease, Charter, delivery, or any other manner of Transfer to a Noncitizen of an interest in or control of a Documented Vessel owned by a Citizen of the United States or a vessel the last documentation of which was under the laws of the United States except:
(i) As limited by paragraph (b) of this section for transfers to Bowaters Corporations;
(ii) As limited by § 221.15(d) of this part for sales for scrapping;
(iii) Bareboat or demise Charters of vessels operating in the coastwise trade.
(2) The approvals granted by paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall not apply to any such Transfer proposed to be made during any period when the United States is at war or during any national emergency, the existence of which has invoked the provisions of section 37 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended (46 App. U.S.C. 835), or to any such Transfer proposed to be made to a citizen of any country when such transfer would be contrary to the foreign policy of the United States as declared by an executive department of the United States.
(3) An information copy of any sales agreement, bareboat or demise Charter entered into pursuant to this approval shall be submitted to the Vessel Transfer Officer not later than thirty days following a request by that official.
(4) Except for Charters to Noncitizens of documented bulk cargo vessels engaged in carrying bulk raw and processed agricultural commodities from the United States to ports in the geographic area formerly known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or to other permissible ports of discharge for transshipment to the geographic area formerly known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, pursuant to an operating- differential subsidy agreement that is consistent with the requirements of 46 CFR parts 252 and 294, this approval excludes and does not apply to Transfers to a Person who is subject, directly or indirectly, to control of an entity within any country listed by the Department of Commerce in 15 CFR part 740, Supplement 1, Country Group E, unless such transferee is an individual who has been lawfully admitted into, and resides in, the United States, or to Charters for the carriage of cargoes of any kind to or from, or for commercial operation while within the waters of (as distinct from passage through), any of these countries. This list of countries is subject to change from time to time. Information concerning current restrictions may be obtained from the Vessel Transfer Officer.
(b) Bowaters corporations. (1) For documented Vessels other than those operating in the coastwise trade, the approvals granted in paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to Bowaters Corporations.
(2) The Maritime Administrator hereby grants approval for the time charter of a Documented Vessel of any tonnage by a Citizen of the United States to a Bowaters Corporation for operation in the coastwise trade, subject to the following conditions:
(i) If non-self-propelled or, if self-propelled and less than 500 gross tons, no such vessel shall engage in the fisheries or in the transportation of merchandise or passengers for hire between points in the United States embraced within the coastwise laws except as a service for a parent or subsidiary corporation; and
(ii) If non-self-propelled or, if self-propelled and less than 500 gross tons, no such vessel may be subchartered or subleased from any such Bowaters Corporation except:
(A) At prevailing rates;
(B) For use otherwise than in the domestic noncontiguous trades;
(C) To a common or contract carrier subject to part 3 of the Interstate Commerce Act, as amended, which otherwise qualifies as a Citizen of the United States and which is not connected, directly or indirectly, by way of ownership or control with such corporation.
In no case will approval be granted to place under foreign registry or to operate under the authority of a foreign country a Fishing Vessel, Fish Processing Vessel, or Fish Tender Vessel that has had its fishery endorsement revoked pursuant to Appendix D of Public Law 106–554, 114 Stat 2763. Subject to this exclusion, approval requests will be considered as set forth in this section.
(a) Vessels of under 1,000 gross tons. (1) The Maritime Administrator hereby grants approval for the Transfer to foreign registry and flag or Operation Under the Authority of a Foreign Country or for scrapping in a foreign country of Documented Vessels or vessels the last documentation of which was under the laws of the United States and which are of under 1,000 gross tons if at the time of such Transfer there are no liens or encumbrances recorded against the vessel in the U.S. Coast Guard Documentation Office at its last U.S. port of record.
(2) This approval shall not apply if the vessel is to be placed under the registry, or operated under the authority of, or scrapped in any country listed in § 221.13(a)(4) of this part.
(3) This approval shall not apply to any such Transfer proposed to be made during any period when the United States is at war or during any national emergency, the existence of which has invoked the provisions of 46 U.S.C. 56102, or to any such Transfer proposed to be made to a citizen of any country when such transfer would be contrary to the foreign policy of the United States as declared by an executive department of the United States.
(b) Vessels of 1,000 gross tons or more. (1) Applications for approval of Transfer to foreign registry and flag or Operation Under the Authority of a Foreign Country or for scrapping in a foreign country of Documented Vessels or vessels the last documentation of which was under the laws of the United States and which are of 1,000 gross tons or more will be evaluated in light of—
(i) The type, size speed, general condition, and age of the vessel;
(ii) The acceptability of the owner, proposed transferee and the country of registry or the country under the authority of which the vessel is to be operated; and
(iii) The need to retain the vessel under U.S. documentation, ownership or control for purposes of national defense, maintenance of an adequate merchant marine, foreign policy considerations or the national interest.
(2) If the application is found to be acceptable under the criteria of this paragraph, approval will be granted. For vessels of under 3,000 gross tons, in the absence of unusual circumstances, no conditions will be imposed on the transfer. For vessels of 3,000 gross tons and above, approval will be granted upon acceptance by the owner of the terms and conditions referred to in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, as applicable. Additional terms deemed appropriate by the Maritime Administrator may be imposed. The terms and conditions shall be contained in an Approval Notice and Agreement (“Contract”) executed prior to issuance of the Transfer Order. Unless otherwise specified, the terms and conditions shall remain in effect for the period of the remaining economic life of the vessel or for the duration of a national emergency proclaimed by the President prior or subsequent to such Transfer, whichever period is longer. The economic life of a vessel for purposes of this regulation is deemed to be twenty (20) years for tankers and other liquid bulk carriers and twenty-five (25) years for other vessel types. This period is to be calculated from the date the vessel was originally accepted for delivery from the shipbuilder, but may be extended for such additional period of time as may be determined by the Maritime Administrator if the vessel has been substantially rebuilt or modified in a manner that warrants such extension.
(c) Foreign transfer other than for scrapping. If the foreign Transfer of a vessel referred to in paragraph (b) of this section is other than for the purpose of scrapping the vessel and other than a Transfer to the government of an acceptable foreign country, and in the absence of unusual circumstances as determined by the Maritime Administrator (for example a Transfer to an entity controlled by the government of an acceptable foreign country), the following conditions will be imposed on the transferee:
(1) Ownership. (i) Without the prior written approval of the Maritime Administrator, there shall be no further Transfer of ownership, change in the registry or Operation of such vessel Under the Authority of a Foreign Country; provided, however, that, if the Transfer of ownership is to a Citizen of the United States or other entity qualified under 46 U.S.C. 12102(a) to document a vessel and the vessel is thereafter documented under U.S. law, no prior written approval shall be required but the transferee shall notify the Vessel Transfer Officer in writing of such change in the ownership and the U.S. documentation within thirty (30) days after such change in ownership and documentation.
(ii) The restrictions contained in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section shall not be applicable to a change in ownership resulting from the death of the vessel owner, so long as notification of any such Transfer of ownership occurring by reason of death shall be filed with the Vessel Transfer Officer within 60 days from the date of such Transfer identifying with particularity the name, legal capacity, citizenship, current domicile or address of, or other method of direct communication with, the transferee(s).
(2) Requisition. The vessel shall, if requested by the United States, be sold or Chartered to the United States on the same terms and conditions upon which a vessel owned by a Citizen of the United States or documented under U.S. law could be requisitioned for purchase or Charter pursuant to 46 U.S.C. chapters 563 and 565. If the vessel is under the flag of a country that is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Maritime Administrator will consider this condition satisfied if the owner furnishes satisfactory evidence that the vessel is already in noncommercial service under the direction of the government of a NATO country.
(3) Trade. Without the prior written approval of the Maritime Administrator, the vessel shall not carry cargoes of any kind to or from, or be operated commercially while within the waters of (as distinct from passage through), a country referred to in § 221.13(a)(4) of this part, nor shall there be any Charter or other Transfer of an interest in the vessel, other than to a Citizen of the United States, for carriage of cargoes of any kind to or from, or for commercial operation while within the waters of (as distinct from passage through), any such country.
(4) Default. In the event of default under any or all of the conditions set forth in paragraphs (c) (1), (2) or (3) of this section, the owner shall pay to the Maritime Administration, without prejudice to any other rights that the United States may have, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, the sum of not less than $25,000 or more than $1,000,000, as specified in the contract, and the vessel shall be subject to the penalties imposed by 46 App. U.S.C. 808 and 839. Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 56105, the Maritime Administrator may remit forfeiture of the vessel upon such conditions as may be required under the circumstances of the particular case, including the payment of a sum in lieu of forfeiture, and execution of a new agreement containing substantially the same conditions set forth above and such others as the Maritime Administrator may deem appropriate and which will be applicable to the vessel for the remaining period of the original agreement. In order to secure the payment of any such sums of money as may be required as a result of default, the transferee shall contractually agree, in form and substance approved by the Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration, to comply with the above conditions and to provide a United States commercial surety bond or other surety acceptable to the Maritime Administrator for an amount not less than $25,000 and not more than $1,000,000, depending upon the type, size and condition of the vessel. “Other surety” may be any one of the following:
(i) An irrevocable letter of credit, which is acceptable to the Maritime Administrator, issued or guaranteed by a Citizen of the United States or by a federally insured depository institution;
(ii) A pledge of United States Government securities;
(iii) The written guarantee of a friendly government of which the transferee is a national;
(iv) A written guarantee or bond by a United States corporation found by the Maritime Administrator to be financially qualified to service the undertaking to pay the stipulated amount;
(v) If the transferee is controlled in any manner by one or more Citizens of the United States, a contractual agreement in form and substance acceptable to the Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration by the transferee and the Citizens of the United States with authority to exercise such control, if found by the Maritime Administrator to be financially qualified, jointly and severally to pay the stipulated amount, such agreement to be secured by the written guarantee of the transferee and each of the Citizens of the United States or other form of guarantee as may be required by the Maritime Administrator; or
(vi) Any other surety acceptable to the Maritime Administrator and approved as to form and substance by the Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration.
(d) Foreign transfer for scrapping. If the transfer of control, whether or not there is a transfer of registry, of a vessel referred to in paragraph (b) of this section is for the purpose of scrapping the vessel abroad, the following conditions will be imposed on the transferee:
(1) The vessel or any interest therein shall not be subsequently sold to any Person without the prior written approval of the Maritime Administrator, nor shall it be used for the carriage of cargo or passengers of any kind whatsoever.
(2) Within a period of 18 months from the date of approval of the sale, the hull of the vessel shall be completely scrapped, dismantled, dismembered, or destroyed in such manner and to such extent as to prevent the further use thereof, or any part thereof, as a ship, barge, or any other means of transportation.
(3) The scrap resulting from the demolition of the hull of the vessel, the engines, machinery, and major items of equipment shall not be sold to, or utilized by, any citizen or instrumentality of a country referred to in § 221.13(a)(4) of the part, nor may such scrap be exported to these countries. The engines, machinery and major items of equipment shall not be exported to destinations within the United States.
(4) In the event of default under any or all of the conditions set forth in paragraphs (d) (1), (2) or (3) of this section, the transferee shall pay to the Maritime Administration, without prejudice to any other rights that the United States may have, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, the sum of not less than $25,000 or more than $1,000,000, as specified in the contract, depending upon the size, type and condition of the vessel. This payment shall be secured by a surety company bond or other surety satisfactory to the Maritime Administrator. “Other surety” may be one of those set out in paragraph (c)(4) (i) through (vi) of this section.
(5) There shall be filed with the Vessel Transfer Officer a certificate or other evidence satisfactory to the Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration, duly attested and authenticated by a United States Consul, that the scrapping of the vessel (hull only) and disposal or utilization of the resultant scrap and the engines, machinery and major items of equipment have been accomplished in accord with paragraphs (d) (2) and (3) of this section.
(e) Resident agent for service. (1) Any proposed foreign transferee shall, prior to the issuance and delivery of the Transfer Order covering the vessel or vessels to be transferred, designate and appoint a resident agent in the United States to receive and accept service of process or other notice in any action or proceeding instituted by the United States relating to any claim arising out of the approved transaction.
(2) The resident agent designated and appointed by the foreign transferee shall be subject to approval by the Maritime Administrator. To be acceptable, the resident agent must maintain a permanent place of business in the United States and shall be a banking or lending institution, a ship-owner or ship-operating corporation or other business entity that is satisfactory to the Maritime Administrator.
(3) Appointment and designation of the resident agent shall not be terminated, revoked, amended or altered without the prior written approval of the Maritime Administrator.
(4) The foreign transferee shall file with the Vessel Transfer Officer a written copy of the appointment of the resident agent, which copy shall be fully endorsed by the resident agent stating that it accepts the appointment, that it will act thereunder and that it will notify the Vessel Transfer Officer in writing in the event it becomes disqualified from so acting by reason of any legal restrictions. Service of process or notice upon any officer, agent or employee of the resident agent at its permanent place of business shall constitute effective service on, or notice to, the foreign transferee.
(f) Administrative provisions. (1) The subsequent Transfer of ownership or registry of vessels that have been Transferred to foreign ownership or registry or both, or to Operation Under the Authority of a Foreign Country, that remain subject to Maritime Administration contractual control as set forth above, will be subject to substantially the same Maritime Administration policy considerations that governed the original Transfer, including such changes or modifications that have subsequently been made and continued in effect. Approval of these subsequent Transfers will be subject to the same terms and conditions governing the foreign Transfer at the time of the previous Transfer, as modified (if applicable).
(2) The authorization for all approved transactions, either by virtue of U.S.C. chapter 561 or the Maritime Administration’s Contract with the vessel owner, will be by notification in the form of a Transfer Order upon receipt of the executed Contract, the required bond or other surety, and other supporting documentation required by the Contract.
(3) In order that the Maritime Administration’s records may be maintained on a current basis, the transferor and transferee of the vessel are required to notify the Vessel Transfer Officer of the date and place where the approved transaction was completed, and the name of the vessel, if changed. This information relating to the completion of the transaction and any change in name shall be furnished as soon as possible, but not later than 10 days after the same has occurred.
§ 221.17 Sale of a documented vessel by order of a district court.
(a) A Documented Vessel may be sold by order of a district court only to a Person eligible to own a Documented Vessel or to a mortgagee of the vessel. Unless waived by the Maritime Administrator, a Person purchasing the vessel pursuant to court order or from a mortgagee not eligible to document a vessel who purchased the vessel pursuant to a court order must document the vessel under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code.
(b) A Person purchasing the vessel, pursuant to court order or from a mortgagee not eligible to document a vessel who purchased the vessel pursuant to a court order, and wishing to obtain waiver of the documentation requirement must submit a request including the reason therefor to the Vessel Transfer Officer.
(c)(1) A mortgagee not eligible to own a Documented Vessel shall not operate, or cause operation of, the vessel in commerce. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the vessel may not be operated for any purpose without the prior written approval of the Maritime Administrator.
(2) The Maritime Administrator hereby grants approval for a mortgagee not eligible to own a Documented Vessel to operate the vessel to the extent necessary for the immediate safety of the vessel or for repairs, drydocking or berthing changes, but only under the command of a Citizen of the United States.
§ 221.19 Possession or sale of vessels by mortgagees or trustees other than pursuant to court order.
(a) A mortgagee or a trustee of a preferred mortgage on a Documented Vessel that is not eligible to own a Documented Vessel does not require the express approval of the Maritime Administrator to take possession of the vessel in the event of default by the mortgagor other than by foreclosure pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 31329, if provided for in the mortgage or a related financing document, but in such event the vessel may not be operated, or caused to be operated, in commerce. The vessel may not, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, be operated for any other purpose unless approved in writing by the Maritime Administrator, nor may the vessel be sold to a Noncitizen without the approval of the Maritime Administrator.
(b) The Maritime Administrator hereby grants approval for such mortgagee or trustee to operate the vessel to the extent necessary for the immediate safety of the vessel, for its direct return to the United States or for its movement within the United States, or for repairs, drydocking or berthing changes, but only under the command of a Citizen of the United States.
(c) A Noncitizen mortgagee that has brought a civil action in rem for enforcement of a preferred mortgage lien on a citizen-owned Documented Vessel pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 31325(b)(1) may petition the court pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 31325(e)(1) for appointment of a receiver and, if the receiver is Person eligible to own a Documented Vessel, to authorize the receiver to operate the mortgaged vessel on such terms and conditions as the court deems appropriate. If the receiver is not a Citizen of the United States, the vessel may not be operated in coastwise trade without prior written approval of the Maritime Administrator.
Subpart C [Reserved]
Subpart D—Transactions Involving Maritime Interests in Time of War or National Emergency Under 46 App. U.S.C. 835 [Reserved]
Subpart E—Civil Penalties
§ 221.61 Compliance.
(a) This subpart describes procedures for the administration of civil penalties that the Maritime Administration may assess under 46 U.S.C. 31309, 31330, and 56101, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 336.
(b) Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 31309, a general penalty of not more than $24,746 may be assessed for each violation of chapter 313 or 46 U.S.C. subtitle III administered by the Maritime Administration, and pursuant to the regulations in this part a person violating 46 U.S.C. 31329 is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $61,982 for each violation. A person who charters, sells, transfers, or mortgages a vessel, or an interest therein, in violation of 46 U.S.C. 56101(e) is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $22,750 for each violation.
§ 221.63 Investigation.
(a) When the Vessel Transfer Office obtains information that a Person may have violated a statute or regulation for which a civil penalty may be assessed under this subpart, that Officer may investigate the matter and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case that a violation occurred.
(b) If that Officer decides there is a prima facie case, then that Officer may enter into a stipulation with the Party in accordance with § 221.67 of this subpart, or may refer the matter directly to a Hearing Officer for procedures in accordance with § 221.73 to 221.89 of this subpart.
§ 221.65 Criteria for determining penalty.
In determining any penalties assessed, the Vessel Transfer Officer under § 221.67 and the Hearing Officer under §§ 221.73 to 221.89 of this part shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violation committed and, with respect to the Party, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay and other matters that justice requires.
§ 221.67 Stipulation procedure.
(a) When the Vessel Transfer Office decides to proceed under this section, that Office shall notify the Party in writing by registered or certified mail—
(1) Of the alleged violation and the applicable statute and regulations;
(2) Of the maximum penalty that may be assessed for each violation;
(3) Of a summary of the evidence supporting the violation;
(4) Of the penalty that the Vessel Transfer Officer will accept in settlement of the violation;
(5) Of the right to examine all the material in the case file and have a copy of all written documents provided upon request;
(6) That by accepting the penalty, the Party waives the right to have the matter considered by a Hearing Officer in accordance with §§ 221.73 to 221.89 of this subpart, and that if the Party elects to have the matter considered by a Hearing Officer, the Hearing Officer may assess a penalty less than, equal to, or greater than that stipulated in settlement if the Hearing Officer finds that a violation occurred; and
(7) That a violation will be kept on record and may be used by the Maritime Administration in aggravation of an assessment of a penalty for a subsequent violation by that Party.
(b) Upon receipt of the notification specified in paragraph (a) of this section, a Party may within 30 days—
(1) Agree to the stipulated penalty in the manner specified in the notification; or
(2) Notify in writing the Vessel Transfer Officer that the Party elects to have the matter considered by a Hearing Officer in accordance with the procedure specified in §§ 221.73 through 221.89 of this subpart.
(c) If, within 30 days of receipt of the notification specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the Party neither agrees to the penalty nor elects the informal hearing procedure, the Party will be deemed to have waived its right to the informal hearing procedure and the penalty will be considered accepted. If a monetary penalty is assessed, it is due and payable to the United States, and the Maritime Administration may initiate appropriate action to collect the penalty.
§ 221.69 Hearing Officer.
(a) The Hearing Officer shall have no responsibility, direct or supervisory, for the investigation of cases referred for the assessment of civil penalties.
(b) The Hearing Officer shall decide each case on the basis of the evidence before him or her, and must have no prior connection with the case. The Hearing Officer is solely responsible for the decision in each case referred to him or her.
(c) The Hearing Officer is authorized to administer oaths and issue subpoenas necessary to the conduct of a hearing, to the extent provided by law.
§ 221.71 Hearing Officer referral.
If, pursuant to § 221.67(b)(2) of this subpart, a Party elects to have the matter referred to a Hearing Officer, the Vessel Transfer Officer may—
(a) Decide not to proceed with penalty action, close the case, and notify the Party in writing that the case has been closed; or
(b) Refer the matter to a Hearing Officer with the case file and a record of any prior violations by the Party.
§ 221.73 Initial Hearing Officer consideration.
(a) When a case is received for action, the Hearing Officer shall examine the material submitted. If the Hearing Officer determines that there is insufficient evidence to proceed, or that there is any other reason which would make penalty action inappropriate, the Hearing Officer shall return the case to the Vessel Transfer Officer with a written statement of the reason. The Vessel Transfer Officer may close the case or investigate the matter further. If additional evidence supporting a violation is discovered, the Vessel Transfer Officer may resubmit the matter to the Hearing Officer.
(b) If the Hearing Officer determines that there is reason to believe that a violation has been committed, the Hearing Officer notifies the Party in writing by registered or certified mail of—
(1) The alleged violation and the applicable statute and regulations;
(2) The maximum penalty that may be assessed for each violation;
(3) The general nature of the procedure for assessing and collecting the penalty;
(4) The amount of the penalty that appears to be appropriate, based on the material then available to the Hearing Officer;
(5) The right to examine all the material in the case file and have a copy of all written documents provided upon requests; and
(6) The right to request a hearing.
(c) If at any time it appears that the addition of another Party to the proceedings is necessary or desirable, the Hearing Officer will provide the additional Party and the Party alleged to be in violation with notice as described above.
(d) At any time during a proceeding, before the Hearing Officer issues a decision under § 221.89, the Hearing Officer and the Party may agree to a Settlement of the case.
§ 221.75 Response by party.
(a) Within 30 days after receipt of notice from the Hearing Officer, the Party, or counsel for the Party, may—
(1) Pay the amount specified in the notice as being appropriate;
(2) In writing request a hearing, specifying the issues in dispute; or
(3) Submit written evidence or arguments in lieu of a hearing.
(b) The right to a hearing is waived if the Party does not submit a request to the Hearing Officer within 30 days after receipt of notice from the Hearing Officer, unless additional time has been granted by the Hearing Officer.
(c) The Hearing Officer has discretion as to the venue and scheduling of a hearing. The hearing will normally be held at the office of the Hearing Officer. A request for a change of location of a hearing or transfer to another Hearing Officer must be in writing and state the reasons why the requested action is necessary or desirable. Action on the request is at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.
(d) A Party who has requested a hearing may amend the specification of the issues in dispute at any time up to 10 days before the scheduled date of the hearing. Issues raised later than 10 days before the schedule hearing may be presented only at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.
§ 221.77 Disclosure of evidence.
The Party shall, upon request, be provided a free copy of all the evidence in the case file, except material that would disclose or lead to the disclosure of the identity of a confidential informant and any other information properly exempt from disclosure.
§ 221.79 Request for confidential treatment.
(a) In addition to information treated as confidential under § 221.77 of this subpart, a request for confidential treatment of a document or portion thereof may be made by the Person supplying the information on the basis that the information is—
(1) Confidential financial information, trade secrets, or other material exempt from disclosure by the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552);
(2) Required to be held in confidence by 18 U.S.C. 1905; or
(3) Otherwise exempt by law from disclosure.
(b) The Person desiring confidential treatment must submit the request to the Hearing Officer in writing and the reasons justifying nondisclosure. The Hearing Officer shall forward any request for confidential treatment to the appropriate official of the Maritime Administration for a determination hereon. Failure to make a timely request may result in a document being considered as nonconfidential and subject to release.
(c) Confidential material shall not be considered by the Hearing Officer in reaching a decision unless—
(1) It has been furnished by a Party; or
(2) It has been furnished pursuant to a subpoena.
§ 221.81 Counsel.
A Party has the right to be represented at all stages of the proceeding by counsel. After receiving notification that a Party is represented by counsel, the Hearing Officer will direct all further communications to that counsel.
§ 221.83 Witnesses.
A Party may present the testimony of any witness either through a personal appearance or through a written statement. The Party may request the assistance of the Hearing Officer in obtaining the personal appearance of a witness. The request must be in writing and state the reasons why a written statement would be inadequate, the issue or issues to which the testimony would be relevant, and the substance of the expected testimony. If the Hearing Officer determines that the personal appearance of the witness may materially aid in the decision on the case, the Hearing Officer will seek to obtain the witness’ appearance. The Hearing Officer may move the hearing to the witness’ location, accept a written statement, or accept a stipulation in lieu of testimony.
§ 221.85 Hearing procedures.
(a) The Hearing Officer shall conduct a fair and impartial proceeding in which the Party is given a full opportunity to be heard. At the opening of a hearing, the Hearing Officer shall advise the Party of the nature of the proceedings and of the alleged violation.
(b) The material in the case file pertinent to the issues to be determined by the Hearing Officer shall first be presented. The Party may examine, respond to and rebut this material. The Party may offer any facts, statements, explanations, documents, sworn or unsworn testimony, or other exculpatory items that bear on the issues, or which may be relevant to the size of an appropriate penalty. The Hearing Officer may require the authentication of any written exhibit or statement.
(c) At the close of the Party’s presentation of evidence, the Hearing Officer may allow the introduction of rebuttal evidence. The Hearing Officer may allow the Party to respond to rebuttal evidence submitted.
(d) In receiving evidence, the Hearing Officer shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence. In evaluating the evidence presented, the Hearing Officer shall give due consideration to the reliability and relevance of each item of evidence.
(e) After the evidence in the case has been presented, the Party may present argument on the issues in the case. The party may also request an opportunity to submit a written statement for consideration by the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer shall allow a reasonable time for submission of the statement and shall specify the date by which it must be received. If the statement is not received within the specified time, the Hearing Officer may render a decision in the case without consideration of the statement.
§ 221.87 Records.
(a) A verbatim transcript of a hearing will not normally be prepared. The Hearing Officer will prepare notes on material and points raised by the Party in sufficient detail to permit a full and fair review of the case.
(b) A Party may, at its own expense, cause a verbatim transcript to be made, in which event the Party shall submit, without charge, two copies to the Hearing Officer within 30 days of the close of the hearing.
§ 221.89 Hearing Officer’s decision.
(a) The Hearing Officer shall issue a written decision. Any decision to assess a penalty shall be based on substantial evidence in the record, and shall state the basis for the decision.
(b) If the Hearing Officer finds that there is not substantial evidence in the record establishing the alleged violation, the Hearing Officer shall dismiss the case. A dismissal is without prejudice to the Vessel Transfer Officer’s right to refile the case if additional evidence is obtained. A dismissal following a rehearing is final and with prejudice.
(c) The Hearing Officer shall notify the Party in writing, by certified or registered mail, of the decision and, if adverse, shall advise the Party of the right to an administrative appeal to the Maritime Administrator or an individual designated by the Administrator from that decision.
(d) If an appeal is not filed within the prescribed time, the decision of the Hearing Officer constitutes final agency action in the case.
§ 221.91 Appeals.
(a) Any appeal from the decision of the Hearing Officer must be submitted in writing by the Party to the Hearing Officer within 30 days from the date of receipt of the Hearing Officer’s decision.
(b) The only issues that will be considered on appeal are those issues specified in the appeal which were raised before the Hearing Officer and jurisdictional questions.
(c) There is no right to oral argument on an appeal.
(d) The Maritime Administrator or an individual designated by the Administrator will issue a written decision on the appeal, and may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision, or remand the case for new or additional proceedings. In the absence of a remand, the decision on appeal is final agency action.
(e) The Maritime Administrator or an individual designated by the Administrator shall notify the Party in writing, by certified or registered mail, of the decision on appeal and, if adverse, shall advise the Party of the right of appeal to the courts.
§ 221.93 Collection of civil penalties.
Within 30 days after receipt of the Hearing Officer’s decision, or a decision on appeal, the Party must submit payment of any assessed penalty in the manner specified in the decision letter. Failure to make timely payment will result in the institution of appropriate action to collect the penalty.
Subpart F—Other Transfers Involving Documented Vessels [Reserved]
Subpart G—Savings Provisions
§ 221.111 Status of prior transactions—controlling dates.
(a) The Maritime Administrator hereby grants approval for any transaction occurring on or after January 1, 1989 and prior to July 3, 1991 that was lawful under 46 CFR part 221, revised as of October 1, 1989.
(b) The Maritime Administrator hereby grants approval for any transaction occurring on or after July 3, 1991 and prior to June 3, 1992 that was lawful under 46 CFR part 221, revised as of October 1, 1991.
(c) Any transaction approved by the Maritime Administrator prior to January 1, 1989, or any transaction that did not require such approval prior to that date, shall continue to be lawful.
PART 232—UNIFORM FINANCIAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
§ 232.1 Purpose and applicability.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to establish uniform reporting requirements for the preparation of financial reports and submissions of information to the Maritime Administration. The Maritime Administration will, as necessary, issue clarifying instructions to those subject to these reporting requirements to assist in their interpretation and application. The uniform reporting requirements consist of:
(1) A chart of accounts defined in this regulation.
(2) Standard financial report formats, set forth in Form MA–172 (Revised).
(b) Applicability. This regulation is application to all participants in financial assistant programs administered by the Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, that are required to file periodic financial reports with that agency.
§ 232.2 General instructions.
(a) Use of generally accepted accounting principles. All contractors shall conform their accounting policies to generally accepted accounting principles (promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants).
(b) Need to conform accounting information. All contractors may continue to use their current accounting system, if the system provides a basis for the preparation of reports in the prescribed formats and is consistent with generally accepted accounting principles.
(c) Reconciliation of financial reports. When a program participant issues certified financial statements following accounting policies different from those followed for the financial statement filed with the Maritime Administration (such as reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, public service commissions or other regulatory agencies, or reports using other acceptable accounting methods differing from methods used for this regulation’s purposes), the program participant shall clearly set forth the nature and amount of each adjustment necessary to reconcile the published statements with those filed with the Maritime Administration.
(d) Submission of questions. (1) A contractor may submit in writing, or by electronic options (such as facsimile and Internet), if practicable, any question involving the interpretation of any provision of this part for consideration and decision to the Director, Office of Financial and Rate Approvals, for the Maritime Security Program, or Director, Office of Ship Financing, for the Maritime Loan Guarantee Program (Title XI), Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Appeals from such interpretation will be in accordance with the interpretation letter.
(2) A contractor who has a question of financial accounting or reporting procedure pending before the Maritime Administration at the time a financial report is due shall file the report in accordance with established scheduled dates. The contractor shall include in the report a footnote disclosure that adequately describes the question pending, the manner of presentation in the report, and the relative impact on the balance sheet and income statement, respectively.
(e) Effective Date. This regulation is effective as of December 27, 1993 and its requirements are mandatory for financial reports for accounting periods ending on or after December 31, 1993.
§ 232.3 Chart of accounts.
(a) Purpose of accounts. A contractor shall use this chart of accounts as a guide for preparing the financial statements and for other required financial reports required to be submitted to the Maritime Administration. However, whenever there is a conflict between the meaning of any term used in the Chart of Accounts in this part 232 and that stated in any revision to generally accepted accounting principles, the meaning of the latter shall control and shall be followed.
(b) Account numbers. Contractors are not required to use these account numbers or titles for their internal accounting.
Balance Sheet
§ 232.4 Balance sheet accounts.
(a) Accounts defined. Each account is identified by an account number and an account title, followed by a text describing the accounting information to be included in that account. Where considered necessary, accounting procedures are also included to explain how the contractor shall disclose information for reporting purposes.
(b) Purpose of balance sheet accounts. The balance sheet accounts are intended to disclose the financial condition of the contractor as of a given date.
(A) Asset Accounts.
(1) 100 Cash.
(i) This account shall include the amount of current funds available on demand in the hands of financial officers or deposited in banks or trust companies, including cash in transit for which agents or others have received credit. Cash appropriated or otherwise restricted for any purpose shall be included in Account 300, “Restricted Funds.”
(ii) Compensating balances included in this account shall be disclosed by appropriate footnote.
(2) 120 Marketable Securities.
(i) This account shall include securities and other temporary investments which are available for general purposes of the business. In no case shall securities of the reporting contractor or of a related party be included in this account. Separate subaccounts may be used to account for discounts and premiums on marketable securities.
(ii) For financial reporting, the lower of aggregate cost or market value at the balance sheet date shall be used to value securities included in this account.
(3) 140 Notes Receivable.
(i) This account shall include the amount of all obligations in the form of short-term notes receivable or other evidences (except interest coupons) of money receivable and due on demand or within one year from date of issue.
(ii) Separate subaccounts shall be used to segregate notes receivable from related parties.
(4) 150 Accounts Receivable.
(i) This account shall include trade or traffic receivables and claims receivable from insurance underwriters and other miscellaneous receivables not otherwise provided for in other accounts. Accrued accounts receivable for interest, dividends, rents, royalties, charters and other unmatured receivables of a current nature shall be reported in this account, except those accrued amounts which are required to be deposited to a restricted fund.
(ii) Separate subaccounts shall be used to segregate trade or traffic receivables, claims receivables and miscellaneous receivables. Receivables arising from transactions with related parties shall also be segregated.
(iii) This account shall also be used to report construction-differential subsidy (CDS) and operating-differential subsidy (ODS) estimated to have accrued to the contractor and which remain unpaid as of the balance sheet date.
(iv) Separate subaccounts shall be maintained by contract number and, under each contract, identified by year of termination and by category of subsidy as applicable, e.g., for CDS categories may include design and inspection costs; and for ODS categories may include wages, maintenance and repair, and any other category for which the contractor receives an operating subsidy.
(5) 160 Allowance for Bad Debts.
This account shall be credited at the close of each accounting period for estimated uncollectable notes and accounts.
(6) 170 Other Current Assets.
(i) Inventories, prepaid expenses and other items that are expected to be used or consumed within 12 months of purchase or acquisition shall be reported in this account.
(ii) Acquisition of similar items that will not be used or consumed within one year should be reported as part of account 360, Other Assets.
(iii) For Financial Report purposes, this account shall be used to record the contra entries of accrued deposits in account 300 Restricted Funds.
(7) 300 Restricted Funds.
(i) This account shall include the amount of cash and securities (at cost) deposited to any restricted fund, including but not limited to Title XI Reserve or Restricted Fund, Capital Construction Fund, Construction Reserve Fund, Title XI Escrow Fund, Title XI Construction Fund, Drilling Rig Reserve Fund, Insurance Fund, Debt Retirement Fund, special and guarantee deposits.
(ii) For each fund established, subsidiary accounts shall be used to separately account for cash or securities deposited to the fund. At the close of each accounting period accrual entries shall be made to account for earned but undeposited investment income.
(iii) Compensating balances under an agreement which legally restricts the use of such funds and constitutes support for borrowing arrangements shall be included in this account.
(iv) Deposits required to be made into any Restricted Fund are to be included in the column “Accrued for Deposit”—appearing in Schedule 211. The contra entry for the accrual shall be credited to account 170 Other Current Assets.
(8) 310 Investments.
(i) This account shall include amounts of investment instruments intended to be held more than one year and includes securities of related parties, noncurrent notes receivable and noncurrent accounts receivable, both from related parties and others, cash value of life insurance policies and other investments. Noncurrent marketable securities shall be carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value at the balance sheet date.
(ii) Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for the various investments, including those resulting from related party transactions.
(iii) For financial reporting purposes, the lower of cost or market value at the close of business on the balance sheet date will be used to value the securities included in the account except as noted below.
(iv) Investments in related parties must be reported using the equity or consolidated basis of accounting as adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
(9) 330 Property and Equipment.
(i) This account shall include the cost of acquisition or construction and related capitalizable cost, including additions and betterments and all other associated cost necessary to place the respective property and equipment in acceptable condition for its intended use. This account shall also include the capitalized amount of financing leases, computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Accounting Standard Board.
(ii) Subaccounts shall be maintained by type and category of property and equipment such as, but not limited to, the following: (A) Floating equipment, including self-propelled vessels for transporting cargo or passengers in U.S. foreign or worldwide foreign commerce, tugs and barges, drilling platforms used in offshore operations, fishing and associated service vessels, service vessels used in conjunction with off-shore drilling platforms and deep-water mining operations, lighters primarily used to transport cargo within port areas and river systems or carried aboard mother vessels—i.e., LASH and SEABEE lighters and barges, other floating equipment ancillary to the operator’s primary vessel operations; (B) containers and flat racks; (C) chassis and trailer equipment; (D) terminal property and cargo handling equipment; (E) other property and equipment; (F) leaseholds, leasehold improvements and Capital Leases; and (G) construction work-in-progress (to provide information by project or by type of capitalized asset cost category). For each asset account within account 330 a separate depreciation or amortization accumulation account must be established except for work-in-progress accounts.
(10) 360 Deferred Charges.
(i) This account shall be used to report expenses, the payment for which the contractor has become liable currently, but which will not be charged to income within one year of the balance sheet date.
(ii) Separate subaccounts shall be maintained to identify the different categories of expense included in this account. These subaccounts may include such items as prepaid insurance; the expense of issuing long-term debt and for absorption of discounts on the stated value of the debt instruments; organization expenses; deferred prepayments and other deferred charges.
(iii) Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for amortization of the various deferred charges included in this account.
(11) 380 Other Assets.
All assets, not otherwise provided for above, shall be reported in this account. Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for the various types of assets, including notes and accounts receivable which are not due in the normal course of business within one year of the balance sheet date. Each type of asset shall be further segregated to disclose amounts due from officers and employees of the reporting contractor or operator, officers and employees of related parties, related parties themselves, allowance for the trade in of vessels to the Maritime Administration (where the allowance is to be applied by the agency on behalf of the contractor toward progress payments on new construction) and other assets not otherwise accounted for as miscellaneous assets.
(12) 390 Intangible Assets.
(i) This account shall be used to report the amount of goodwill attributed to the cost of acquiring a business or segment of a business from an unrelated party, as well as the cost of acquiring by purchase, development or other means such intangible assets as patents, copyrights, trade names, operating rights, and similar assets.
(ii) The contractor shall maintain separate subaccounts for the identified intangible assets, including subaccounts to identify their respective amortization.
(B) Liability Accounts.
(1) 400 Notes Payable and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt.
(i) The amount reported for this account shall include the face value of notes, drafts and other evidences of indebtedness issued by the contractor which are payable on demand or within one year of the balance sheet date.
(ii) Separate subaccounts shall be used to identify different groups of creditors, e.g., banks, insurance companies, officers and employees, related parties and all other creditors.
(iii) The amount of capitalized lease liability maturing during the twelve months following the balance sheet date shall also be reported in this account. A record shall be maintained for each lease agreement, with a description of the type of equipment under lease.
(iv) This account shall not include obligations due within one year which the contractor intends to refinance on a long-term basis or which are payable from restricted funds. Long-term refinancing of short-term obligations means replacement with long-term obligations or equity securities or renewal, extension, or replacement with short-term obligations for an uninterrupted period extending beyond one year from the balance sheet date. Such short-term obligations are to be recorded in account 510, Long-term Debt.
(2) 420 Accounts Payable.
(i) The amount reported for this account shall include accounts payable—trade; accounts payable—traffic; pension and welfare funds; accounts payable—Maritime Administration; and other accounts payable.
(ii) Sufficient information shall be maintained to identify individual creditors and the general categories or classification of the liabilities.
(iii) Debts of individual creditors not incurred in the normal course of business shall be identified by group, e.g., officers and employees, affiliated companies, officers and employees of an affiliated company, and other appropriate groupings of creditors not otherwise affiliated in any way with the contractor.
(3) 440 Accrued Liabilities.
(i) This account shall be used to report the amount of accrued taxes, accrued operating expenses and other accrued liabilities arising in the regular course of business.
(ii) Subaccounts shall be maintained for each category of liability.
(4) 450 Other Current Liabilities.
(i) This account shall include all current liabilities for which no other account has been provided.
(ii) Subaccounts shall be maintained to account separately for each class of current liabilities that arise from transactions with officers or employees, affiliated companies and officers or employees of affiliated companies, and must be readily identifiable to facilitate financial reporting requirements.
(5) 470 Advance Payments and Deposits.
(i) This account shall be used to report the balance of collections from customers for services not yet provided by the contractor.
(ii) Sufficient accounting information shall be maintained to readily disclose collections from related parties.
(6) 510 Long-Term Debt.
(i) This account shall be used to report the noncurrent portion of long-term debt, including mortgage notes payable to the Maritime Administration, U.S. Government insured or guaranteed debt obligations issued under Title XI of the Act, and the face amount of bonds, debentures and other long-term debt not provided for in other accounts.
(ii) Subaccounts shall be maintained to disclose unsecured and secured debt by creditor and by secured asset.
(iii) This account shall also include the balance of the long-term portion of capitalized lease liabilities. Reporting shall be by lease agreement and type of asset leased.
(iv) This account shall also include obligations due within one year which are expected to be refinanced on a long-term basis in accordance with the discussion of Account 400.
(v) Separate subaccounts shall be maintained to record the premiums for each class of funded debt (which shall be amortized over the respective lives of the securities by credit to Account 670, Other Revenue).
(7) 530 Other Liabilities.
(i) This account shall be used to report the balance of all other liabilities maturing after one year from the balance sheet date and for which no other account has been specifically provided.
(ii) Subsidiary accounts shall be maintained for each category or type of liability and accounted for by debtor.
(iii) Reporting of balances outstanding shall show separately amounts due to officers and employees, affiliated companies and officers and employees of affiliated companies.
(8) 560 Deferred Credits.
This account shall be used to report the amount of accumulated deferred income taxes, income or credits for which no other account is specifically provided.
(C) Equity Accounts.
(1) 570 Invested Capital.
This account shall be used to report the amount of capital contribution by an individual in a proprietary company, by partners of a partnership, and by stockholders of a corporation for the par or stated value of the capital stock outstanding and additional paid-in capital.
(2) 580 Treasury Stock.
This account shall be used to report the cost to the contractor of its stock that has been reacquired.
(3) 590 Retained Earnings.
(i) This account shall be used to report the balance of restricted and unrestricted retained earnings for an incorporated business entity. Subsidiary accounts shall be used for each class of restricted earnings.
(ii) Partnerships should make appropriate changes of titles to account for partners accounts.
(iii) For purposes of meeting the Maritime Administration’s Dividend Policy for Operators Receiving ODS (46 CFR part 283), accounting information for unrestricted retained earnings shall be made available to show the income or loss taken into retained earnings, dividends and other distributions paid, and the current balance of unrestricted retained earnings available for distribution.
Income Statement
§ 232.5 Income Statement Accounts.
(a) Accounts Defined. Each account shall be identified by an account number and an account title followed by a text describing the accounting information to be included in that account.
(b) Purpose of Income and Expense Accounts. The income and expense accounts shall show for each reporting period the amount of money the contractor is entitled to receive for services rendered; the income accrued from investments in securities and property; accrued expenses; and income and expense attributable to extraordinary items.
(D) Revenue Accounts.
(1) 600 Vessel Revenue.
(i) This account shall be used to report revenue (including surcharges) from operations. As used here, vessel refers to any asset that qualifies for obligation guarantees pursuant to regulations issued under Title XI of the Act (46 CFR part 298).
(ii) For contractors who operate vessels in the U.S. foreign commerce with a construction or operating-differential subsidy agreement (CDSA or ODSA), operating revenue attributed to such vessels shall be separately accounted for to report the following: Freight-foreign, freight-coastwise and intercoastal; passenger-foreign, passenger-coastwide and intercoastal; charter revenue; and other voyage revenue. Contractors with an ODSA shall further describe freight and passenger revenue—foreign (including surcharges), U.S. foreign commerce revenue outbound and foreign commerce revenue (transportation between foreign ports). Revenue shall be accounted for to facilitate reporting the source of revenue by trade route or service area.
(iii) All other contractors shall report vessel revenue by category or class, or by operating segment or division if different business segments or operating divisions produce vessel revenue.
(iv) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (D)(1)(i) of this section, vessel revenue shall be accounted for following generally accepted accounting principles for the segment of the maritime industry of which the contractor is a part and shall be applied consistently between reporting periods.
(2) 640 Operating-Differential Subsidy.
(i) This account shall be used to report the revenue accrued under provisions of the ODSA.
(ii) Subsidiary accounts shall be used to account for the amount of subsidy accrued by expense classifications to include: Wages of officers and crew; subsistence of officers and crew; maintenance, repairs and upkeep not compensated by insurance; hull and machinery insurance premiums; protection and indemnity insurance premiums; protection and indemnity insurance; deductible expense attributed to illness or injury of crew members; and other expense categories as may be specified in the ODSA.
(iii) Records shall be maintained by vessel for each trade route or service area in which a vessel subject to an ODSA operates.
(iv) If ODS is accrued at substantially different rates developed by the contractor applicable to any year in which final rates have not been agreed to, the difference between the ODS accruals based on billing rates established by MARAD and the ODS accruals based on the contractor’s rates shall be disclosed in appropriate footnotes to the balance sheet and to the income statement.
(3) 650 Other Shipping Operations Revenue.
This account shall be used to report revenue earned from shipping activities other than vessel operations. Examples are revenue from pooling agreements, terminal services provided to others, and cargo handling services performed for others; cargo equipment rentals, and repairs to cargo equipment belonging to others; agency fees, commissions and brokerage fees earned.
(4) 670 Other Revenue.
This account shall be used to report revenue from the following sources: Interest bearing securities, dividends from capital stock, gains from the sale of assets not accounted for under the provisions prescribed for account 995, amortization of premium on funded debt, income or loss from subsidiaries, and other revenue not otherwise provided for, including nonshipping operations revenue.
(E) Expense Accounts.
(1) 700 Vessel Operating Expense.
(i) This account shall be used to report expenses of vessel operations of any kind. As used here, vessel has the same meaning as in paragraph (D)(1)(i) of this section.
(ii) For contractors with an ODSA who operate vessels subject to such an agreement in the U.S.-foreign commerce or worldwide foreign commerce, vessel expense shall be recorded by category as follows: Salaries and wages of officers and unlicensed crew, including relief crews and others regularly employed aboard the vessel; fringe benefits, such as pension and welfare, vacation payments to unions on behalf of the officers, crew and others, accrued payroll taxes; consumable stores, supplies and equipment, sales taxes, delivery and inspection charges; vessel maintenance and repair expense, including laundry service, inspection services, cost of maintaining expendable equipment and other costs not recoverable from insurance which are integral parts of vessels (including the purchase of permanent equipment and spares required by the classification societies in the United States and its territories and possessions); hull and machinery insurance costs, including premium expense, deductibles which have been incurred or paid, protection and indemnity insurance, including premium expense, personal injury and illness deductibles which have been incurred or paid, and second seaman’s insurance premiums; premiums for other marine risk insurance involving the vessel and not properly chargeable to hull and machinery insurance or to protection and indemnity insurance accounts; vessel fuel and incidental costs; charter hire expenses, including time, trip, short-term and long-term bareboat charter hire; and other vessel expenses not properly chargeable to other accounts described herein which are incidental to the operation of vessels.
(iii) For contractors who own or operate vessels not subject to an ODSA, vessel expense shall include all expenses directly attributable to the operation of vessels. Such expense shall include such expense classifications as generally in use by the segment of the industry with which the contractor is identified. To the extent applicable, the expense classifications mentioned in the preceding paragraph (ii) shall be used.
(iv) Contractors operating vessels to transport cargo or passengers shall maintain appropriate vessel expense records for the purpose of filing vessel operating reports with the Maritime Administration.
(2) 750 Vessel Port Call Expense.
(i) This account shall be used to report the expenses of a vessel at each port of call. Port call expenses may include: Charges for wharfage and dockage of the vessel, pilotage, entry dues and fees, port dues and taxes; anchor dues; canal tolls; launch hire, and tug hire; dispatch and husbanding fees of agents; and other port and terminal expenses.
(ii) Port charges attributable to the vessel’s cargo or passengers are not to be reported in this account. Such expenses shall be reported in Account 760, Cargo Handling Expense.
(3) 760 Cargo Handling Expense.
This account shall be used to report all expenses directly attributable to the handling of cargo or passengers for a fee. This account shall include: Cost of preparing a vessel to receive cargo; cost of loading and discharging of the vessel’s cargo, including stevedoring and equipment and service charges of stevedoring contractors; cost of transporting cargo from the point of delivery into the possession of the contractor to the loading port and from the discharge port to the point of delivery stipulated by the freight agreement if different from the port of discharge; brokerage expense, including commissions paid brokers’ agencies for the procurement of passengers or freight; cargo loading plans, demurrage, costs incidental to receiving, delivering and warehousing at freight station facilities; and other charges for cargo services performed by others.
(4) 800 Inactive Vessel Expense.
(i) This account shall be used to report all expenses incurred during and directly incident to inactive periods of vessels.
(ii) Expenses in this account include: Wages of officers and crew; contributions to crew fringe benefit plans; accrued payroll taxes; subsistence cost of personnel assigned to inactive vessels; consumables other than subsistence items; vessel maintenance expense; vessel repairs; insurance expense; charter hire cost; wharfage and dockage; port expense; and miscellaneous expenses.
(5) 860 Other Shipping Operations Expense.
This account shall be used to report cost of container leasing, maintenance and repair cost and costs of shipping related activities in which the contractor engages to support vessels, such as terminal operations, cargo equipment, fleet operations, cargo pooling agreements, container loading and other activities that are not accounted for elsewhere and that are ancillary to the contractor’s vessel operations.
(6) 900 General and Administrative Expenses.
(i) This account shall be used to report the administrative and general expenses incurred in the operation of the business.
(ii) This account shall include: Compensation of corporate officers, directors, administrative and service employees; fringe benefits of general and administrative personnel; legal fees; accounting and auditing fees; other professional fees; office and storage expense; utilities; communications expense; data processing expense; dues; subscriptions; entertainment; travel expense; insurance expense; maintenance and repair expense for office facilities; fixtures and equipment; fees and commissions paid to managing agents; advertising expense; foreign currency conversion; and other expenses to enhance the operation of the business.
(7) 940 Depreciation and Amortization Expense.
(i) This account shall be maintained by class of assets as accounted for in the property and equipment accounts.
(ii) Subaccounts shall be grouped by classifications such as: Vessels; terminals; cargo equipment; office furniture and fixtures; and nonshipping assets.
(8) 950 Other Expense.
This account is to be used to report expenses not chargeable to any other expense account. Such charges may include: Amortization of deferred charges; taxes other than income; debt discount and expense; nonshipping operations expense; organization and preoperating expense and other miscellaneous deferred charges; as well as doubtful notes and accounts receivable.
(9) 960 Interest Expense.
(i) This account shall be used to report all interest expense accrued and charged to income during the period.
(ii) Subaccounts shall be maintained by debt source/contract to provide information needed to fulfill reporting disclosure requirements.
(10) 970 Income Taxes.
(i) This account shall be used to report accrued income tax liability for the current year’s operation exclusive of extraordinary items, discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy.
(ii) Sufficient accounting records shall be maintained to meet income and expense allocation requirements that may exist as a result of a Capital Construction Fund Agreement entered into under 46 CFR parts 390 and 391, pursuant to provisions of Title VI of the Act.
(11) 990 Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Policy.
(i) This account shall be used to report the cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy or a change required under generally accepted accounting principles.
(ii) A footnote shall be added to the income statement explaining the substance of the old and new accounting methods and the reason supporting the change in accounting policy.
(iii) The amount reported in this account shall be net of all taxes.
(12) 995 Income or Loss from Extraordinary Items Net of Taxes.
(i) Amounts representing gain or loss from extraordinary items, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles customarily applied in the industry of which the contractor is a part, shall be reported in this account. Generally, these transactions would be attributed to insurance proceeds from the total loss of a vessel or catastrophic losses to shore-based facilities, as well as from sales of damaged assets scrapped because of a natural catastrophe, and disposal of assets used primarily in a business segment which is being discontinued.
(ii) Sufficient records shall be maintained to fully describe and account for all aspects of each item reported in this account, and when a firm commitment is made to dispose of an operating business segment, a provision for anticipated gain or loss to be realized in the subsequent period from disposal of assets and winding down of operations of the discontinued segment shall be taken into income in the year the contractor makes the decision.
(iii) Amounts in this account must be net of all taxes including Federal income taxes.
§ 232.6 Financial report filing requirement.
(a) Reporting Frequency and Due Dates. The contractor shall file a semiannual financial report and an annual financial report, in the format referred to in § 232.1(a)(2), which MARAD shall make available to the contractor. This Form MA–172 (Revised) shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and modified to the extent necessary to comply with this regulation. The annual financial report shall be reconciled to the financial statements audited by independent certified public accountants (CPAs) licensed to practice by a state or other political subdivision of the United States, or licensed public accountants licensed to practice by regulatory authority or other political subdivision of the United States on or before December 31, 1970. Both the annual and semiannual financial reports shall be due within 120 days after the close of the contractor’s annual or semiannual accounting period. If certified (CPA) statements are not available when required, company certified statements are to be submitted within the due dates, and the CPA statements shall be submitted as soon as available. The respondent may, in place of any Schedule(s) contained in the Form MA–172, submit a schedule or schedules from its audited financial statements, or a computer print-out or schedule, consistent with the instructions provided in the MARAD formats. MARAD will accept electronic options (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.
(b) Certification. Annual and semiannual reports shall be approved by the Respondent and Official of Respondent whom MARAD may contact regarding the report in the reporting formats prescribed as the MA–172 submission.
(c) Presumption of confidentiality. MARAD will initially presume that each part of the financial reports or data submitted as prescribed by this Regulation, other than Schedule 101—Identity of Respondent and Schedules 102 and 103, only with respect to the names and titles of directors and principal officers and employees, is privileged or confidential within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4). In the event of a subsequent request for any portion of the reports or data under 5 U.S.C. 552, the submitter will be notified of such request and given the opportunity to comment. The contractor shall claim confidentiality at that time by memorandum or letter stating the basis, in detail, for such assertion of exemption, including but not limited to statutory and decisional authorities. Those parts not so claimed by the submitter to be confidential will be disclosed, and those parts so claimed will be subject to initial determination by the Freedom of Information Act Officer.
SUBCHAPTER C—REGULATIONS AFFECTING SUBSIDIZED VESSELS AND OPERATORS
PART 249—APPROVAL OF UNDERWRITERS FOR MARINE HULL INSURANCE
§ 249.1 Purpose.
This part prescribes certain regulations governing the placement of marine hull insurance on vessels built or operated with subsidy or covered by vessel obligation guarantees issued pursuant to Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (Act). (46 U.S.C. 1271–1279)
§ 249.2 Policy.
(a) It is the policy of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) that companies subject to requirements for the placement of marine hull insurance shall be afforded the widest possible opportunity to obtain the necessary coverage, with minimal regulatory constraints, with financially sound underwriters, and that such placement should not create any unnecessary impediments to competitive maritime operations.
(b) It is also the policy of MARAD to require owners of vessels with ODS or Title XI obligation guarantees to allow the American marine insurance market the opportunity to compete for the marine hull insurance on their vessels before such insurance is placed. Consistent with sound business judgment, owners will be expected to place their insurance with the American market to the maximum extent possible when the rates, terms and conditions offered by American underwriters are competitive with those offered by foreign underwriters.
§ 249.3 Amounts of insurance.
MARAD will inform the owner of each vessel that is subsidized or covered by vessel obligation guarantees, prior to initial placement and at least annually thereafter, of the minimum amount of insurance required to be placed on the vessel.
§ 249.4 Eligibility.
In General. All required marine hull insurance must be placed with:
(a) Underwriters licensed to do business in one or more of the United States;
(b) Underwriters at Lloyds;
(c) Member companies of the Institute of London Underwriters; or
(d) Other underwriters specifically approved in advance by the Maritime Administration.
§ 249.5 Eligibility criteria.
(a) U.S. Underwriters. Underwriters licensed to do business in a state are eligible to participate without further consideration, provided they have at least a B security rating, as published in the latest edition of A.M. Best’s Insurance Reports, and the amount of insurance does not exceed the limitation on risk prescribed in § 249.8.
(b) Foreign Underwriters. (1) Underwriters at Lloyds are eligible to participate without further consideration.
(2) Underwriters which are members of the Institute of London Underwriters (ILU) (i.e., member companies, not parents or affiliates of the member companies) are eligible to participate without further consideration, provided that the ILU member company actually underwriting the risk maintains a trust fund in the United States for the benefit of its U.S. policyholders in an amount at least equal to the minimum provided in § 249.7(d), and the amount insured does not exceed the limitation on risk prescribed in § 249.8. Parent companies or affiliates of the ILU member companies are treated as other foreign underwriters under subsection (c) of this section.
MARAD reserves the right to review this eligibility at any time.
(c) Other Foreign Underwriters. Foreign underwriters, other than those specified in paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section, may also be eligible to participate in the writing of marine hull insurance on MARAD program vessels, if approved to do so in accordance with the procedures contained in §§ 249.6 and 249.7.
(d) Documentation of eligibility. It shall be the responsibility of the vessel owner and its broker to ensure that the requirements of this section are met, and they should be able to provide MARAD, upon request, with documentation to that effect.
§ 249.6 Application procedures.
(a) MARAD may grant specific approval for underwriters described in § 249.5(c) to participate in the writing of marine hull insurance on MARAD program vessels, only in advance of any actual placement.
(b) Only those foreign underwriters who have obtained a high rating (A or comparable) from an accepted international rating service may apply, and if approved, such approval will be contingent upon continued maintenance of such rating. MARAD will make available to interested parties the names of any accepted international rating service.
(c) To seek approval, an applicant shall submit to MARAD:
(1) Certified financial data for the five previous years in sufficient detail to enable MARAD to assess the financial strength and solvency of the applicant. Normally, this would be the same data which the underwriter must submit to the regulatory agency in its country of domicile. However, MARAD may request additional data if the applicant’s submissions are considered inadequate;
(2) A comprehensive description and English language version of the insurance regulatory regime that is in place in the insurer’s country of domicile. (After review, MARAD may contact the foreign national regulatory authorities, as appropriate);
(3) An affidavit in writing, executed by an agent of the applicant who is a domiciliary of the United States, and supported by appropriate documentation, to demonstrate that there is nothing in either law or practice to preclude a U.S. insurer from obtaining the same access to the applicant’s home market as the applicant is seeking to the U.S. market, and
(4) The details of its reinsurance program, if it wishes to write any risks in excess of five percent of its policyholders’ surplus. These details shall be accompanied by a statement that clearly demonstrates the special circumstances and good cause by which MARAD should be persuaded to modify its general policy on limitation of risk described in § 249.8.
§ 249.7 Approval.
(a) Approval of the applicant will be based upon an assessment of the applicant’s financial condition and solvency, its rating by an accepted international rating service, suitability of the regulatory regime under which the applicant must operate in its home country, and on the principle of reciprocal non-discrimination. MARAD will not approve access to the U.S. hull insurance market, if U.S. insurers are denied similar access to the hull insurance market in the applicant’s home country.
(b) MARAD will publish in the
(c) In granting approval, MARAD will consider all materials available to it, and may impose reasonable terms and conditions upon any such approvals granted.
(d) Upon approval, applicant will be required to establish and maintain for the benefit of its U.S. policyholders a U.S. trust fund in the amount of at least $1.5 million, such amount to be reviewed periodically (but not more frequently than annually), and adjusted as appropriate. This requirement may be satisfied by means of an appropriate irrevocable letter of credit.
(e) All policies, at the time of issuance, shall contain the latest American Institute of Marine Underwriters’ forms, or equivalent, as approved by MARAD.
(f) All policies issued by foreign underwriters shall include New York Suable Clause or Service of Suit (USA) Clause.
(g)(1) To maintain approval, foreign underwriters, other than those specified in § 249.5(b), shall, in addition to retaining the high rating from an accepted international rating service, file annual financial statements in the same level of detail as required for original approval. Such statements shall be due within 120 days after the close of the underwriter’s annual accounting period.
(2) In addition, a new affidavit concerning the lack of discriminatory laws or practices related to hull insurance in the underwriter’s home market, as described in § 249.6(c)(3), shall be filed annually at the same time as the financial statements.
(h) Since there is no annual reapproval required, foreign underwriters which are approved shall agree to submit additional information, as requested by MARAD, if it has reason to believe there has been a change in the underwriter’s financial status or business practices which could affect the quality of its security. Failure to provide such information on a timely basis could result in immediate withdrawal of the authorization to write hull insurance on MARAD program vessels.
§ 249.8 Limitation on risk.
(a) Underwriters may take a line on any single risk in excess of five percent of its Policyholders’ Surplus only with the prior approval of MARAD. MARAD will grant such approval to certain underwriters only in special circumstances, and for good cause shown. The standard to be applied in such cases shall be that the underwriter’s net retention on any single risk may not exceed five percent of its Policyholders’ Surplus, the gross amount of the risk may not exceed its surplus, and the reinsurers must have a high (A or comparable) rating from an accepted international rating service.
(b) The vessel owner shall also provide MARAD with a mortgagee’s interest policy in an amount equal to the difference between the net retention and the amount of the line taken by such underwriter.
§ 249.9 American market participation.
(a) Owners of vessels receiving ODS or Title XI vessel obligation guarantees, or their brokers, shall offer to the American marine insurance market the opportunity to compete for the placement of marine hull insurance on each vessel. Consistent with sound business judgment, owners will be expected to place their insurance with the American market to the maximum extent possible when the rates, terms and conditions offered by American underwriters are competitive with those offered by foreign underwriters. MARAD will make available a list of approved American underwriters and their capacities.
(b) In the event that less than 50 percent of the placement is made with the American marine insurance market, the owners, or their brokers, shall file an affidavit confirming that the risk has been offered to a substantial portion of the American market. The affidavit shall list the American underwriters to which the risk was offered, and such underwriters shall account for at least 50 percent of the approved American market capacity, or 75 percent in the event that more than 75 percent of the risk was placed in foreign markets.
(c) Failure to comply with (a) or (b), above, may result in MARAD requiring that the risk be reoffered and that the existing placement be modified, as deemed appropriate.
§ 249.10 Non-discrimination policy.
To administer effectively the policy regarding non-discrimination against U.S. insurers in other countries, as described in §§ 249.6(b)(3) and 249.7(a), MARAD seeks the assistance of the American marine insurance industry to provide information at the time of publication of Notice of Application described in § 249.7(b) concerning the existence of any discriminatory laws or practices in the marine hull insurance market abroad. Upon receipt of such information, MARAD will take whatever action it deems appropriate.
§ 249.11 Confidentiality.
(a) If the data submitted under this rule contain information that the submitter considers to be commercial or financial information and privileged or confidential, or otherwise exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), the submitter shall assert a claim of exemption at the time the data are submitted. The claim shall be made in a letter contained in a sealed enveloped marked “Confidential Information,” addressed to the Secretary, Maritime Administration. The submitter shall stamp or mark “confidential” on the top of each page containing information claimed to be confidential.
(b) In claiming an exemption under FOIA, the submitter must state the basis for such action, including supporting information showing: (1) That the information claimed to be confidential is a trade secret or commercial or financial information in accordance with statutory and decisional authority; and (2) that measures have been taken by the submitter of the information to ensure that the information has not been disclosed or otherwise made available to the public, or, if the information has been disclosed or otherwise becomes available to the public, why such disclosure or availability does not compromise the confidential nature of the information.
(c) In the event of a subsequent request for any portion of the data under the FOIA, those submissions not so claimed by the submitter will be disclosed, and those so claimed will be subject to the initial determination by the Secretary, Maritime Administration.
(d) If the Secretary makes a determination unfavorable to the submitter, the submitter will be advised that MARAD will not honor the request for confidentiality at the time of any request for production of information under the FOIA by third parties.
§ 249.12 Waivers.
The provision of this part may be waived in writing, for special circumstances and good cause shown, provided the procedures adopted are consistent with the Act and with the intent of these regulations.
PARTS 251–252 [RESERVED]
PART 272—REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING CONDITION SURVEYS AND ADMINISTERING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SUBSIDY
Subpart A—General
§ 272.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this part is to prescribe the requirements and procedures for determining the condition of vessels receiving operating-differential subsidy, to prescribe the requirements for reporting and substantiating maintenance and repair (M&R) expenses, and to establish the criteria and procedures for determining whether a M&R expense is subsidizable.
§ 272.2 Scope.
Except as otherwise provided in subpart B, the provisions of this part apply only to vessels operating under an operating-differential subsidy agreement which provides for the payment of M&R subsidy, except that this part does not apply to any vessel operating under an operating-differential subsidy agreement for the carriage of bulk raw and processed agricultural commodities from the United States to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, pursuant to part 294 of this chapter.
§ 272.3 Definitions.
For the purposes of this part:
(a) Act means the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, 46 App. U.S.C. 1101 et seq.
(b) MARAD means the Maritime Administration, a unit of the United States Department of Transportation, as distinguished from the Board (which is a unit of MARAD).
(c) Board means the Maritime Subsidy Board of the Maritime Administration.
(d) Domestic Origin:
(1) Labor. With respect to labor, Domestic Origin means that the work shall be performed by a U.S. ship repair facility, a U.S. independent contractor, or by the Operator’s own shore gang.
(2) Materials. With respect to materials, Domestic Origin means that all articles, materials, and supplies shall be of the growth, production or manufacture of the United States.
(e) Eligible Vessel means a vessel operated under an ODSA, other than an ODSA subject to part 294 of this chapter, which provides for the payment of M&R subsidy with respect to the operation of that vessel.
(f) Equipment means that part of an Eligible Vessel that is not part of the vessel’s hull or machinery.
(g) Expendable equipment means those articles, outfittings and furnishings that are portable, semi-portable or detachable, that are used in equipping a ship for service and in its normal day-to-day maintenance and operation, and that are subject to casual or gradual deterioration and replacement. It does not include items classified as stores and supplies or Spare Parts.
(h) Improvement means work to be performed on an Eligible Vessel which is a modification, alteration, addition or betterment, which may be accomplished separately from M&R, but may be eligible for M&R subsidy pursuant to § 272.22 of this part.
(i) M&R and M&R Subsidy mean, respectively, maintenance and repairs and maintenance and repair subsidy payable pursuant to section 603 of the Act.
(j) ODS and ODSA refer, respectively, to operating-differential subsidy provided under an operating-differential subsidy agreement entered into pursuant to title VI of the Act.
(k) Operator means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association that enters into an ODSA with the Board pursuant to title VI of the Act.
(l) Permanent equipment means Equipment that is, or is intended to become when installed, an integral, permanent, built-in part of the vessel.
(m) Region Office means any one of the four Maritime Administration Region Offices in New York, NY; New Orleans, LA; San Francisco, CA; and Chicago, IL; established pursuant to section 809 of the Act.
(n) Spare parts means such items as spare propellers and tailshafts and self-contained operable units of machinery or equipment, as well as those items generally recognized within the maritime industry as Spare Parts.
(o) United States means the states of the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
§ 272.4 Effective date.
The provisions of this part apply to voyages of every Eligible Vessel which terminate on or after September 26, 1990.
§ 272.5 Prior instructions superseded.
The provisions of this part supersede any provisions of MARAD Circular Letters and Accounting Instructions applicable to M&R and dated prior to the effective date of these regulations to the extent that the provisions of this part may be inconsistent with the provisions of such prior instructions.
Subpart B—Requirements and Procedures for Determining the Condition of Eligible Vessels
§ 272.11 Scope.
This subpart applies to any Eligible Vessel, other than one operating under an ODSA subject to part 294 of this chapter.
§ 272.12 Determining the condition of eligible vessels.
The Operator of an Eligible Vessel shall make the vessel available whenever MARAD may require, in any of the following instances:
(a) At the commencement of the first subsidized voyage, except for a newly constructed vessel which enters subsidized service immediately upon delivery by the shipyard, and for which there is a prior condition survey report. If that subsidized service commences outside the continental limits of the United States, the vessel may be surveyed at the first United States port of call;
(b) At the commencement of the first voyage following the effective date for M&R subsidy established by MARAD, if such M&R rate was not established at the commencement of the vessel’s first voyage;
(c) Upon the discontinuance of a M&R subsidy rate;
(d) Upon resumption of subsidized voyages after temporary withdrawal from subsidized operation. The vessel shall not be considered as having been temporarily withdrawn from subsidized service if it performed unsubsidized voyages in a subsidized service of the Operator;
(e) Upon withdrawal from subsidized service, either temporarily (subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) of § 272.14), or permanently;
(f) During the dry docking period incident to the vessel’s American Bureau of Shipping Special Surveys;
(g) Upon termination of the last voyage under the ODSA, or at the end of the contract period, with respect to subsidized vessels in idle status at that time; or
(h) At any other time that MARAD considers to be appropriate.
§ 272.13 Operator’s responsibilities.
Whenever MARAD notifies an Operator that a survey of an Eligible Vessel is required under this section, the Operator shall:
(a) Make the vessel immediately available for survey if the vessel is in a port of the United States at the time of notification, or make the vessel available for survey immediately upon arrival at the first port of call in the United States if the vessel is not in a port of the United States at the time of notification; and
(b) Furnish to the Secretary of the Board the following:
(1) A copy of each American Bureau of Shipping report and every other salvage association or damage survey report; and
(2) Copies of certificates or other evidence of compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations as to vessel condition and operation, including, but not limited to, those administered by the United States Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Communications Commission, Public Health Service, or their respective successors, and compliance with all applicable treaties and conventions to which the United States is a signatory.
§ 272.14 Survey procedures.
(a) Prior to survey. Unless otherwise directed by MARAD, the Operator of a vessel which is required to be surveyed under this subpart shall contact the ship operations unit of the Region Office in which the survey is to be conducted.
(b) Operator’s assistance to surveyor. The Operator shall assist the marine surveyor performing the survey for MARAD and shall permit access by that surveyor to all parts of the vessel, its log books, and other official records. The Operator may designate a representative to accompany the marine surveyor during the survey, but no Operator’s representative is required to be present during the survey.
(c) On-subsidy surveys. An on-subsidy survey consists of the following:
(1) Vessel survey. This includes an inspection and the completion of reports by the surveyor, in sufficient detail to reveal a comprehensive picture of the conditions noted.
(2) On-subsidy survey report. The on-subsidy survey report consists of:
(i) Ship Survey Report, Form MA–58; and
(ii) As appropriate for the circumstances of the survey and the respective vessel, Forms MA–55 (Turbines and Gears Report); MA–56 (Tooth Contact Report); MA–57 (Drydock Report); and MA–59 (Measurements of Piston Rings and Grooves).
(d) Off-subsidy surveys. An off-subsidy survey consists of the following:
(1) Repair specifications. The Operator shall prepare and furnish to the appropriate Region Office detailed repair specifications covering all repair work attributable to completed subsidized service.
(2) Off-subsidy survey report. The survey report for an off-subsidy survey consists of the repair specifications required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section, and the findings of the Region Office on these specifications after the survey required by paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
§ 272.15 Execution of condition survey reports.
Every survey report shall be signed by:
(a) The Operator’s representative, when designated pursuant to § 272.13(a), but only if that representative was in attendance during the survey;
(b) The Operator’s superintendent engineer or equivalent;
(c) The marine surveyor who conducted the survey; and
(d) The appropriate representative of the Region Office for the Region in which the survey was conducted.
§ 272.16 Non-compliance with survey requirements.
MARAD may disallow any one or more M&R claims otherwise eligible for subsidy if an Operator fails to:
(a) Contact the appropriate Region Office as required by § 272.14(a);
(b) Comply with provisions of § 272.14(c)(1) with respect to repair specifications, or to make the vessel reasonably available for inspection before its next sailing; or
(c) Comply with any other requirement specified in this subpart B.
Subpart C—Eligibility Criteria for M&R Subsidy; Substantiation of M&R Expenses
§ 272.21 General eligibility criteria.
(a) Eligible maintenance and repairs. Costs of maintenance and repair are eligible for M&R subsidy participation if they are:
(1) Performed on an Eligible Vessel;
(2) Necessary, because of subsidized operation, for the M&R or replacement of damaged or worn parts of the vessel’s hull, machinery, or Permanent Equipment;
(3) Uncompensated by insurance;
(4) Considered fair and reasonable by the Board;
(5) Of Domestic Origin; and
(6) Otherwise eligible in accordance with provisions of this part.
(b) Off-subsidy survey items. Any M&R contained in an executed off-subsidy survey report is eligible maintenance and repair if:
(1) Paragraphs (a) (1) through (6) of this section are met;
(2) The work is accomplished by the Operator before or during the next drydocking period (periodic or otherwise); and
(3) The vessel is either owned by the same Operator who owned it at the time of the off-subsidy survey, or ownership was transferred to the Federal Government pursuant to section 510 of the Act (46 App. U.S.C. 1160).
(c) Operator furnished items. In addition to the general requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the cost of the Operator’s materials, supplies, or both, furnished by the Operator which are necessary to the performance of eligible M&R, is eligible for M&R subsidy if:
(1) The items for which the cost was incurred are issued by the Operator from ship’s inventory or the Operator’s shoreside inventory, or are issued by direct purchase to the ship repair yard, other independent contractor, or shore gang labor; and
(2) No subsidy, whether M&R or otherwise, has previously been paid for such material, supplies, or both; and
(3) The items are of Domestic Origin.
(d) Costs associated with shore gang labor. In addition to the general requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the costs incurred with respect to the Operator’s employment of U.S. shore gang labor necessary for the performance of eligible M&R are eligible for M&R subsidy participation only if such costs are:
(1) For direct labor charges;
(2) For eligible Spare Parts, as described in paragraph (e) of this section; or
(3) Incidental to the payment of wages for the direct labor, to the extent that such costs are required by State or Federal law or by collective bargaining agreements.
(e) Spare parts. Spare parts are eligible for M&R subsidy if they are:
(1) Necessary for eligible M&R;
(2) Issued by the Operator from the Operator’s shoreside inventory or issued by direct purchase to a U.S. ship repair yard, U.S. independent contractor, or U.S. shore gang labor; and
(3) Placed aboard an Eligible Vessel, and
(4) Of Domestic Origin.
§ 272.22 Improvements and other similar work.
(a) Eligible expenditures. Any expenditure not in excess of $200,000 for work effected during any one or a series of repair periods, which the Operator and MARAD consider to be an Improvement, is eligible for M&R subsidy if otherwise eligible for such subsidy pursuant to provisions of this Part.
(b) Capital expenditures. An expenditure in excess of $200,000 for work effected during any one or a series of repair periods, which is not necessary for maintenance or repair shall be considered to be a capital expenditure, ineligible for M&R subsidy, except that work on an Eligible Vessel which the operator considers to be an Improvement is eligible for M&R subsidy if, before awarding this work:
(1) The Operator submits a written request to the Director, Office of Ship Operations, for consideration of the expenditures;
(2) The Director determines that the work is an Improvement and is technically acceptable; and
(3) The Associate Administrator for Maritime Aids approves M&R subsidy for the work, as appropriate, pursuant to the provisions of title VI of the Act.
(c) Improvements performed in more than one repair period. Whenever an Operator desires to spread the work incident to any Improvement over more than one repair period, the operator shall give written notice to the Director, Office of Ship Operations, prior to commencement of the work, as to the scope of work involved, expected benefits, the number of voyages over which the work will be spread and the estimated total cost. The operator shall report in the Subsidy Repair Summary (Form MA–140) the actual total cost of such work, covering the repair period in which it is finally completed, and shall attach a copy of the acknowledgement of such notification to the Form MA–140.
§ 272.23 Examples of ineligible expenses.
Expenses ineligible for M&R subsidy participation include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
(a) Specialized improvements. Any expenditure or Improvement required to alter, outfit or otherwise equip a vessel for its intended subsidized service which MARAD determines should have been performed before the initial entry of the vessel into subsidized service;
(b) Convenience items. Any expenditure for items that the Region Director determines to be aboard a ship only for the convenience of the Operator or crew members, and which are not considered integral parts of the vessel and are not required for seaworthiness, navigation or the health or well-being of the crew or passengers.
(c) Unsupported expenses. Any expense item which the Operator fails to substantiate adequately with documentation, as required by § 272.24.
(d) Untimely requests for review. Any disallowed expense item for which the Operator fails to make a timely request for review, as required by § 272.43.
(e) Untimely appeals. Any expense item disallowed in the final determination by the Director, Office of Ship Operations, for which the Operator fails to make a timely appeal to the Board, pursuant to § 272.43.
(f) Absence of notice of multi-repair period Improvements. Any expenses for an Improvement extending over more than one repair period in which the Operator did not notify the Director, Office of Ship Operations, as required by § 272.22(c).
(g) Cargo expenses. Any expense of special cargo fittings of a temporary nature, dunnage, ceiling, battens, the cleaning of cargo holds and tanks for cargo, the reading and certification of temperatures for refrigerated cargoes, and similar expenses.
(h) Stevedore damage. Any expense or any damage to the vessels or cargo gear directly attributable to a stevedore.
(i) Rented equipment. Any expense for the rental of Permanent or Expendable Equipment, such as compressors, paint floats, and other similar items for use by shore gangs or ship’s crew on repair or other work, radar, radio telephones, and other similar items for use by ship’s crew in ship operations.
(j) Special requirements for trade routes. Any expense for the initial installation of equipment necessary for the vessel’s particular trade route, such as Suez Canal davits, which should have been installed before the entry of the vessel into the particular subsidized service.
(k) General operating expenses. Any expense for the loading of stores, the landing and sorting of laundry, pilot service, tug charges, removing surplus equipment to warehouses, and other similar expenses which do not involve actual maintenance and repair.
(l) Items attributable to unsubsidized operations. Any item of maintenance or repair that is clearly attributable to unsubsidized operation, including expenses noted in on-subsidy surveys for repairs which clearly should have been made before departure from the last United States port on the first voyage:
(1) In subsidized service, or
(2) Upon resumption of subsidized operation following temporary withdrawal.
(m) Overdue classification and inspection requirements. Any expenses for work required by a classification society or an agency of the Federal Government, which was due (irrespective of any grace period granted) and not completed before the first voyage:
(1) In subsidized service, or
(2) Upon resumption of subsidized operation following temporary withdrawal, except when such work is attributable to prior subsidized service.
(n) Foreign maintenance and repairs. Any expense for any item of M&R, including insurance repairs, that is not of Domestic Origin.
(o) Marine or other loss. Any part of an expense or a repair which is recovered or recoverable from an insurer or another party.
(p) Consumables, expendables. Any procurement expense for consumables, expendables, and Expendable Equipment, when used or installed by ship’s crew or furnished for inclusion in ship’s inventory, and any expense for maintenance, repair, or replacement of Expendable Equipment.
(q) Excessive costs. Costs for M&R which MARAD considers excessive, after allowing the Operator an opportunity to present all relevant facts pertinent to such costs.
(r) Overhead costs. Any expense included in shore gang labor charges which is an overhead item, as prescribed by 46 CFR part 232—Uniform Financial Reporting Requirements.
(s) Guarantee items. Any expense for an item adjudged or noted as being a guarantee item of a construction or repair contractor.
§ 272.24 Subsidy repair summaries.
(a) Filing requirements. The Operator of an Eligible Vessel shall submit to the appropriate MARAD regional Ship Operations Office a Subsidy Repair Summary (Form MA–140) for each quarter of a calendar year in which one or more of the Operator’s Eligible Vessels (including any vessel which has been temporarily withdrawn from subsidized service) terminates a voyage. This quarterly report shall include supporting documents and information, as described in paragraph (c) of this section. This summary may be for either a single voyage or multiple voyages, and shall be filed not later than 120 days after:
(1) The close of the calendar quarter in which a voyage is terminated, or
(2) The date the reported vessel is temporarily or permanently withdrawn from subsidized service.
(b) Form requirements. MARAD will make available one copy of Form MA–140 upon request. Each Operator shall furnish its own supply of the form and prepare each form for submission. Information on any Form MA–140 shall pertain to only one vessel. The Operator’s superintendent engineer or other responsible official shall certify every summary submitted by an Operator in the following manner:
(c) Categorization. The Operator shall exercise due diligence in identifying each item in the Form MA–140 within the following three separate categories:
(1) Claimed for subsidy. This includes the following:
(i) M&R
(ii) Spare Parts
(iii) Improvements
(2) Marine loss. If any M&R expense is incurred because of marine loss, the Operator shall list such an M&R expense under this separate category, and shall exclude such expense from the totals for the “Claimed for Subsidy” and “Non-Subsidized Items” categories provided for in this section.
(3) Non-subsidized items. This category shall include builders’ guarantee items, foreign repairs, and other items of M&R expense not claimed for subsidy.
(d) Required supporting documents and information—(1) General. The Operator shall support every item in the Form MA–140 with documents or other information, in sufficient detail to permit MARAD to determine the fairness and reasonableness of the prices for the submitted work. With respect to any claims for M&R performed outside the United States, the Operator shall submit with the claim a certificate, signed either by the Operator (if it uses its own shore gang labor or materials from its own inventory) or by an official of the ship repair yard or the independent contractor performing the work, stating that the M&R were performed with materials, labor, or both, of Domestic Origin.
(2) U.S. Independent contractors. If a U.S. independent contractor performed M&R work, the Operator shall support each such expense with one copy of the contractor’s invoices covering the work performed. If an invoice is not itemized and fully descriptive of the work performed with item prices then the Operator shall attach to the contractor’s invoice other supporting documentation, such as specifications, prepared in sufficient detail to permit a determination of the fairness and reasonableness of the prices for each segment of the work performed.
(3) Operator’s shore gang. If an Operator’s own U.S. shore gang has performed any M&R work, the Operator shall submit with the Form MA–140 specifications covering that work, prepared in sufficient detail (including the material and labor cost of each item) to permit a determination of the specific cost of each segment of work performed.
(4) Operator furnished material. Whenever an Operator furnishes to a contractor material obtained either from the Operator’s own ship stores or shoreside inventory, or by direct purchase for a specific job, the Operator shall include on the invoice, requisition form or other form of transfer memorandum the item number for which the material was used and the contract number covering the work performed.
(5) Spare parts. The Operator shall ensure that the invoice covering any Spare Part for an Eligible Vessel which is to be used or installed as an integral, permanent part of the vessel, indicates the specific piece or part of the vessel’s hull, machinery, or Equipment for which the Spare Part was obtained.
(6) Foreign repairs. Operators receiving M&R subsidy shall submit copies of all U.S. Customs entry forms detailing foreign expenditures on behalf of Eligible Vessels. The copies shall include all expenditures made during the quarter.
§ 272.25 Requirements for subsidy repayment.
(a) Repayment of M&R subsidy for compensated marine or other loss. If an Operator eventually receives compensation from an insurer or any other person for a marine loss or any other loss for which M&R subsidy has been paid, the Operator shall repay to MARAD an amount equal to the amount of subsidy paid with respect to that loss.
(b) Repayment of M&R subsidy for Improvements—three year service requirement. If, within three years after the completion of an Improvement for which M&R subsidy was paid, the Operator permanently withdraws the Eligible Vessel from the ODSA, the Operator shall repay to MARAD an amount equal to the amount of M&R subsidy paid with respect to that Improvement unless MARAD shall have determined that such action was beyond the control of the Operator.
(c) Repayment of M&R subsidy due to allocation of costs. If the allocation of total M&R costs required by § 272.41(e) of this part results in the allocation of a lesser amount of subsidizable M&R costs than were actually paid for during the calendar year, the Operator shall repay to MARAD the amount of ODS which was paid in excess of the allocated subsidizable costs.
(d) Administrative action. If an Operator fails to repay an M&R subsidy required to be repaid by this section, MARAD may either reduce any ODS payable by the amount of M&R subsidy required to be repaid by this section, or take any other action necessary to secure repayment.
Subpart D—Penalties
§ 272.31 Determination of penalty.
Operators whose Eligible Vessels have undergone foreign repairs, which MARAD determines are non-emergency in nature, may be subject to a penalty in an amount equal to the total cost (exclusive of applicable U.S. Customs duties) of such foreign repairs and purchases, such penalty to be effected by a deduction from the Operator’s total ODS otherwise accrued. The Director, Office of Ship Operating Assistance, shall notify the Operator by letter with respect to:
(a) MARAD’s determination of a penalty and the reasons therefore; and
(b) Whether the determination is final or subject to the submission of additional information.
§ 272.32 Mitigation of penalty.
The Director, Office of Ship Operating Assistance, may decide, after a non-emergency foreign repair occurs, to mitigate the penalty. Any mitigation of penalty shall be based on a determination that special circumstances existed at the time of repair. The Director shall not consider the difference in the price of foreign and domestic repair work in making this determination, and shall not grant prior approval of foreign repairs. In determining whether special circumstances existed, the Director shall consider, among others, the following factors:
(a) The trading area of the vessel both before and after the repair was performed;
(b) Loss of revenue and effect on vessel utilization if the vessel had returned to the United States for repairs;
(c) The additional operating expense which would have resulted from a return to the United States to repair the vessel; and
(d) Whether the repairs could have been deferred until return to the United States, taking into consideration the Coast Guard requirements for dry docking and special surveys.
§ 272.33 Appeals.
The Operator may appeal final penalty determinations of the Director, Office of Ship Operating Assistance, to the Board, as provided in § 272.43(c) of this part.
Subpart E—Examination, Audit, Review and Appeal Procedures
§ 272.41 Requirements for examination and allocation of M&R expenses.
(a) Examination requirement. Pursuant to the specific limitations on M&R subsidy in section 603 of the Act, the Region Office shall examine the expenses submitted by an operator on Form MA–140 in order to determine eligibility to receive M&R subsidy and the reasonableness of such expenses.
(b) Operator’s responsibility. During the examination, the operator shall provide, at the request of the Director or other official of the Region Office, any further documentation or information necessary to support an M&R expense. If such documentation or information, including information required under paragraph (e) of this section, is not received at the Region Office on a timely basis, the Director or other official of the Region Office may disallow the M&R expense.
(c) Notification of examination results. At the completion of the examination the Director or other appropriate official of the applicable Region Office shall notify the Operator by letter of the results of the examination, and shall state the reason for each disallowance of an item claimed for subsidy and/or each nonapproval of a marine loss item.
(d) Record retention requirements. To facilitate an audit examination of M&R made pursuant to § 272.42 of this part, the Operator shall maintain files arranged by vessel and voyage, which shall include, at a minimum, a copy of the Region Office notice letter, a copy of the Form MA–140 with all supporting documents submitted therewith, and the condition survey report. The Operator shall retain all the required materials in files for not less than 3 years after completion of the audit.
(1) Limitation on approval. Any approval for payment of M&R subsidy for a marine loss item shall be subject to rescission or modification if the Operator subsequently receives insurance or other compensation for the item. The Region Finance Officer may at any time request verification that the Operator has not received such compensation.
(2) Status report on approved marine loss items. The Operator shall advise the Region Finance Office by letter as to whether insurance or other compensation will be recovered for the marine loss item. The Operator is responsible for ensuring that the letter reaches the applicable Region Office within 120 days after:
(i) The date on which all repairs for damage attributed to the “Policy Voyage” (as defined in the Operator’s insurance policy) are completed, when the amount for such repairs does not exceed the franchise or deductible of the policy, or
(ii) The date of the underwriter’s rejection of the Operator’s marine loss insurance claim or claims.
§ 272.42 Audit requirements and procedures.
(a) Required audit. In connection with the audit of the Operator’s subsidizable expenses, the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Transportation, shall audit for MARAD the Operator’s M&R costs, as necessary, for the determination of final subsidy rates. The Operator shall substantiate those costs recorded on the books of account which have been approved by the Administration.
(b) Notification of audit results. Upon completion of the audit by the Office of Inspector General, the MARAD Office of Financial Approvals shall notify the Operator of the audit results, including any items disallowed and the reasons for such disallowance.
§ 272.43 Review and appeal procedures.
(a) Exclusive procedures. Notwithstanding the audit appeal procedures of part 205 of this chapter, the provisions of this section shall be the exclusive remedy available to an Operator for the review and appeal of any disallowance of subsidy for a M&R expense claimed or any penalty assessed pursuant to § 272.31.
(b) Request for review. An Operator may request review by:
(1) The Director, Office of Ship Operations, with respect to any disallowance by the Region office of a claimed M&R expense, after receiving the notification required by § 272.41(c); or
(2) The Director, Office of Financial Approvals, with respect to any disallowance of a claimed M&R expense, after receiving the notification required by § 272.42(b).
(c) Timeliness of request. The Operator shall file all requests for review pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section within 60 days after the date of the audit notification. Any disallowance with respect to which the Operator fails to file a timely request for review shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal to the Board pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.
(d) Notification of review determination. The appropriate MARAD Office Director shall notify the Operator by letter, with respect to each timely filed review request, of the Director’s determination and the reasons for each disallowance and whether the determination is final or subject to the submission of additional information.
(e) Appeal to the Maritime Subsidy Board—(1) Right to appeal. An Operator may appeal a MARAD Office Director’s final determination issued pursuant to § 272.32 (penalties) or § 272.43 (review of claims disallowance or of audit results) of this section to the Board in writing.
(2) Contents and timeliness. The Operator shall set forth in any appeal the reasons for the Operator’s objection to a penalty or disallowance of M&R subsidy and shall file such appeal with the Secretary of the Board within 60 days after the date of the notification sent to the operator by the appropriate Director pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section or § 272.33.
§ 272.44 Dates.
The dates noted on the letters or notifications sent to the Operator by officials of the Region Office, any Director or any other official or MARAD, pursuant to the provisions of this part, shall be conclusive for the purposes of determining the timeliness of any requests for review made under the provisions of this part.
PART 276 [RESERVED]
PART 277—DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN TRADE; INTERPRETATIONS
§ 277.1 Guam, Midway and Wake.
Steamship service between ports of the United States mainland and ports in the islands of Guam, Midway and Wake is not “domestic intercoastal or coastwise service” within the meaning of section 805(a) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. This interpretation is limited to Guam, Midway and Wake and does not signify that a similar interpretation is or would be applicable to Hawaii, Puerto Rico or Alaska.
PARTS 280–283 [RESERVED]
PART 287—ESTABLISHMENT OF CONSTRUCTION RESERVE FUNDS
§ 287.1 Definitions.
(a) As used in the regulations in this part, except as otherwise expressly provided—
(1) Act means the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C., ch. 27).
(2) Section means one of the sections of the regulations in this part.
(3) Administration means the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation.
(4) Citizen means a person who, if an individual, was born or naturalized as a citizen of the United States or, if other than an individual, meets the requirements of section 905(c) of the Act and section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended (46 U.S.C. 802).
(5) Taxpayer means a citizen who has established or seeks to establish a construction reserve fund under the provisions of section 511 of the Act and the regulations in this part, and may include a partnership.
(6) Corporation includes associations, joint-stock companies and insurance companies.
(7) Stock includes the shares in an association, joint-stock company, or insurance company.
(8) Affiliate or associate means a person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, another person.
(9) Control, as used in paragraph (a)(8) of this section, means the possession of the power to direct in any manner the management and policies of a person, and the terms controlling and controlled shall have the meanings correlative to the foregoing.
(10) Person means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, an estate, a trust, or a company.
(11) Partnership includes a syndicate, group, pool, joint venture, or other unincorporated organization.
(12) Construction, if so determined by the Administration, shall include reconstruction and reconditioning.
(13) Reconstruction and reconditioning shall include the reconstruction, reconditioning, or modernization of a vessel for exclusive use on the Great Lakes, including the Saint Lawrence River and Gulf, if the Administration determines that the objectives of the Act will be promoted by such reconstruction, reconditioning, or modernization, and, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, such vessel shall be deemed to be a new vessel within the meaning of section 511 of the Act for such reconstruction, reconditioning, or modernization.
(14) Purchase-money indebtedness means any indebtedness, or evidence thereof, created as the result of the purchase of a vessel by the taxpayer.
(15) Contract, contract for the construction, and construction contract shall include, if so determined by the Administration, a contract for reconstruction or reconditioning and shall include, in the case of a taxpayer who constructs a new vessel in a shipyard owned by such taxpayer, an agreement, between such taxpayer and the Administration with respect to such construction, and containing provisions deemed necessary or advisable by the Administration to carry out the purposes and policy of section 511 of the Act.
(b) Insofar as the computation and collection of taxes are concerned, other terms used in the regulations in this part, except as otherwise provided, have the same meaning as in the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.
§ 287.2 Scope of section 511 of the Act and the regulations in this part.
(a) Applicability of regulations. The regulations prescribed in this part—
(1) Apply to gain realized from the sale or loss of vessels, earnings from the operation of vessels, and interest (or otherwise) with respect to amounts previously deposited in the construction reserve fund, for a taxable year beginning after December 31, 1964, and
(2) Apply to the expenditure, obligation, or withdrawal, during a taxable year beginning after December 31, 1964, of any deposits of gain, earnings, and interest (or otherwise) of the character referred to in paragraph (a)(1) of this section without regard to the taxable year in which the deposits were made.
(b) Nonrecognition and accumulation. Section 511 of the Act provides, under conditions specified, for the nonrecognition, for income and excess-profits tax purposes, of the gain realized from the sale or indemnification for loss of certain vessels including certain vessels in the course of construction, or shares therein. It also permits the accumulation of the proceeds of such sales or indemnification and of certain earnings without liability under part I (section 531 and following), subchapter G, chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and the regulations thereunder (26 CFR 1.531 through 1.537–1 (Income Tax Regulations)).
(c) Availability of benefits. The benefits of section 511 of the Act are available to any citizen as defined in paragraph (a)(4) of § 287.1, who, during any taxable year owns, in whole or in part, a vessel or vessels within the scope of § 287.3. A citizen operating such a vessel or vessels owned by any other person or persons can derive no benefit from the provisions relating to the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or loss of such vessel or vessels so owned, but may establish a construction reserve fund in which he may deposit earnings from the operation of such vessel or vessels.
(d) Applicability of section 511. Section 511 of the Act applies only with respect to sales or losses of vessels within the scope of § 287.3 or in respect of earnings derived from the operation of such vessels. A loss to be within section 511 of the Act must be an actual or constructive total loss. Whether there is a total loss, actual or constructive, will be determined by the Administration.
§ 287.3 Requirements as to vessel operations.
Section 511 of the Act applies with respect to vessels operated in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States or in the fisheries of the United States and vessels acquired or being constructed for the purpose of such operation. The foreign commerce of the United States includes commerce or trade between the United States (including the District of Columbia), the territories and possessions which are embraced within the coastwise laws, and a foreign country or other territories and possessions of the United States. The domestic commerce of the United States includes commerce or trade between ports of the United States and its territories and possessions, embraced within the coastwise laws and on inland rivers. The fisheries include the fisheries of the United States and its territories and possessions. Section 511 of the Act does not apply to vessels operated in the foreign commerce or fisheries of any country other than the United States.
§ 287.4 Application to establish fund.
(a) Any person claiming to be entitled to the benefits of section 511 of the Act may make application, in writing, to the Administration for permission to establish a construction reserve fund. The original application shall be executed and verified by the taxpayer, or if the taxpayer is a corporation, by one of its principal officers, in triplicate, and shall be accompanied by eight conformed copies when filed with the Administration. MARAD will accept electronic options (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.
(b) Form of application:
The undersigned applicant, ______, hereby applies, under section 511, Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, and the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation acting by and through the Maritime Administrator (hereinafter referred to as “Administrator”) (46 CFR Part 287) and the Secretary of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (26 CFR Part 2) for permission to establish a construction reserve fund to be used for the construction or acquisition of a new vessel or vessels as defined by subsection (a) of said section 511, and submits in support of its application the following information:
A. Identity and nationality of applicant.
1. Exact name.
2. Status (individual, partnership, corporation, etc.).
3. Give the place of incorporation—whether under the laws of the United States, or of a State, Territory, District, or possession thereof.
4. Address of principal executive offices.
5. A statement, if applicant is an individual or a partnership, should be attached in the application in affidavit form, containing information that applicant is a citizen of the United States by virtue of birth in the United States, naturalization, etc.; give place and date of birth and/or naturalization; if derivative U.S. citizenship is alleged through naturalization of parent while a minor, the number, date and place of issue of the certificate of derivative citizenship of applicant should be cited together with any other pertinent details relative thereto.
6. (a) The name, office, and nationality of each officer and director of the applicant owning shares of stock in the corporation should be submitted together with the number and class of capital shares owned.
(b) In order that the U.S. citizenship status of a corporation applicant may be determined by the Administration, an affidavit as in accordance with Part 355 of this Chapter shall be furnished together with a current copy of the Articles or Certificate of Incorporation certified by the Secretary of the State where incorporated (or appropriate officer, if other than a State, as provided in “A.3” above), and a copy of the current By-Laws certified by the Secretary of the Corporation.
7. The name, address and nationality of, and number and class of capital shares owned by, each person not named in answer to Item 6, owning of record, or beneficially if known, 5 percent or more of the outstanding capital shares of any class of the applicant. (The applicant shall be required, upon request, to furnish such additional data as may be deemed necessary to establish the U.S. citizenship of the applicant pursuant to section 2, Shipping Act, 1916, or section 905(c), Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended.)
8. A brief statement of the general effect of each voting agreement, voting trust, or other arrangement whereby the voting rights in any shares of the applicant are owned, controlled or exercised, or whereby the control of the applicant is in any way held or exercised by any person not the holder of legal title to such shares. Give the name, address, nationality, and business of any such person, and, if not an individual, the form of organization.
B. Business of the applicant and proposed use of the new vessel.
9. A brief description of (a) the shipping business, or (b) the fishing business, and (c) any other business activities of the applicant.
10. If engaged in the domestic or foreign commerce of the United States, full details concerning the services, routes, or lines on which vessels owned or chartered by the applicant are or have been operated.
11. If applicant is engaged in the fisheries of the United States, full details concerning the location of the fishing operations and the method employed.
C. Proceeds to be deposited.
12. If applicant proposes to deposit the proceeds from the sale of a vessel, a description of the transaction from which the funds were obtained, including the name of the vessel sold, name of purchaser, selling price, date and terms of sale, consideration received by the applicant, amount and description of any mortgage or other lien on the vessel at the time of sale, whether such mortgage or lien was satisfied from the proceeds of sale, brief description of vessel as to size, speed, tonnage, etc., age of vessel at the time of sale, and value and accrued depreciation for income tax purposes at time of sale.
13. If applicant proposes to deposit proceeds of indemnity from loss of a vessel, the name of the vessel, date and description of the loss, amount of indemnity and date received, name of underwriter, amount and description of any mortgage or other lien on the vessel at time of loss, whether such mortgage or lien was satisfied from the proceeds of the indemnity, age of vessel at time of loss, brief description of vessel as to size, speed, tonnage, etc., and value and accrued depreciation for income tax purposes at time of loss.
14. If applicant proposes to deposit earnings from the operation of vessels, a statement of the amount of such earnings to be deposited, the period during which earned, and their source, including the vessels, services, routes, or lines involved.
D. The new vessel.
15. Statement whether applicant proposes: (a) To have a new vessel built to specifications, or (b) to acquire a vessel already constructed or under construction. If the former, and a contract for construction has been entered into at the time of the making of this application, state the date said contract was entered into, the parties thereto, the terms thereof, and date of delivery thereunder. If the latter, give name of vessel, builder, from whom purchased, or to be purchased, date when construction commenced, and date when delivered, or if vessel is still under construction, anticipated date of delivery.
16. The general characteristics of the proposed new vessel, including (a) principal dimensions; (b) gross, net and deadweight tonnage; (c) bale and grain capacities of all cargo holds; (d) capacities of all tanks, storage spaces, refrigerator cargo spaces and separately chilled cargo spaces; (e) number and classes of passenger accommodations; (f) type and power, and in case of steam machinery, the gauge pressure, total temperature, and vacuum expected of propulsive machinery; (g) kind of fuel to be burned; and (h) sustained sea speed at designed load draft.
17. If the proposed new vessel is to operate in the domestic or foreign commerce of the United States, a statement of how it will meet the needs of the service, route or line for which it is intended, with emphasis on the following factors: (a) Cargo accommodations—cargo space and fittings and appliances for handling and stowing cargo; (b) passenger accommodations; (c) construction and design; and (d) accommodations for officers and crews.
18. If the proposed new vessel is to be operated in the fisheries of the United States, a description of the vessel, and a statement of how the vessel will meet the needs of such operations.
19. If the proposed new vessel is intended to replace a vessel or vessels requisitioned or purchased by the United States, a statement of how the proposed replacement vessel will meet the needs of the service, route, line, or use for which it is intended.
20. If the proposed new vessel is less than 2,000 gross tons or of less speed than 12 knots, a description of the features which would make it desirable for use by the United States in case of war or national emergency.
E. The construction reserve fund.
21. A description of the deposit or deposits which the applicant proposes to make in the construction reserve fund, including the amounts to be deposited in cash, notes, mortgages or other evidences of indebtedness, irrevocable commitments, or securities, giving reference to the source as described in items C–12, C–13, or C–14.
22. Name and address of proposed depository or depositories for the construction reserve fund.
F. Taxable year of applicant.
23. Whether applicant files its Federal income tax return on a calendar year or fiscal year basis and if on the latter, the beginning of its fiscal year.
G. Exhibits to be furnished.
24. The following documents shall be filed as exhibits attached to the application:
Exhibit I—If available at the time this application is filed, an authenticated copy of any irrevocable commitment to finance the construction or acquisition of the new vessel proposed to be deposited in the construction reserve fund pursuant to the provisions of 46 CFR 287.13(d).
Exhibit II—If the applicant is a corporation, a copy of each contract or agreement presently in effect, referred to in answer to Item 8.
H. Covenants of the applicant.
25. The applicant hereby agrees as follows:
(a) That the construction reserve fund shall be subject to the provisions of section 511, Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, to the regulations prescribed by the Administrator, and the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the establishment, maintenance, expenditure, and use of such fund, and to such resolutions as may be adopted by the Administrator with respect to such fund;
(b) That it will furnish copies of any contracts entered into for the construction or acquisition of new vessels which the Administrator may require;
(c) That it will furnish hull plans and specifications, machinery plans and specifications, and data with respect to communication facilities if and to the extent required by the Administrator; and
(d) If no contract for the construction of a new vessel as set forth in paragraph D, sub-division 15(a) hereof, has been entered into at the time of making of this application, it will, upon entering into said contract, furnish to the Administrator the date thereof, the parties thereto, the terms thereof and date of delivery thereunder. Name of applicant:
Date:
Attention: A false statement in this application is punishable by law (18 U.S.C. 1001).
1. Applications shall be prepared in the form provided according to the lettered items and serially numbered paragraphs. They must be signed and sworn to as provided. Eleven copies of the applications shall be filed with the Maritime Administrator, at least one copy of which shall be signed.
2. Each application shall be complete. Items or part of items which are inapplicable may, however, be omitted. The information required by Article 25 need be furnished only as stated in that item. The applicant may incorporate by specific reference information previously furnished the Maritime Administrator provided that such information so incorporated shall have been furnished at least in triplicate.
3. If any information called for by an applicable item is not furnished, and explanation of the omission shall be given. The applicant may furnish such relevant information as it may desire, in addition to that specified in the form.
4. Any additional information called for by the Maritime Administrator from time to time shall be furnished as an amendment or amendments to the application. The original and 11 copies of each amendment shall be filed, shall refer to the application, and shall be identified as an amendment and dated. Without any specific request from the Maritime Administrator the applicant shall file from time to time as amendments any information necessary to keep the information contained therein or furnished in connection therewith current and correct while the application is pending.
(c) Fee. Each such application shall be accompanied by the sum of $225, which sum will be retained to recover the cost of processing the application.
Where the time between the receipt by the Administration of the application for permission to establish a construction reserve fund and the date prior to which an amount received from the sale or loss of a vessel must be deposited to come within the scope of section 511 of the Act is insufficient to permit a determination of the eligibility of the applicant, the Administration may tentatively authorize the establishment of a construction reserve fund and the deposit of such amount therein. Such tentative authorization shall be subject to rescission by the Administration if subsequently it is determined that the applicant is not entitled to the benefits of section 511 of the Act, or has not complied with the statutory requirements. For example, a tentative authorization will be rescinded if the Administration ascertains that the applicant is not a citizen. Upon such determination, the fund shall be closed and all amounts on deposit therein shall be withdrawn.
§ 287.6 Establishment of fund.
(a) Authorization by the Administration. If the application is approved by the Administration, the Administration will adopt Orders authorizing the establishment of a construction reserve fund with the depository or depositories designated by the taxpayer and approved by the Administration. The Orders will provide for joint control by the Administration and the taxpayer over such fund, will set forth the conditions governing the establishment and maintenance of the fund and the making of deposits therein and withdrawals therefrom, and will designate the representatives authorized to execute instruments of withdrawal on behalf of the Administration.
(b) Resolution or agreement of the taxpayer. A certified copy of the Orders of the Administration will be furnished the taxpayer. If the taxpayer is a corporation, it shall promptly adopt, through its board of directors, a resolution satisfactory in form and substance to the Administration, authorizing the establishment and maintenance of the fund in conformity with the action of the Administration. If the taxpayer is not a corporation, it shall promptly execute an agreement with the depository satisfactory in form and substance to the Administration to conform to the action of the Administration as set forth in the Orders. Certified copies of the Orders of the Administration and of the resolution of the taxpayer (if it is a corporation) will be furnished to the depository by the Administration and the taxpayer, respectively, for its guidance in maintaining the fund and honoring instruments of withdrawal. The taxpayer, if a corporation, shall also furnish the Administration with a certified copy of its resolution, or if not a corporation a duplicate original of its agreement with the depository.
The resolutions referred to in this section shall be retained 2 years after a final release or settlement agreement is completed between the Maritime Administration/Maritime Subsidy Board and the taxpayer.
(c) Constructive action not recognized. Constructive deposits, substitutions or withdrawals will not be recognized by the Administration in the establishment and maintenance of the fund.
(d) Failure to make deposits as basis for termination of fund. In the event no deposit is made into the fund for more than five years, any amounts remaining in the fund shall be removed from the fund at the discretion of the Administration and, if so removed, the fund shall be terminated. In the event of such termination, see § 287.23 for recognition of gain.
§ 287.7 Circumstances permitting reimbursement from a construction reserve fund.
(a) Payments prior to establishment of fund. If, prior to the establishment of a construction reserve fund under the regulations in this part, a taxpayer has made necessary payments under a contract which satisfies the provisions of the regulations in this part and section 511 of the Act for the construction or acquisition of a new vessel, such taxpayer may, if subsequently authorized to establish a construction reserve fund under the regulations in this part, draw against such fund as reimbursement for the amount, if any, of other funds which, with the approval or ratification of the Administration, the taxpayer used for making such necessary payments prior to the establishment of the fund.
(b) Payments subsequent to establishment of fund. If, subsequent to the establishment of a construction reserve fund under the regulations in this part, the taxpayer has made necessary payments under a contract which satisfies the provisions of the regulations in this part and section 511 of the Act for the construction or acquisition of a new vessel, such taxpayer may draw against such fund as reimbursement for the amount, if any, of other funds which, with the approval or ratification of the Administration, the taxpayer had used for the purpose of making such necessary payments.
§ 287.8 Investment of funds in securities.
(a) Obligations of or guaranteed by the United States. Interest-bearing direct obligations of the United States, or obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States may be deposited in the construction reserve fund in lieu of cash, may be purchased with cash on deposit in the fund, or may be substituted for securities or commitment to finance in the fund, subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) Other securities. In cases where the taxpayer desires to deposit any securities in the fund in lieu of cash other than those of or guaranteed by the United States or to purchase such other securities with cash on deposit in the fund, or to substitute such other securities for securities or commitment to finance in the fund, the taxpayer shall make written application to the Administration and shall not consummate the transaction until the written consent of the Administration shall have been received. The application shall describe the securities fully. Every approval by the Administration of such application shall be conditioned upon agreement by the taxpayer forthwith to dispose of such securities upon subsequent request by the Administration. Immediately upon the purchase of any securities for deposit in the fund, the taxpayer shall advise the Administration, giving the date of purchase, a description of the securities, and the price paid therefor (net, brokerage and other charges, and gross). Ordinarily, the Administration will not approve the deposit in the fund in lieu of cash, or the purchase with cash on deposit in the fund or the substitution for securities in the fund of securities not actively traded in on exchanges registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Chapter 2B), or securities which are not legal for investment of trust funds. Whenever the Administration approves the substitution of other securities for securities in the fund, such substitution shall be effected only upon or after the deposit of the substituted securities into the fund.
(c) Cash. Cash may be substituted for amounts which are on deposit in the fund in any other form.
(d) Devalued securities. In the event the Administration determines that the market value at any date of any securities in the fund has decreased to a figure which is less than 90 percent of the market value at the time of deposit into the fund, then within 60 days after the taxpayer receives notice of such determination the taxpayer shall (except as otherwise provided in this paragraph) deposit into the fund cash or securities in an amount equal to the difference between the current market value of the devalued securities and the market value of such securities at the time of their original deposit. However, if any securities in the fund are valued at the time of their deposit at less than the market value of such securities at the time of their deposit the taxpayer shall be required to deposit only an amount equal to that portion of the difference between the current market value of the devalued securities and the market value of such securities at the time of their original deposit which bears the same ratio to such total difference as the amount at which the securities were valued at the time of their deposit bears to the market value at the time of such deposit.
§ 287.9 Valuation of securities in fund.
(a) Equipment values. In cases where securities are deposited in the fund in lieu of cash, or are purchased with cash on deposit in the fund, or are substituted for securities in the fund, the value of such securities must not be less than the amount of cash in lieu of which they are so deposited or with which they are so purchased, or the value at the time of deposit of the securities for which they were so substituted. If the securities on deposit in the fund are replaced by cash from the general funds of the taxpayer, the amount of cash to be deposited in the fund in lieu thereof shall be not less than the amount at which such securities were valued at the time of their deposit in the fund.
(b) Determination of value. (1) For the purpose of determining the amount in the fund, the value of securities shall be their “market value” (which shall be the basis for determining value, unless otherwise agreed to by the administration) and shall be determined in the following manner:
(i) In instances where no actual purchase is involved, such as the initial deposit of securities in the fund in lieu of cash, the last sales price thereof on the principal exchange on the day the deposit was made shall be deemed to be the “market value” thereof, or, if no such sales were made, the “market value” thereof will be determined by the Administration on such basis as it may deem to be fair and reasonable in each case.
(ii) In instances where the purchase of securities with cash on deposit in the fund is involved, “market value” shall be the gross price paid (adjusted for accrued interest); Provided, That if such securities are purchased otherwise than upon a registered exchange the price shall be within the range of transactions on the exchange on the date of such purchase, or, if there were no such transactions, then the “market value” thereof will be determined by the Administration on such basis as it may deem to be fair and reasonable in each case.
(2) Purchase-money obligations secured by mortgages on vessels sold or irrevocable commitments to finance the construction or acquisition of new vessels which are deposited in the construction reserve fund as provided in § 287.13 ordinarily will be considered as equivalent to their face value.
§ 287.10 Withdrawals from fund.
(a) Withdrawals for obligations or liquidation. (1) Checks, drafts, or other instruments of withdrawal to meet obligations under a contract for the construction or acquisition of new vessel or vessels or for the liquidation of existing or subsequently incurred purchase-money indebtedness, after having been executed by the taxpayer, shall be forwarded to the Administration in Washington, DC, with appropriate explanation of the purpose of the proposed withdrawal, including properly certified invoices or other supporting papers. Such instruments of withdrawal, if payable to the Administration, will be deposited by the Administration for collection, and the proceeds thereof, upon collection, will be credited to the appropriate contract with the Administration; but if drawn to the order of payees other than the Administration, after countersignature on behalf of the Administration, will ordinarily be forwarded to the payees.
(2) An amount obligated under a contract for the construction or acquisition of a new vessel or vessels or for the liquidation of existing or subsequently incurred purchase-money indebtedness, whether the obligor has the entire or a partial interest therein within the scope of section 511 of the Act, may not, so long as the contract or indebtedness continues in full force and effect, be withdrawn except to meet payments due or to become due under such contract or for such liquidation.
(b) Other withdrawals. Checks, drafts, or other instruments of withdrawal executed by the taxpayer for purposes other than to meet obligations under a contract for the construction or acquisition of a new vessel or vessels or for the liquidation of existing or subsequently incurred purchase-money indebtedness, whether the taxpayer has the entire or a partial interest therein, shall be drawn by the taxpayer to its own order and forwarded to the Administration in Washington, DC, with appropriate explanation of the purpose of the proposed withdrawal. Such withdrawals may occur by reason of a determination by the Administration that the taxpayer is not entitled to the benefits of section 511 of the Act (see § 287.5), or that a particular deposit has been improperly made (see § 287.13), or by reason of the election of the taxpayer to make such withdrawals. Upon receipt of such checks, drafts, or other instruments of withdrawal, the Administration will give notice thereof to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The Commissioner will advise the Administration of the receipt of the notice and the date it was received. The Administration shall not countersign such checks, drafts, or other instruments of withdrawal or transmit them to the taxpayer until the expiration of 30 days from the date of receipt of the notice by the Commissioner, unless the Commissioner or such official of the Internal Revenue Service as he may designate for the purpose consents in writing to earlier countersignature by the Administration and transmittal to the taxpayer. Upon the expiration of such 30-day period, or prior thereto if the aforesaid consent of the Commissioner has been obtained, the Administration will countersign the check, draft, or other instrument of withdrawal and forward it to the taxpayer.
(c) Inapplicability to certain transactions. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to transactions deemed to be withdrawals by reason of the sale of securities held in the fund for an amount less than the market value thereof at the time of their deposit (see § 287.23), nor to the cancellation of an irrevocable commitment deposited in the fund, upon proof satisfactory to the Administration that the terms of such commitment have been fully satisfied.
§ 287.11 Time deposits.
Deposits in the construction reserve fund not invested in securities may be placed in time deposits when, in the judgment of the taxpayer, it is desirable and feasible so to do. The taxpayer shall promptly advise the Administration of any time deposit arrangements made with the depository. The Administration reserves the right at any time to require the termination or modification of any such arrangements. With prior approval of the Administration a time deposit may be made in a depository other than the one with which the construction reserve fund is established.
§ 287.12 Election as to nonrecognition of gain.
(a) Election requirements. As a prerequisite to the nonrecognition of gain on the sale or loss of a vessel (or of a part interest therein) for Federal income tax purposes, the taxpayer, after establishing a construction reserve fund, must make an election with respect to such vessel or interest in the manner set forth in this paragraph.
(1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the election must be made in the taxpayer’s Federal income tax return (or, in the case of a partnership, in the partnership return of income) for the taxable year in which the gain with respect to the sale or loss of the vessel is realized. The election as to the nonrecognition of gain shall be shown by a statement to that effect, submitted as a part of, and attached to, the return. The statement, which need not be on any prescribed form, shall set forth a computation of the amount of the realized gain, the identity of the vessel, the nature and extent of the taxpayer’s interest therein, whether such vessel was sold or lost and the date of sale or loss, the full sale price or full amount of indemnity, and the amount and date of each payment thereof, the basis of tax purposes and any other data affecting the determination of the realized gain.
(2) Certain Government payments. In case a vessel is purchased or requisitioned by the United States, or is lost, in any taxable year and the taxpayer receives payment for the vessel so purchased or requisitioned, or receives from the United States indemnity on account of such loss, subsequent to the end of such taxable year, the taxpayer shall make his election by filing notice thereof with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Washington, DC, 20224, prior to the expiration of 60 days after receipt of the payment or indemnity. The taxpayer shall file a copy of the notice with the Secretary, Maritime Administration, Washington, DC, 20590. The form of the notice of election shall be prepared by the taxpayer and shall be substantially as follows:
Pursuant to the provisions of section 511(c)(2) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, notice is hereby given that the undersigned taxpayer elects that gain in respect of the sale to the United States, or indemnification received from the United States on account of the loss, of the vessel named below or share therein shall not be recognized. The circumstances involved in the computation of such gain are as follows:
§ 287.13 Deposit of proceeds of sales or indemnities.
(a) Manner of deposit. The deposit required by section 511 of the Act must be made in a construction reserve fund established with a depository or depositories approved by the Administration and subject to the joint control of the Administration and the taxpayer. It is not necessary to establish a separate fund with respect to each vessel or share in a vessel sold or lost.
(b) Amount of deposit. With respect to any vessel sold or lost, or a share therein, the deposit must be in an amount equal to the “net proceeds” of the sale, or the “net indemnity” for the loss. By “net proceeds” and “net indemnity” is meant (1) the depositor’s interest in the adjusted basis of the vessel plus (2) the amount of gain which would be recognized for tax purposes in the absence of section 511 of the Act. In determining “net proceeds”, the amount necessarily paid or incurred for brokers’ commissions is to be deducted from the gross amount of the sales price. In the event the taxpayer is an affiliate or associate of the buyer, the amount of the sales price shall not exceed the fair market value of the vessel or vessels sold as determined by the Administration. In such case the taxpayer shall furnish evidence sufficient, in the opinion of the Administration, to establish that the sales price is not in excess of the fair market value. In determining “net indemnity”, the amount necessarily paid or incurred purely for collection, or rate of exchange discounts on the payment, of the indemnity is to be deducted from the gross amount of collectible indemnity. In case of the sale or loss of several vessels or share therein, a deposit of the “net proceeds” or “net indemnity” with respect to one or more of the vessels or shares is permissible. Where several vessels or shares are sold for a lump sum, the “net proceeds” allocated to each vessel or share shall be determined in accordance with any reasonable rule satisfactory to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The taxpayer must deposit the full amount of each payment (including cash, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness) as a single deposit in the construction reserve fund. A payment divided between two or more depositories will be regarded as a single deposit. Amounts received by the taxpayer prior to the date of consummation of the sale of the vessel shall be considered as having been received by the taxpayer at the time the sale is consummated.
(c) Purchase-money obligations. Where the proceeds from the sale of a vessel include purchase-money obligations, such obligations together with the entire collateral therefor, or, in the case of deposit of the proceeds of a share in the vessel, a proportionate part of the obligations and collateral as determined by the Administration, shall be deposited, with the remainder of the proceeds, in the construction reserve fund as a part of the “net proceeds”. The depository shall receive payment of all amounts due on such purchase-money obligations and such amounts shall be placed in the fund in substitution for the portion of the obligations paid. All installments of purchase-money obligations shall be paid directly into the fund by the obligor. In the event any such installment is not so deposited, the Administration, at any time after the due date, may require the taxpayer to deposit an amount equal to such installment. If the taxpayer so desires, he may deposit in the construction reserve fund cash or approved securities in an amount equal to the face value of any purchase-money obligations in lieu of depositing such obligations.
(d) Vessel subject to mortgage at time of sale or loss. Where a vessel is subject to a mortgage or other encumbrance at the time of its sale or loss and the taxpayer actually receives only an amount representing the equity therein or a share in such equity corresponding to his share in the vessel, he shall deposit in the construction reserve fund such amount and concurrently therewith other funds in an amount equal to the difference between the amount received and the “net proceeds” or “net indemnity”. Such other funds may be in the form of cash, or, subject to the approval of the Administration, (1) interest-bearing securities, or (2) an irrevocable and unconditional commitment to finance the construction or acquisition of a new vessel in whole or in part by an obligor approved by the Administration in an amount equal to the amount by which the “net proceeds” exceed the cash or securities deposited in the fund.
(e) Unauthorized deposits. A deposit which is not provided for by section 511 of the Act shall, without unreasonable delay, be withdrawn from the fund and tax liability will be determined as though such deposit had not been made. (See §§ 287.10 and 287.24.)
§ 287.14 Deposit of earnings and receipts.
(a) Earnings. A citizen may deposit all or any part of earnings derived from the operation, within the scope of § 287.3, of a vessel or vessels owned either by himself or any other person, if such earnings are intended for construction or acquisition of new vessels. Such earnings may include payments received by an owner, as compensation for use of his vessel, from other persons by whom it is so operated. Earnings from other sources may not be deposited. The earnings from operation of vessels which are eligible for deposit are the net earnings determined without regard to any deduction for depreciation, obsolescence, or amortization with respect to such vessels.
(b) Receipts. Receipts from deposited funds, in the form of interest or otherwise, may be deposited.
§ 287.15 Time for making deposits.
(a) Proceeds of sale or indemnification. Deposits of amounts representing proceeds of the sale or indemnification for loss of a vessel or share therein must be made within 60 days after receipt by the taxpayer.
(b) Earnings and receipts. Earnings and receipts for the taxable year may be deposited at any time. (See § 287.14.)
§ 287.16 Tax liability as to earnings deposited.
Deposit in the construction reserve fund of earnings from the operation of a vessel or vessels, or receipts, in the form of interest or otherwise, with respect to amounts previously deposited does not exempt the taxpayer from tax liability with respect thereto nor postpone the time such earnings or receipts are includible in gross income. Earnings and receipts deposited in a construction reserve fund established in accordance with the provisions of section 511 of the Act and the regulations in this part will be deemed to have been accumulated for the reasonable needs of the business within the meaning of part 1 (section 531 and following), subchapter G, chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, so long as the requirements of section 511 of the Act and the regulations in this part are satisfied relative to the use of the fund in the construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of new vessels, or for the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness on such vessels. For incurrence of tax liability due to noncompliance with the requirements of section 511 of the Act and the regulations in this part with respect to deposits in the construction reserve fund, see the provisions of § 287.23.
§ 287.17 Basis of new vessel.
The basis for determining gain or loss and for depreciation for the purpose of the Federal income tax with respect to a new vessel constructed, reconstructed, reconditioned, or acquired by the taxpayer, or with respect to which purchase-money indebtedness is liquidated as provided in section 511(g) of the Act, with funds deposited in the construction reserve fund, is reduced by the amount of the unrecognized gain represented in the funds allocated under the provisions of the regulations in this part to the cost of such vessel. (See § 287.18.)
§ 287.18 Allocation of gain for tax purposes.
(a) General rules of allocation. As provided in § 287.17, if amounts on deposit in a construction reserve fund are expended, obligated, or withdrawn for construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of new vessels, or for the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness of such vessels, the portion thereof which represents gain shall be applied in reduction of the basis of such new vessels. The rules set forth below in this paragraph shall apply in allocating the unrecognized gain to the amounts so expended, obligated, or withdrawn:
(1) If the “net proceeds” of a sale or “net indemnity” in respect of a loss are deposited in more than one deposit, the portion thereof representing unrecognized gain shall be considered as having been deposited first.
(2) Amounts expended, obligated, or withdrawn from the construction reserve fund shall be applied against amounts deposited in the order of deposit.
(3) If any deposit consists in part of gain not recognized under section 511(c) of the Act, then any expenditure, obligation, or withdrawal applied against such deposit shall be considered to consist of gain in the same proportion that the part of the deposit which constitutes gain bears to the total amount of the deposit.
(b) Date of obligation. The date funds are obligated under a contract for the construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of new vessels, or for the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness on such vessels, rather than the date of payment from the fund, will determine the order of application against the deposits in the fund. When a contract for the construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of new vessels, or for the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness on such vessels is entered into, amounts on deposit in the construction reserve fund will be deemed to be obligated to the extent of the amount of the taxpayer’s liability under the contract. Deposits will be deemed to be so obligated in the order of deposit, each new contract obligating the earliest deposit not previously expended, obligated, or withdrawn. If the liability under the contract exceeds the amount in the construction reserve fund, the contract will be deemed to obligate, to the extent of that part of such excess not otherwise satisfied, the earliest deposit or deposits thereafter made.
(c) Illustration. The foregoing rules are illustrated in the following example:
(2) In 1965, the taxpayer sells a third vessel for $3,000,000, realizing a gain of $900,000. The $3,000,000 is received and deposited in the construction reserve fund in June 1965, making a total in the fund of $3,400,000. In December 1965, the taxpayer contracts for the construction of a second new vessel to cost a maximum of $3,200,000, thereby obligating that amount of the fund, and in June 1966, receives permission to withdraw the unobligated balance amounting to $200,000. To the cost of the second new vessel must be allocated the $400,000 balance of the March 1964 deposit and $2,800,000 of the June 1965 deposit. The unrecognized gain to be applied against the basis of such new vessel is that proportion of the gain represented in each deposit which the portion of the deposit allocated to the vessel bears to the amount of such deposit, i.e., 400,000/1,000,000 of $250,000, or $100,000 plus 2,800,000/3,000,000 of $900,000, or $840,000 making a total of $940,000. The $200,000 withdrawal is applied against the June 1965 deposit and the portion thereof which represents gain will be recognized as income for 1965, the year in which realized. The computation of the recognized gain is as follows: 200,000/3,000,000 of $900,000, or $60,000.
§ 287.19 Requirements as to new vessels.
(a) Requirements. For the purposes of section 511 of the Act and the regulations in this part, the new vessel must be—
(1) Documented under the laws of the United States when it is acquired by the taxpayer, or the taxpayer must agree that when acquired it will be documented under the laws of the United States;
(2)(i) Constructed in the United States after December 31, 1939, or (ii) its construction has been financed under Title V or Title VII of the Act, or (iii) its construction has been aided by a mortgage insured under Title XI of the Act; and
(3) Either (i) of such type, size, and speed as the Administration determines to be suitable for use on the high seas or Great Lakes in carrying out the purposes of the Act, but of not less than 2,000 gross tons or of less speed than 12 knots, except that a particular vessel may be of lesser tonnage or speed if the Administration determines and certifies that the particular vessel is desirable for use by the United States in case of war or national emergency, or (ii) constructed to replace a vessel or vessels requisitioned or purchased by the United States, in which event it must be of such type, size, and speed as to constitute a suitable replacement for the vessel requisitioned or purchased, but if a vessel already built is acquired to replace a vessel or vessels requisitioned or purchased by the United States, such vessel must meet the requirements set forth in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section. Ordinarily, under paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, a vessel constructed more than five years before the date on which deposits in a construction reserve fund are to be expended or obligated for acquisition of such vessel will not be considered suitable for use in carrying out the purpose of the Act, except that the five-year age limitation provided above in this sentence shall not apply to a vessel to be reconstructed before being placed in operation by the taxpayer.
(b) Time of construction. A vessel will be deemed to be constructed after December 31, 1939, only if construction was commenced after that date. Subject to the provisions of this section, a new vessel may be newly built for the taxpayer, or may be acquired after it is built.
(c) Replacement of vessels. It is not necessary that vessels shall be replaced vessels for vessel. The new vessels may be more or less in number than the replaced vessels, provided the other requirements of this section are met.
§ 287.20 Obligation of deposits.
(a) Time for obligation. Within three years from the date of any deposit in a construction reserve fund, unless extension is granted as provided in § 287.22, such deposit must be obligated under a contract for the construction or acquisition of a new vessel or vessels (or in the discretion of the Administration for a share therein), with not less than 12
(b) Requirements for obligation. Unless otherwise authorized by the Administration, contracts for the construction of new vessels must be for a fixed price, or provide for a base price that may be adjusted for changes in labor and material costs not exceeding 15 percent of the base price. The fixed or base price, as the case may be, shall be fair and reasonable as determined by the Maritime Administration. Any financial or other interests between the taxpayer and the contractor shall be disclosed to the Administration by the taxpayer. Plans and specifications for the new vessel or vessels must be approved by the Administration to the extent it deems necessary. A deposit in a construction reserve fund may be expended or obligated for expenditure for procurement under an acquisition or construction contract of a part interest in a new vessel or vessels only after obtaining the written consent of the Administration. The granting of such consent shall be entirely in the discretion of the Administration and it may impose such conditions with respect thereto as it may deem necessary or advisable for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of section 511 of the Act. Applications for such consent shall be executed in triplicate, and, together with eight conformed copies thereof, filed with the Administration.
§ 287.21 Period for construction of certain vessels.
A new vessel constructed otherwise than under the provisions of Title V of the Act, and not purchased from the Administration must, within six months from the date of the construction contract, or within the period of any extension, be completed to the extent of not less than 5 percent as estimated by the Administration and certified by it to the Secretary of the Treasury. In case of a contract covering more than one vessel it will be sufficient if one of the vessels is 5 percent completed within the six months’ period from the date of the contract or within the period of any extension, and so certified. All construction must be completed with reasonable dispatch as determined by the Administration. If, for causes within the control of the taxpayer, the entire construction is not completed with reasonable dispatch, the Administration will so certify to the Secretary of the Treasury. For the effect of such certification, see § 287.23.
§ 287.22 Time extensions for expenditure or obligation.
(a) Extensions. The Administration, upon application and a showing of proper circumstances, (1) may allow an extension of time within which deposits shall be expended or obligated, not to exceed one year, and upon a second application received before the expiration of the first extension, may allow an additional extension not to exceed one year, and (2) may allow an extension or extensions of time within which five percent of the construction shall have been completed as provided in § 287.21 not to exceed one year in the aggregate, and (3) may allow any other extensions that may be provided by amendment to the Act.
(b) Application required. A taxpayer seeking an extension of time shall make application therefor, and transmit it with an appropriate statement of the circumstances, including the reasons justifying the requested extension or extensions, and appropriate documents in substantiation of the statement, to the Administration. The Administration will notify the Commissioner of Internal Revenue of any extension granted. In case an application for extension is denied, the taxpayer will be liable for delay as though no application had been made.
§ 287.23 Noncompliance with requirements.
(a) Noncompliance. The amount of the gain which is that portion of the construction reserve fund otherwise constituting taxable income under the law applicable to the taxable year in which such gain was realized shall be included in the taxpayer’s gross income for such taxable year for income or excess-profits tax purposes, if:
(1) A portion of such fund is withdrawn for purposes other than—
(i) The construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of a new vessel; or
(ii) The liquidation of existing or subsequently incurred purchase-money indebtedness to persons other than a parent company of, or a company affiliated or associated with, the mortgagor on a new vessel or vessels; or
(2) The taxpayer fails to comply with the requirements of section 511 of the Act or the regulations in this part relating to the utilization of construction reserve funds in the construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of a new vessel, or the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness on such a vessel.
(b) Amount recognized. In the event of noncompliance with the prescribed conditions relative to any contract for construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of new vessels, or for the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness on such vessels, recognition will extend to the entire amount of the gain represented in that portion of the construction reserve fund obligated under such contract. Thus, if the Administration determines and certifies to the Secretary of the Treasury that for causes within the control of the taxpayer construction under a contract is not completed with reasonable dispatch, the entire amount of the gain represented in the portion of the construction reserve fund obligated under the contract will be recognized even though all other conditions have been satisfied. In case of noncompliance with the requirements of section 511 of the Act or the regulations in this part, see the provisions of § 287.18 as to the allocation of gain.
(c) Unreasonable accumulation. Noncompliance with the provisions of section 511 of the Act or the regulations in this part relative to the utilization of the deposited amounts may also, inasmuch as the provision of section 511(f) of the Act is then inapplicable, warrant an examination to ascertain whether such amounts constitute an unreasonable accumulation of earnings and profits within the meaning of part I (section 531 and following), subchapter G, chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or corresponding provisions of prior law. If amounts are deposited and the fund maintained in good faith for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, and acquisition of new vessels, or for the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness on such vessels, such amounts will be deemed to have been accumulated for the reasonable needs of the business.
§ 287.24 Extent of tax liability.
(a) Declared value excess-profits tax. Gain which is includible in gross income under § 287.23 shall be included in gross income for all income and excess-profits tax purposes, but not for the purposes of the declared value excess-profits tax and the capital stock tax as provided in section 511(i) of the Act. In lieu of any adjustment with respect to such declared value excess-profits tax, there is imposed for any taxable year ending on or before June 30, 1945, in which the gain is realized an additional tax of 1.1 percent of the amount of the gain. No additional capital stock tax liability is incurred.
(b) Improper deposits. In the case of deposits in the construction reserve fund of amounts derived from sources other than those specified in section 511 of the Act, or in the case of failure to deposit an amount equal to the “net proceeds” or “net indemnity” within the period prescribed in section 511(c) of the Act and § 287.15, the taxpayer obtains no suspension or postponement of any tax liability and the tax is collectible without regard to the provisions of section 511(c) of the Act.
(c) Time for filing claim subsequent to election under section 511(c)(2). If an election is made under section 511(c)(2) of the Act, and paragraph (a)(2) of § 287.12, and if computation or recomputation in accordance therewith is otherwise allowable but is prevented, on the date of filing of notice of such election, or within six months thereafter, by any statute of limitation, such computation or recomputation nevertheless shall be made notwithstanding such statute if a claim therefor is filed within six months after the date of making such election. If as the result of such computation or recomputation an overpayment is disclosed, a claim for refund on Form 843 should also be filed within such six months’ period.
§ 287.25 Assessment and collection of deficiencies.
Any additional tax, including the 1.1 percent amount imposed by section 511(i) of the Act, due on account of withdrawal from a construction reserve fund, or failure to comply with section 511 of the Act or the regulations in this part, is collectible as a deficiency. Interest upon such deficiency will run from the date the withdrawal or noncompliance occurs. The amount of any deficiency, including interest and additions to the tax, determined as a result of such withdrawal or noncompliance, may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection thereof may be begun without assessment, at any time and without regard to any period of limitations or any other provisions of law or rule of law, including the doctrine of res judicata.
§ 287.26 Reports by taxpayers.
(a) Information required. With each income tax return filed for a taxable year during any part of which a construction reserve fund is in existence the taxpayer shall submit a statement setting forth a detailed analysis of such fund. The statement, which need not be on any prescribed form, shall include the following information with respect to the construction reserve fund:
(1) The actual balance in the fund at the beginning and end of the taxable year;
(2) The date, amount, and source of each deposit during the taxable year;
(3) If any deposit referred to in paragraph (a)(2) of this section consists of proceeds from the sale, or indemnification of loss, of a vessel or share thereof, the amounts of the unrecognized gain;
(4) The date, amount, and purpose of each expenditure or withdrawal from the fund; and
(5) The date and amount of each contract, under which deposited funds are deemed to be obligated during the taxable year, for the construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of new vessels, or for the liquidation of purchase-money indebtedness on such vessels, and the identification of such vessels.
(b) Records required. Taxpayers shall keep such records and make such additional reports as the Commissioner of Internal Revenue or the Administration may require.
The records referred to in this section shall be retained for a period of six months beyond the termination or closing out of the reserve fund.
§ 287.27 Controlled corporation.
For the purpose of section 511 of the Act and the regulations in this part a new vessel is considered as constructed, reconstructed, reconditioned, or acquired by the taxpayer if constructed, reconstructed, reconditioned, or acquired by a corporation at a time when the taxpayer owns not less than 95 percent of the total number of shares of each class of stock of the corporation.
§ 287.28 Administrative jurisdiction.
Sections 287.3 to 287.11, inclusive, §§ 287.13 to 187.15, inclusive, and §§ 287.19 to 287.22, inclusive, deal primarily with matters under the jurisdiction of the Administration. Sections 287.12, 287.16 to 287.18, inclusive, and §§ 287.23 to 287.27, inclusive, deal primarily with matters under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Generally, matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, expenditure, and use of construction reserve funds and the construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, or acquisition of new vessels are under the jurisdiction of the Administration; and matters relating to the determination, assessment, and collection of taxes are under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Correspondence should be addressed to the particular authority having jurisdiction in the matter.
PART 289—INSURANCE OF CONSTRUCTION-DIFFERENTIAL SUBSIDY VESSELS, OPERATING-DIFFERENTIAL SUBSIDY VESSELS AND OF VESSELS SOLD OR ADJUSTED UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIP SALES ACT 1946
§ 289.1 Definition.
For the purpose of this part, when reference is made to the phrase interest of the United States, it shall mean:
(a) As to vessels constructed or sold with construction-differential subsidy and/or national defense feature allowance under Title V or VII of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, the value of the construction-differential subsidy allowance, plus the allowance for national defense features;
(b) As to vessels constructed or sold under Title V or VII of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, and adjusted in price pursuant to section 9 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946, the difference between the pre-war domestic cost and the statutory sales price as defined in the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946.
§ 289.2 Vessels included.
Vessels subject to the provisions of this part are:
(a) All vessels which may in the future be constructed or sold with construction-differential subsidy allowances and/or national defense features allowance under Title V or VII of the Merchant Marine Act 1936, as amended.
(b) All vessels which have previously been constructed or sold with construction-differential subsidy allowances and national defense features allowances under Title V or VII of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended;
(c) All vessels which have previously been constructed with construction-differential subsidy allowances or national defense features allowance under Title V or VII of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, and later adjusted in price pursuant to section 9 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946;
(d) All vessels which are subsidized under operating-differential subsidy agreements.
§ 289.3 Provision in subsidy agreements and mortgages.
(a) All construction-differential subsidy agreements and mortgages relative to vessels covered in § 289.2(a) shall provide, wherever possible, that the Maritime Administrator may, in his discretion, require the owner to insure, with commercial underwriters, the interest of the United States.
(b) All future construction-differential subsidy agreements and future operating subsidy agreements shall require that owners insure vessels covered in § 289.2 (a) and (d) in amounts acceptable to the Maritime Administration.
§ 289.4 Insurance by owners.
Owners of vessels covered in § 289.2 will not be required to arrange commercial insurance to cover the interest of the United States, exclusive of its mortgage interest, but the United States reserves the right to require, whenever the contracts so provide, that this be done at some future date, should it deem it necessary.
§ 289.5 Insurance by the United States.
The United States will self-insure its interest, exclusive of mortgage interest, as defined in § 289.1.
PART 294—TANKER SECURITY PROGRAM (TSP)
Subpart A—Introduction
§ 294.1 Purpose.
This part prescribes regulations implementing subtitle B of Title XXXV of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Pub. L. 116–283), section 3511 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Pub. L. 117–81), section 3515, codified at Chapter 534 of Title 46, United States Code, governing the establishment of a Tanker Security Fleet of product tank vessels operating in the foreign trade or mixed foreign and domestic commerce of the United States permitted under a registry endorsement issued by the United States Coast Guard. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have joint responsibility for the Tanker Security Fleet, with responsibility delegated to the Commander, United States Transportation Command through the Secretary of Defense, and the Maritime Administrator through the Secretary of Transportation.
§ 294.3 Definitions.
For the purposes of this part:
(a) Administrator means the Administrator, Maritime Administration, United States Department of Transportation.
(b) Agreement Holder means the owner or operator of a Fleet Vessel, excluding a trust, that:
(1) Meets the eligibility requirements of 46 U.S.C. 53402(c)(1), (2), (3), or (4); and
(2) Enters into a Tanker Security Program Operating Agreement for the Fleet Vessel with the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 53403.
(c) Applicant means a person applying for a Tanker Security Program Operating Agreement, excluding trusts.
(d) Classification society means the American Bureau of Shipping, or another classification society accepted by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.
(e) CAP means Conditional Assessment Program, a voluntary program offered by classification societies intended to measure and document the actual technical and functional condition of tankers 15 years of age or more.
(f) Coastwise trade means waterborne trade between points in the United States as defined in 46 U.S.C. chapter 551.
(g) Commandant means the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.
(h) Commander means Commander, USTRANSCOM.
(i) CR means continuing resolution.
(j) Defense Contractor means a person that operates or manages United States-documented vessels for SecDef, or charters vessels to SecDef, and has entered into a special security agreement with SecDef.
(k) Documentation Citizen means a person able to document a vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121. This definition includes a United States Citizen Trust.
(l) DoD means the United States Department of Defense.
(m) Emergency Preparedness Agreement means a voluntary agreement established by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) under Section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. 4558).
(n) Fiscal Year means an annual period beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30.
(o) Fleet means all Tanker Security Program (TSP) Fleet Vessels at any given time.
(p) Fleet vessel means any product tank vessel operating under a Tanker Security Program Operating Agreement on or after January 1, 2022, that—
(1) meets the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 53402(b); and
(2) is no more than 20 years of age.
(q) Foreign commerce means commerce or trade between the United States, its territories or possessions, or the District of Columbia, and a foreign country; and commerce or trade between foreign countries.
(r) Noncontiguous domestic trade means the waterborne transportation of cargo between a point in the contiguous 48 states and a point in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, other than a point in Alaska north of the Arctic Circle.
(s) Person includes corporations, partnerships, and associations existing under, or authorized by, laws of the United States, or any State, territory, district, or possession thereof, or any foreign country.
(t) Product tank vessel means a double-hulled tank vessel capable of carrying simultaneously more than 2 separated grades of refined petroleum products.
(u) SecDef means the Secretary of Defense.
(v) Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation unless the context indicates otherwise.
(w) Section 50501 citizen means a person meeting the statutory qualifications for United States citizenship designation under 46 U.S.C. 50501.
(x) Tanker Security Program Operating Agreement or TSP Operating Agreement means the assistance agreement between an Agreement Holder and MARAD that provides for payments under this part but is not a procurement contract.
(y) United States Citizen Trust means:
(1) Subject to paragraph (3) of this definition, a trust that is qualified under this definition.
(2) A trust is qualified only if:
(i) Each of the trustees is a section 50501 citizen; and
(ii) The application for documentation of the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121, includes the affidavit of each trustee stating that the trustee is not aware of any reason involving a beneficiary of the trust that is not a section 50501 citizen, or involving any other person that is not a section 50501 citizen, as a result of which the beneficiary or other person would hold more than 25 percent of the aggregate power to influence or limit the exercise of the authority of the trustee with respect to matters involving any ownership or operation of the vessel that may adversely affect the interests of the United States.
(3) If any person that is not a section 50501 citizen has authority to direct or participate in directing a trustee for a trust in matters involving any ownership or operation of the vessel that may adversely affect the interests of the United States or in removing a trustee for a trust without cause, either directly or indirectly through the control of another person, the trust instrument provides that persons who are not section 50501 citizens may not hold more than 25 percent of the aggregate authority to so direct or remove a trustee.
(4) This definition will not be considered to prohibit a person who is not a section 50501 citizen from holding more than 25 percent of the beneficial interest in a trust.
(z) USTRANSCOM means United States Transportation Command.
(aa) Vessel of the United States means a merchant vessel that has been documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121.
§ 294.5 Applications.
(a) Applicants. Each applicant for a TSP Operating Agreement is required to apply to the Tanker Security Program, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Electronic submissions must be submitted to [email protected]. Application forms are available upon request or may be downloaded from MARAD’s website. Required information includes:
(1) An Affidavit of section 50501 ctizenship that comports with the requirements of 46 CFR part 355, if applying as a section 50501 citizen. Otherwise, an affidavit which demonstrates that the Applicant is qualified to document a vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 is required. If the Applicant is a vessel operator and proposes to employ a vessel manager, then the Applicant must supply an affidavit for the vessel manager that meets the same citizenship requirements as the Applicant;
(2) Corporate documents, to include the following:
(i) Certificate of Incorporation or other organization papers, including amendments presently in effect;
(ii) Corporate by-laws or other governing instruments, including amendments presently in effect;
(iii) Form or type of organization, i.e., individual, partnership, corporation, etc.;
(iv) Federal, state, or other laws under which the Applicant is organized or incorporated, and the date of organization or incorporation;
(v) Address of principal offices, and of important branch offices, if any;
(vi) Description of domestic and international and corporate affiliations, including (but not limited to) parent companies, subsidiary companies, and other related companies within its corporate structure, along with a description of the nature of the business transacted with each affiliated corporation;
(vii) Concerning each officer and director of the Applicant, provide name, address, nationality, number of shares owned and specify type of shares whether voting or non-voting;
(viii) For each individual or entity that owns 5 percent or more of the outstanding capital shares of any class of stock of the Applicant, include the name, address, nationality, and number of capital shares owned and specify type of shares whether voting or non-voting; and
(ix) A brief statement of the general effect of each voting agreement, voting trust, or other arrangement whereby the voting rights of 5 percent or more of the outstanding shares of the Applicant are owned, controlled, or exercised by any person not the holder of legal title to such shares. Give the name, address, nationality, and business of any such person, and if not an individual, the form of organization;
(3) Financial data, to include the following:
(i) An audited financial statement or a completed MARAD Form MA–172 dated within 120 days after the close of the most recent fiscal period; and
(ii) Estimated annual forecast of maritime operations for the next five years showing revenue and expense, including explanations of any significant increase or decrease of these items.
(4) Maritime related affiliations including carriers or alliances with which the Applicant maintains an ongoing relationship;
(5) Ongoing business relationships with any refineries, terminals, distributors, or other entities engaged in refined petroleum production and distribution, whether in the United States or in a foreign state, both at the time of application and, if applicable, projected to be established within the five years following the date of application;
(6) Diversity of trading patterns. List of countries and trade routes serviced or trades in which the product tank vessel is to be operated, whether the vessel is to be operated on a voyage charter, or time charter, and any specific tanker pools the vessel is associated with;
(7) Applicant’s record of owning and/or operating product tank vessels, include the following:
(i) Provide the number, type, and size of product tank vessels owned and/or operated in the last ten years, specifying whether owned or operated, flag(s) of the individual vessels, trades involved, number of employees in your ship operations department, including the number of employees directly employed in U.S.-flag operations;
(ii) Operating experience with product tank vessels in international trade;
(iii) Demonstration of reliability and breadth of services and experience;
(iv) Experience in delivering services in accordance with government contracts or in relation to the carriage of DoD or other government sponsored cargoes;
(v) Vessels owned by the applicant and chartered by other persons;
(vi) Vessels chartered by the applicant from other persons—provide vessel name, flag of registry, period of charter, name of charterer or owner (as applicable) and area of operation;
(vii) Vessel or ship managers utilized in the operation of your vessels; and
(viii) Any other information you believe to be relevant to your record of owning or operating vessels.
(8) Product tank vessel details and operational standards:
(i) Vessel must be a party to the Oil Companies International Marine Forum’s Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) System and applicant must provide date of last SIRE report.
(ii) Applicant must confirm acceptances received and/or retained by the vessel since the last SIRE report.
(iii) Applicant must confirm that the vessel has not been rejected or refused by any Charterer since the inspections leading to the said SIRE report.
(iv) Applicant must provide a current Intertanko Standard Tanker Chartering Questionnaire 88 (Q–88) (no more than 60 days old).
(v) Applicant must confirm vessel has vetting approval from at least two oil majors providing date of vetting and name of oil major, at least one vetting approval must be less than 6 months old at time of application.
(vi) Applicant must provide a copy of vessel’s current Class Society issued Safety Management Certificate.
(vii) Applicant must provide a copy of vessel’s current Flag State issued International Ship Security Certificate.
(viii) Applicant must confirm vessel’s ability to carry one complete un-decanted tank washing in dedicated slop tanks.
(ix) Applicant must submit a General Arrangement Plan, trim and stability booklet, and a set of the ship’s capacity and stowage plans. This is to include cargo piping. Applicants are to provide narrative descriptions to accompany the drawings indicating proposed locations of all required spaces and compartments listed in the military requirements.
(x) Applicant must provide evidence of the vessel’s most recent U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) (or other classification society accepted by the Commandant of the Coast Guard), inspections conducted within 12 months of the application.
(xi) Applicant must warrant vessel meets, or will meet, before the start of a TSP Operating Agreement, the requirements of a Quality Management System (QMS). If an applicant does not currently have the required systems in place it will provide a narrative describing how it will have these required systems in place.
(9) Provide an assessment of the utility of the product tank vessel(s) to DoD fuel transportation requirements including any specific national defense sealift features. Provide characteristics that indicate the utility of the product tank vessel(s) to DoD including items of specific value.
(i) Applicant must provide an assessment of the vessel’s ability to install CONSOL and the proposed locations for installation. CONSOL details may be found on the Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program website at: https://www.maritime.dot.gov/national-security/tanker-security-program.
(ii) Owner must confirm vessel’s ability to sustain warranted speed of 14 knots, fully laden, in moderate weather (Force 4 on the Beaufort Scale).
(iii) Provide the number and location of available berths for additional personnel beyond the ship crew.
(10) Provide an assessment of the commercial viability of your proposed product tank vessel(s).
(11) Provide any charters or management agreements that would govern the operation of the vessel if selected (pro forma copies are acceptable), including but not limited to the following:
(i) Demise or bareboat charter;
(ii) Vessel management agreement; and
(iii) Crewing agreement.
(12) Special security agreements. If applicable, provide a copy of any special security agreement.
(13) Documentation Citizen. If applicable, the Documentation Citizen must submit a signed certification as the demise charterer of the proposed Fleet Vessel. The certification must provide a statement that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws of the foreign country of the parent that would prohibit the proposed Agreement Holder from performing its obligations under a TSP Operating Agreement.
(14) if operating under a foreign parent, the ultimate foreign parent of the Documentation Citizen demise charterer must submit a signed certification. The certification must provide a statement that the foreign parent will not influence the operation of the Fleet Vessel in a manner that will adversely affect the interests of the United States.
(15) For a United States Citizen Trust agreement, ff the Applicant intends to place the vessel in a United States Citizen Trust during its operation in the fleet, provide a copy of any such trust agreement (pro forma copies are acceptable).
(16) If applicable, provide a replacement product tank vessel plan if your product tank vessel is a fleet vessel over 10 years of age. The replacement product tank vessel plan must include:
(i) The vessel’s characteristics as applicable in items (8–9) above;
(ii) A letter of intent or other document indicating agreement for purchase of product tank vessel; and
(iii) A forecast of operations for five years for the replacement product tank vessel.
(17) Special rule regarding age of participating fleet vessel. Age restrictions will not apply during the first 30-month period beginning on the date the vessel begins operating under the TSP Operating Agreement if the Secretary determines that the participant has entered an arrangement to obtain a replacement vessel that will be eligible to be included in a TSP Operating Agreement.
(18) Provide an anti-lobbying certificate as required by 49 CFR part 20 stating that no funds provided under the TSP have been used for lobbying to obtain a TSP Operating Agreement.
(b) Procedures for applications—(1) Address. Owners or operators of an eligible vessel may apply to MARAD for inclusion of that vessel in the fleet. Applications may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or in hard copy to the Tanker Security Program, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
(2) Time deadlines. Within 90 days after the close of the application period, the Secretary will approve an application, in conjunction with the SecDef, or provide in writing the reason for denial of that application.
(3) Existing maritime security fleet vessels. The Secretary may approve a completed application from an Applicant that, on the date of its application, is operating a product tank vessel in the Maritime Security Fleet in accordance with 46 U.S.C. chapter 531 and 46 CFR part 296.
§ 294.7 Procedural waivers.
In consultation with DoD, MARAD may, at MARAD’s own initiation or in response to a request by an interested party, after a finding of good cause to suspend, revoke, amend, or waive any requirement of the regulations in this part, subject to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and any statutory limitations.
Subpart B—Establishment of a Tanker Security Fleet
§ 294.9 Product tanker vessel eligibility requirements.
(a) Eligibility. To be eligible to be included in the fleet, the vessel must:
(1) Meet the requirements of § 294.11;
(2) Operate (or in the case of a vessel to be constructed, will be operated) in providing transportation in United States foreign commerce;
(3) Be self-propelled;
(4) Be not more than 10 years of age on the date the vessel is first included in the Fleet;
(5) Be suitable for use by the United States for national defense or military purposes in time of war or national emergency, as determined by the Secretary of Defense;
(6) Be commercially viable, as determined by the Secretary of Transportation; and
(7) Be—
(i) A vessel of the United States; or
(ii) Not a vessel of the United States, but the owner of the vessel has demonstrated that—
(A) The vessel is eligible for a USCG certificate of inspection; and
(B) The vessel owner intends to have the vessel documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 at the time the vessel is to be included in the fleet.
(b) Telecommunications and other electronic equipment. The telecommunications and other electronic equipment on an existing vessel that is redocumented under the laws of the United States for operation under a TSP Operating Agreement will satisfy all Federal Communications Commission equipment certification requirements if:
(1) The equipment complies with all applicable international agreements and associated guidelines as determined by the country in which the vessel was documented immediately before becoming documented under the laws of the United States;
(2) The country has not been identified by the Secretary as inadequately enforcing international regulations as to that vessel; and
(3) The equipment, at the end of its useful life, will be replaced with equipment that meets Federal Communications Commission equipment certification standards.
§ 294.11 Owner, charterer, and operator citizenship eligibility requirements.
Eligibility determination. For a vessel to be eligible to be included in the Fleet, vessel owners, charterers, and operators must evidence that, during the period of a TSP Operating Agreement, one of the following must be true:
(a) The vessel is owned and operated by one or more persons that are citizens of the United States in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 50501.
(b) The vessel is owned by a citizen of the United States in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 50501, or United States Citizen Trust, and the following conditions are met:
(1) The vessel is demise chartered to a person or entity that:
(i) Is eligible to document the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121;
(ii) Is organized such that the chairman of the board of directors, chief executive officer, and most of the members of the board of directors are citizens of the United States, and are appointed and subjected to removal only upon approval by the Secretary;
(iii) Certifies to the Secretary that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws that would prohibit the program participant for the vessel from performing its obligations under a TSP Operating Agreement; and
(iv) In the case of a vessel that is demise chartered to an entity that is owned or controlled by another person or entity that is not a citizen of the United States under 46 U.S.C. 50501, that other person or entity certifies to the Secretary that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws that would prohibit the person or entity from performing its obligations under a TSP Operating Agreement and enters into an agreement with the Secretary not to influence the vessel’s operation in any way that would be detrimental to the United States.
(2) The Secretary and SecDef notify the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that the Secretaries concur with the certifications by the documentation citizen required under § 294.5(a)(13), and any ultimate foreign parent corporation under § 294.5(a)(14), and after a review, agree that there are no legal, operational, or other impediments that would prohibit the owner or operator of the vessel from performing its obligations under a TSP Operating Agreement.
(c) The vessel is owned and operated by a defense contractor, including affiliated or related companies within the same corporate group, that meets the following requirements:
(1) Eligible to document the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121;
(2) Operates or manages other United States-documented vessels for the SecDef, or charters other vessels to the SecDef;
(3) Enters into a special security agreement with the SecDef;
(4) Certifies to the Secretary, at the time of application and consistent with § 294.5(a)(13), that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws that would prohibit the Agreement Holder from performing its obligations under a TSP Operating Agreement; and
(5) Any foreign corporate parent company of the Defense Contractor proffers, at the time of application for a TSP Operating Agreement, an agreement consistent with § 294.5(a)(14), not to influence the vessel’s operation in a way that is detrimental to the United States.
(d) The vessel is owned by a Documentation Citizen in accordance with 46 U.S.C. Chapter 121 and demise chartered to a Citizen of the United States in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 50501.
§ 294.13 Special rule for fleet vessel entry age.
An Applicant may apply for a TSP Operating Agreement with a vessel that exceeds the maximum entry age requirement of § 294.9(a)(4), if it satisfies the following conditions:
(a) The Applicant demonstrates their intent to replace the non-compliant vessel within 30 months after the commencement of operations under a TSP Operating Agreement;
(b) Nominated vessels 15 years or older must be enrolled in a classification society’s CAP and be rated equivalent to ABS CAP 2 or better; and
(c) The Secretary determines that the Applicant has entered into an agreement to obtain and operate a replacement product tank vessel which, upon commencing operation under the same TSP Operating Agreement for the non-compliant vessel, will be eligible to be included in the fleet under § 294.9.
Subpart C—Award of TSP Operating Agreements
§ 294.15 Initial award of TSP Operating Agreements.
(a) Number of agreements. The Secretary, in concurrence with SecDef, may award up to ten TSP Operating Agreements for the operation of product tank vessels from among those applications submitted by qualified Applicants. If the Secretary and SecDef are unable to select ten vessels for inclusion in the Fleet from their initial review of applications, they may accept additional applications for review to ensure that the Secretary can award ten TSP Operating Agreements.
(b) Vessel selection priority. In consideration of the applications, the Secretary and SecDef will consider each Applicant’s vessel(s)’s qualifications as they relate to subpart B and will give priority to applications based on the criteria in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section:
(1) Vessel capabilities, as established by SecDef;
(2) Applicant’s record of vessel ownership and operation of tanker vessels; and
(3) Applicant’s citizenship, with preference for section 50501 citizens.
(c) Consideration of applications requesting an age waiver. If an Applicant applies for a TSP Operating Agreement under the provisions of § 294.15, the Secretary and SecDef will consider:
(1) Whether the vessel is enrolled in its class society’s CAP and has maintained a rating equivalent to ABS CAP 2 or better;
(2) The vessel priority factors in § 294.15(b) for both the proposed non-compliant vessel and the vessel proposed to replace the non-compliant vessel within the initial 30 months of the TSP Operating Agreement; and
(3) The feasibility of the Applicant’s plan to obtain and operate the compliant replacement vessel within the initial 30 months of the TSP Operating Agreement.
(d) Notification to Applicants. After the Secretary, in concurrence with SecDef, has selected those vessels to be included in the Fleet, the Secretary will notify all Applicants as to whether their applications were successful or unsuccessful.
(1) For each successful application, the Secretary will extend an offer to the Applicant to enter into one or more TSP Operating Agreements, based on the number of vessels selected from the Applicant’s application for inclusion into the Fleet. Successful Applicants will have up to 90 days in which to accept or decline the Secretary’s offer.
(2) For each unsuccessful application, the Secretary will inform the Applicant of the reason(s) why the application was unsuccessful.
§ 294.17 Subsequent award of TSP Operating Agreements.
(a) Availability. When a TSP Operating Agreement becomes available through termination by the Secretary or early termination by an Agreement Holder, and no transfer under 46 U.S.C. 53405(e) is involved, MARAD will accept applications for a new TSP Operating Agreement pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section:
(1) The proposed vessel must meet the requirements of § 294.9;
(2) The Applicant must meet the requirements of § 294.11; and
(3) The Applicant must apply in accordance with the requirements of § 294.5.
(b) Consideration of applications. The Secretary and SecDef will consider all applications within the priority structure of § 294.15(b).
(c) Notification and award of a new TSP Operating Agreement. Upon selection of the best-qualified vessel(s) from among the applications received, MARAD will enter into a new TSP Operating Agreement with the successful Applicant as soon as is practicable. Successful Applicants must notify the Secretary of their acceptance of an offer to enter into a TSP Operating Agreement within 90 days.
§ 294.19 Nature of award procedure.
TSP furthers a public purpose and MARAD does not acquire goods or services through TSP. Therefore, the selection process for awarding TSP Operating Agreements does not constitute an acquisition subject to procurement law or the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Subpart D—TSP Operating Agreements
§ 294.21 General conditions.
(a) Number of agreements. The Secretary may enter into up to ten TSP Operating Agreements for vessels that were either selected in accordance with § 294.15 or which, on the effective date of a TSP Operating Agreement, were operating under an MSP Operating Agreement in accordance with 46 U.S.C. chapter 531 and 46 CFR part 296, for fiscal year 2022 and any prior fiscal year.
(b) Term of agreements. All TSP Operating Agreements will be effective for one fiscal year and subject to the availability of appropriations, may be renewed for each subsequent fiscal year through the end of fiscal year 2035.
(c) Replacement vessels. An Agreement Holder may replace a vessel under a TSP Operating Agreement with another vessel that is eligible to be included in the fleet under § 294.9, if the Secretary, in conjunction with SecDef, approves the replacement vessel.
(d) Termination by the Secretary. If an Agreement Holder fails to comply with the terms of a TSP Operating Agreement:
(1) The Secretary will notify the Agreement Holder and provide a reasonable opportunity for the Agreement Holder to comply with the terms and conditions of the TSP Operating Agreement; and
(2) The Secretary will terminate the TSP Operating Agreement if the Agreement Holder fails to achieve such compliance.
(e) Termination by the Secretary for long-term charter. If an Agreement Holder time charters a vessel enrolled in the TSP to the United States Government for a period that together with options, occurs for more than 180 continuous days, then the Secretary will terminate the TSP Operating Agreement.
(f) Early termination by an Agreement Holder. The Agreement Holder must notify the Secretary no later than 60 days before the proposed effective termination date that the Agreement Holder intends to terminate the TSP Operating Agreement. Even after early termination of the Operating Agreement, the Agreement Holder will remain bound by the provisions related to vessel documentation and national security requirements, including any commitments under an Emergency Preparedness Agreement, for the full term of the TSP Operating Agreement.
(g) Nonrenewal for lack of funds. If only partial funding is appropriated by the 60th day of the fiscal year, then the Secretary, in consultation with SecDef, will select the vessels to retain under TSP Operating Agreements, based on the Secretaries’ determinations of the most militarily useful and commercially viable vessels. If no funds are appropriated by the 60th day of such fiscal year, and notwithstanding any other provision, then all TSP Operating Agreements will be terminated, and each Agreement Holder will be released from its obligations under the TSP Operating Agreement. Final payments under the terminated TSP Operating Agreements will be made in accordance with § 294.31. To the extent that funds are appropriated in a subsequent fiscal year, former TSP Operating Agreements may be reinstated if mutually acceptable to the Administrator and the Agreement Holder, provided the TSP vessel remains eligible.
(h) Release of vessels from obligations. For Agreement Holders who have been released from their obligations under a TSP Operating Agreement due to lack of funds in any fiscal year by the 60th day of that fiscal year,
(1) The Agreement Holder may transfer and register each vessel covered by a terminated TSP Operating Agreement to a foreign registry that is acceptable to the Secretary and SecDef, notwithstanding 46 U.S.C. chapter 561 and 46 CFR part 221;
(2) If 46 U.S.C. chapter 563 is applicable to a vessel that has been transferred to foreign registry due to the termination of a TSP Operating Agreement, then that vessel remains available to be requisitioned by the Secretary pursuant to 46 U.S.C. chapter 563; and
(3) The provisions of this section do not apply to vessels under TSP Operating Agreements that have been terminated for any other reason.
(i) Transfers of TSP Operating Agreements. An Agreement Holder may transfer a TSP Operating Agreement, including all rights and obligations under the TSP Operating Agreement, to any person that is eligible under § 294.11 to enter into a TSP Operating Agreement, if the Secretary and SecDef jointly determine that the transfer is in the best interests of the United States. A transaction is not considered a transfer of a TSP Operating Agreement if the same legal entity with the same vessels remains the Agreement Holder under the TSP Operating Agreement.
§ 294.23 Special terms.
(a) TSP Operating Agreement. Each TSP Operating Agreement will require that, during the period a fleet vessel is operating under that TSP Operating Agreement, the fleet vessel must:
(1) Be documented as a vessel of the United States under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121;
(2) Operate exclusively in:
(i) Foreign commerce;
(ii) Mixed foreign commerce and domestic trade permitted under a registry endorsement issued under 46 U.S.C. 12111, and to those points identified in 46 U.S.C. 55101(b);
(iii) Foreign-to-foreign commerce; or
(iv) Under charter to the United States, except as provided in 46 U.S.C. 53404(b); and
(3) Not otherwise operate in the coastwise trade of the United States;
(4) Not receive payments during a period in which the Agreement Holder owns, operates, or charters a vessel engaged in noncontiguous domestic trade, unless the Agreement Holder is a section 50501 citizen, applying the 75 percent ownership requirements of 46 U.S.C. 50501; and
(5) Enroll, for vessels 15 years or older, in their classification society’s CAP and maintain a CAP rating of 2 or better.
(b) Operating agreement as an obligation of the United States government. The amounts payable to an Agreement Holder under a TSP Operating Agreement constitute a contractual obligation of the United States Government to the extent of actual appropriations.
(c) Operating under a Continuing Resolution. In the event funds are available under a Continuing Resolution (CR), the terms and conditions of the TSP Operating Agreements will be in force provided sufficient funds are available to fully meet obligations under TSP Operating Agreements, and only for the period stipulated in the applicable CR. If funds are not appropriated under a CR at sufficient levels for any portion of a fiscal year, the Secretary will select the vessels to retain within the funding level of the previous fiscal year, in consultation with the SecDef, based on the Secretaries’ determination of the most militarily useful and commercially viable vessels. For any Agreement Holder with a TSP Operating Agreement that does not receive funds, the terms and conditions of any applicable TSP Operating Agreement may be voided, and the Agreement Holder may request termination of the TSP Operating Agreement.
(d) National security. Each TSP Operating Agreement will require the Agreement Holder to enter into a Voluntary Tanker Agreement (VTA), as approved by the Secretary and the SecDef, or other agreement approved by the Secretaries.
(e) United States Merchant Marine Academy cadet training. The Agreement Holder must agree:
(1) To carry on the fleet vessel two United States Merchant Marine Academy cadets, if available, on each voyage; and
(2) To implement prior to accepting an Operating Agreement appropriate policies, programs, and criteria necessary to comply with all MARAD cadet safety guidelines that address sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other inappropriate conduct.
(3) Upon a finding of non-compliance, the Administrator may require the Agreement Holder to take corrective actions or find such failure to constitute a violation of the TSP Operating Agreement.
§ 294.25 National security modifications.
A participant agrees to the installation onboard its Fleet Vessel of militarily useful features for national defense purposes as approved by U.S. Coast Guard and the vessel’s classification society.
§ 294.27 Financial reporting.
The Agreement Holder must submit the following reports to MARAD, including management footnotes where necessary to make a fair financial presentation:
(a) Vessel operating cost information. Not later than 120 days after the close of the Agreement Holder’s semiannual accounting period, a Form MA–172 on a semiannual basis, in accordance with 46 CFR 232.6; and
(b) Financial statement. Not later than 120 days after the close of the Agreement Holder’s annual accounting period, an audited financial statement in accordance with 46 CFR 232.6 and the most recent vessel operating cost data submitted as part of its Emergency Preparedness Agreement, or if not current year data, a Schedule 310 of the MA–172.
Subpart E—Billing and Payment
§ 294.29 Billing procedures.
All Agreement Holders must submit a voucher to the Maritime Administration for payment. For Agreement Holders operating under more than one TSP Operating Agreement, the Agreement Holder may submit a single monthly voucher applicable to all its TSP Operating Agreements. Each voucher submission must include a certification that the vessel(s) for which payment is requested were operated in accordance with § 294.23(a) and applicable TSP Operating Agreements. All submissions must be forwarded to the Tanker Security Program, Maritime Administration, via email to [email protected]. Payments will be paid and processed under the terms and conditions of the Prompt Payment Act, 31 U.S.C. 3901, et seq.
§ 294.31 Payments.
(a) Amount payable. A TSP Operating Agreement will provide for each Fleet Vessel, an annual payment, subject to the availability of appropriations, equal to $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 to 2035. This amount will be paid in equal monthly installments at the end of each month. The annual amount payable will not be reduced except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) Reductions in amount payable. The annual amount otherwise payable under a TSP Operating Agreement will be reduced on a pro rata basis for each day less than 320 days in a fiscal year that a Fleet Vessel is not operated in accordance with § 294.23(a)(1) through (3).
(c) No payment. (1) Regardless of whether the Agreement Holder has or will operate the Fleet vessel for 320 days a year, the Agreement Holder will not be paid:
(i) For any day in which the TSP Vessel is engaged in transporting more than 7,500 tons of civilian bulk preference cargoes pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 55302(a), 55305, or 55314 (using the United States standard of short tons, which is equivalent to 6,803.85 metric tons or 6,696.75 long tons);
(ii) During a period in which the Agreement Holder participates in noncontiguous domestic trade, unless that Agreement Holder is a Section 50501 Citizen, applying the 75 percent ownership requirement of that Section;
(iii) For any days in which the Agreement Holder operates a TSP Vessel that is 15 years or older which is not enrolled in their classification society’s CAP or is not maintaining a CAP rating of 2 or better;
(iv) For any day in which the Agreement Holder operates a TSP Vessel that is in excess of 20 years of age;
(v) For days in excess of 30 days in a fiscal year in which a vessel is drydocked or undergoing survey, inspection, or repair, unless, prior to the expiration of the vessel’s 30-day drydock and repair period, the Agreement Holder obtains approval from MARAD for an extension beyond 30 days;
(vi) For any day in which the Agreement Holder does not, at the request of the Administrator, carry up to two United States Merchant Marine Academy cadets onboard; and
(vii) If the Agreement Holder does not operate or maintain the Fleet Vessel in accordance with the terms of the TSP Operating Agreement.
(2) To the extent that non-payment days under paragraph (c) of this section are known, Agreement Holder payments will be reduced at the time of the current billing. The daily reduction amounts will be based on the annual amounts in paragraph (a) of this section divided by 365 days (366 days in leap years) and rounded to the nearest cent.
(3) MARAD may require, for good cause, that a portion of the funds payable under this section be withheld if the provisions of § 294.23(a) have not been met.
(4) Amounts owed to MARAD for reductions applicable to a prior billing period must be electronically transferred using MARAD’s prescribed format, or the amount owed can be credited to MARAD by offsetting amounts payable in future billing periods.
Subpart F—Appeals Procedures
§ 294.33 Administrative determinations.
(a) Policy. An Agreement Holder who disagrees with the findings, interpretations, or decisions of MARAD with respect to the administration of this part or any other dispute or complaint concerning the Agreement Holder’s TSP Operating Agreement(s) may submit an appeal to the Administrator. The appeals must be made in writing to the Maritime Administrator, within 60 days following the date of the document notifying the Agreement Holder of the administrative determination of MARAD. Such an appeal should be addressed to the Maritime Administrator, Attn.: TSP Operating Agreement Appeals, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 or via email to [email protected]. An appeal is a prerequisite to exhausting administrative remedies.
(b) DoD determinations. 46 U.S.C. chapter 534 assigns joint and separate roles and responsibilities to the Secretary and the SecDef. The Administrator and the Commander will make joint and separate findings, interpretations, and decisions necessary to implement 46 U.S.C. chapter 534. An Agreement Holder who disagrees with the initial findings, interpretations, or decisions regarding the implementation of 46 U.S.C. chapter 534—whether joint or separate in nature—must communicate such disagreement to MARAD. Any disagreement or dispute of an Agreement Holder may, where determined appropriate by MARAD, be transferred to the Director of Policy and Plans, USTRANSCOM for resolution. An Agreement Holder who disagrees with the findings, interpretations, or decisions of the Director of Policy and Plans, USTRANSCOM, with respect to the administration of this part, may submit an appeal to the Commander. Such an appeal must be made in writing to the Commander within 60 days following the date of the document notifying the Agreement Holder of the administrative determination of the Director of Policy and Plans. Such an appeal should be addressed to the Commander, United States Transportation Command, 508 Scott Drive, Scott Air Force Base, IL 62225–5357. or via email to [email protected].
(c) Process. The Administrator, or the Commander in the case of a DoD determination, may require the person making the request to furnish additional information, or proof of factual allegations, and may order any proceeding appropriate in the circumstances. The decision of the Administrator, or the Commander in the case of a DoD determination, will be administratively final.
PART 295—MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP)
Subpart A—Introduction
§ 295.1 Purpose.
This part prescribes regulations implementing the provisions of subtitle B (Maritime Security Fleet Program) of title VI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, governing Maritime Security Program payments for vessels operating in the foreign trade or mixed foreign and domestic commerce of the United States allowed under a registry endorsement issued under 46 U.S.C. 12105.
§ 295.2 Definitions.
For the purposes of this part:
(a) Act, means the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended by the Maritime Security Act of 1996 (MSA)(46 App. U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
(b) Administrator, means the Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation, who is authorized to administer the MSA.
(c) Agreement Vessel, means a vessel covered by a MSP Operating Agreement.
(d) Applicant, means an applicant for a MSP Operating Agreement.
(e) Bulk Cargo, means cargo that is loaded and carried in bulk without mark or count.
(f) Chapter 121, means the vessel documentation provisions of chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code.
(g) Citizen of the United States, means an individual or a corporation, partnership or association as determined under section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended (46 App. U.S.C. 802).
(h) Contracting Officer, means the Associate Administrator for National Security, MARAD.
(i) Contractor, means the owner or operator of a vessel that enters into a MSP Operating Agreement for the vessel with MARAD pursuant to § 295.20 of this part.
(j) DOD, means the U.S. Department of Defense.
(k) Domestic Trade, means trade between two or more ports and/or points in the United States.
(l) Eligible Vessel, means a vessel that meets the requirements of § 295.10(b) of this part.
(m) Emergency Preparedness Program Agreement, means the agreement, required by section 653 of the act, between a Contractor and the Secretary of Transportation (acting through MARAD) to make certain commercial transportation resources available during time of war or national emergency.
(n) Enrollment, means the entry into a MSP Operating Agreement with the MARAD to operate a vessel(s) in the MSP Fleet in accordance with § 295.20 of this part.
(o) Fiscal Year, means any annual period beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30.
(p) LASH Vessel, means a lighter aboard ship vessel.
(q) Militarily Useful, is defined according to DOD Joint Strategic Planning Capabilities Plan (JSCAP) guidance as follows:
(1) U.S. Sources—All active and inactive ocean-going ships (and certain other specially selected vessels) within the following types and criteria from United States sources with a minimum speed of 12 knots.
(2) Dry Cargo—All dry cargo ships, including integrated tug/barges (ITBs) with a minimum capacity of 6,000 tons (DWT) capable of carrying, without significant modification, any of the following cargoes: unit equipment, ammunition, or sustaining supplies.
(r) MSP Fleet, means the fleet of vessels operating under MSP Operating Agreements.
(s) MSP Operating Agreement, means the MSP Operating Agreement, providing for MSP payments entered into by a Contractor and MARAD.
(t) MSP Payments, means the payments made for the operation of U.S.-flag vessels in the foreign trade or mixed foreign and domestic trade of the United States allowed under a registry endorsement issued under 46 U.S.C. 12105, to maintain intermodal shipping capability and to meet national defense and security requirements in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MSP Operating Agreement.
(u) Ocean Common Carrier, means a carrier that meets the requirements of the MSA, section 654(3).
(v) ODS, means Operating-Differential Subsidy provided by Subtitle A, Title VI, of the Act.
(w) Operating Day, means any day during which a vessel is operated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MSP Operating Agreement.
(x) Related party, means:
(1) a holding company, subsidiary, affiliate, or associate of a contractor who is a party to an operating agreement under Subtitle B, Title VI, of the Act; and
(2) an officer, director, agent, or other executive of a contractor or of a person referred to in paragraph (x)(1) of this section.
(y) Roll-on/Roll-off Vessel, means a vessel that has ramps allowing cargo to be loaded and discharged by means of wheeled vehicles so that cranes are not required.
(z) Secretary, means the Secretary of Transportation.
(aa) United States Documented Vessel, means a vessel documented under Chapter 121 of Title 46, United States Code.
§ 295.3 Waivers.
In special circumstances, and for good cause shown, the procedures prescribed in this part may be waived in writing by the Maritime Administration, by mutual agreement of the Maritime Administration and the Contractor, so long as the procedures adopted are consistent with the Act and with the objectives of these regulations.
Subpart B—Establishment of MSP Fleet and Eligibility
§ 295.10 Eligibility requirements.
(a) Applicant. Any person may apply to MARAD for Enrollment of Eligible Vessels in MSP Operating Agreements for inclusion in the MSP Fleet pursuant to the provisions of subtitle B, title VI, of the act. Applications shall be addressed to the Secretary, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.
(b) Eligible Vessel. A vessel eligible for enrollment in a MSP Operating Agreement shall be self-propelled and meet the following requirements:
(1) Vessel Type—(i) Liner Vessel. The vessel shall be operated by a person as an Ocean Common Carrier.
(ii) Specialty vessel. Whether in commercial service, on charter to the DOD, or in other employment, the vessel shall be either:
(A) a Roll-on/Roll-off vessel with a carrying capacity of at least 80,000 square feet or 500 twenty-foot equivalent units; or
(B) a LASH vessel with a barge capacity of at least 75 barges; or
(iii) Other vessel. Any other type of vessel that is determined by the MARAD to be suitable for use by the United States for national defense or military purposes in time of war or national emergency; and
(2) Vessel Requirements—(i) U.S. Documentation. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section, the vessel is a U.S.-documented vessel; and
(ii) Age. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(iii), on the date a MSP Operating Agreement covering the vessel is first entered into is:
(A) a LASH Vessel that is 25 years of age or less; or
(B) any other type of vessel that is 15 years of age or less.
(iii) Waiver Authority. In accordance with section 651(b)(2) of the act, MARAD is authorized to waive the application of paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section if MARAD, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, determines that the waiver is in the national interest.
(iv) Intent to document U.S. Although the vessel may not be a U.S.-documented vessel, it shall be considered an Eligible Vessel if the vessel meets the criteria for documentation under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121, the vessel owner has demonstrated an intent to have the vessel documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121, and the vessel will be less than 10 years of age on the date of that documentation; and
(3) MARAD’s determination. MARAD determines that the vessel is necessary to maintain a United States presence in international commercial shipping and the applicant possesses the ability, experience, resources and other qualifications necessary to execute the obligations of the MSP Operating Agreement, or MARAD, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense, determines that the vessel is militarily useful for meeting the sealift needs of the United States.
§ 295.11 Applications.
(a) Action by MARAD—(1) Time Deadlines. Not later than 30 days after the enactment of the Maritime Security Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–239, MARAD shall accept applications for Enrollment of vessels in the MSP Fleet. Within 90 days after receipt of a completed application, MARAD shall enter into a MSP Operating Agreement with the applicant or provide in writing the reason for denial of that application.
(2) Closure of Applications. Applications for MSP Operating Agreements shall be made only at such time as, and in response to, publication of invitations to apply by MARAD in the
(3) Reflagging for Eligible vessels. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, an applicant may remove a vessel from U.S. registry without MARAD approval if an application for a MSP Operating Agreement has been filed for that vessel, the applicant is qualified, and it has been determined by MARAD to be eligible under MSA section 651(b)(1) under a priority for which sufficient funds are available and the Administrator has not awarded an Operating Agreement for the vessel within 90 days of that application.
(4) Reflagging ODS and MSC chartered vessels. Vessels eligible under MSA section 651(b)(1) which are also subject to ODS contracts or on charter to MSC, and for which applications have been denied pursuant to § 295.11(a)(1) of this part, may be removed from U.S. registry only after those agreements have expired and only after the age requirement in section 9(e)(3) of the Shipping Act, 1916 (46 App. U.S.C. 808) has been met.
(b) Action by the Applicant. Applicants for MSP Payments shall submit information on the following (Note: MARAD will accept electronic options (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable):
(1) Intermodal network. A statement describing its operating and transportation assets, including vessels, container stocks, trucks, railcars, terminal facilities, and systems used to link such assets together;
(2) Diversity of trading patterns. A list of countries and trade routes serviced along with the types and volumes of cargo carried;
(3) Vessel construction date;
(4) Vessel type and size; and
(5) Military Utility. An assessment of the value of the vessel to DOD sealift requirements.
§ 295.12 Priority for awarding agreements.
Subject to the availability of appropriations, MARAD shall enter into individual MSP Operating Agreements for Eligible Vessels according to the following priorities:
(a) First priority requirements. First priority shall be accorded to any Eligible Vessel meeting the following requirements:
(1) U.S. citizen ownership. Vessels owned and operated by persons who are Citizens of the United States as defined in § 295.2; or
(2) Other corporations. Vessels less than 10 years of age and owned and operated by a corporation that is:
(i) eligible to document a vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121; and
(ii) affiliated with a corporation operating or managing for the Secretary of Defense other vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121, or chartering other vessels to the Secretary of Defense.
(3) Limitation on number of vessels. Limitation on the total number of Eligible Vessels awarded under paragraph (a) of this section shall be:
(i) For any U.S. citizen under paragraph (a)(1), the number of vessels may not exceed the sum of:
(A) the number of U.S.-flag documented vessels that the Contractor or a related party operated in the foreign commerce of the United States on May 17, 1995, except mixed coastwise and foreign commerce; and
(B) the number of U.S.-flag documented vessels the person chartered to the Secretary of Defense on that date; and
(ii) For any corporation under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, not more than five Eligible Vessels.
(4) Related party. For the purpose of this section a related party with respect to a person shall be treated as the person.
(b) Second priority requirements. To the extent that appropriated funds are available after applying the first priority in paragraph (a) of this section, the MARAD shall enter into individual MSP Operating Agreements for Eligible Vessels owned and operated by a person who is:
(1) U.S. citizen. A Citizen of the United States, as defined in § 295.2(g), that has not been awarded a MSP Operating Agreement under the priority in paragraph (a) of this section, or
(2) Other. A person (individual or entity) eligible to document a vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121, and affiliated with a person or corporation operating or managing other U.S.-documented vessels for the Secretary of Defense or chartering other vessels to the Secretary of Defense.
(c) Third priority. To the extent that appropriated funds are available after applying the first and second priority, any other Eligible Vessel.
(d) Number of MSP Operating Agreements Awarded. If appropriated funds are not sufficient to award agreements to all vessels within a priority set forth herein, MARAD shall award to each eligible applicant in that priority a number of Operating Agreements that bears approximately the same ratio to the total number of Operating Agreements requested under that priority, and for which timely applications have been made, as the amount of appropriations available for MSP Operating Agreements for Eligible Vessels in the priority bears to the amount of appropriations necessary for MSP Operating Agreements for all Eligible Vessels in the priority.
Subpart C—Maritime Security Program Operating Agreements
§ 295.20 General conditions.
(a) Approval. MARAD may approve applications to enter into a MSP Operating Agreement and make MSP Payments with respect to vessels that are determined to be necessary to maintain a United States presence in international commercial shipping or those that are deemed, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to be militarily useful for meeting the sealift needs of the United States in national emergencies.
(b) Effective date—(1) General Rule. Unless otherwise provided in the contract, the effective date of a MSP Operating Agreement is the date when executed by the Contractor and MARAD.
(2) Exceptions. In the case of an Eligible Vessel to be included in a MSP Operating Agreement that is subject to an ODS contract under subtitle A, title VI, of the act or on charter to the U.S. Government, other than a charter under the provisions of an Emergency Preparedness Program Agreement provided by section 653 of the act, unless an earlier date is requested by the applicant, the effective date for a MSP Operating Agreement shall be:
(i) The expiration or termination date of the ODS contract or Government charter covering the vessel, respectively, or
(ii) Any earlier date on which the vessel is withdrawn from that contract or charter.
(c) Replacement Vessels. MARAD may approve the replacement of an Eligible Vessel in a MSP Operating Agreement provided the replacement vessel is eligible under § 295.10.
(d) Notice to shipbuilders. The Contractor agrees that no later than 30 days after soliciting any offer or bid for the construction of any vessel in a foreign shipyard, and before entering into any contract for construction of a vessel in a foreign shipyard, the Contractor shall provide notice of its intent to enter into such a contract (for vessels being considered for U.S.-flag registry) to MARAD. Within 10 business days after the receipt of such notification, MARAD shall issue a notice in the
(e) Early termination. A MSP Operating Agreement shall terminate on a date specified by the Contractor if the Contractor notifies MARAD not later than 60 days before the effective date of the proposed termination, that the Contractor intends to terminate the Agreement. The Contractor shall be bound by the provisions relating to vessel documentation and national security commitments to the extent and for the period contained in section 652(m) of the Act.
(f) Non-renewal for lack of funds. If, by the first day of a fiscal year, insufficient funds have been appropriated under section 655 of the act for that fiscal year, MARAD shall notify the Congress that MSP Operating Agreements for which insufficient funds are available will be terminated on the 60th day of that fiscal year if sufficient funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available by that date. If only partial funding is appropriated by the 60th day of such fiscal year, then MSP Operating Agreements for which funds are not available shall be terminated using the pro rata distribution method used to award MSP Operating Agreements set forth in § 295.12(d). With respect to each terminated agreement the Contractor shall be released from any further obligation under the agreement, and the Contractor may transfer and register the applicable vessel under a foreign registry deemed acceptable by MARAD. In the event that no funds are appropriated, then all MSP Operating Agreements shall be terminated and each Contractor shall be released from its obligations under the agreement. Final payments under the terminated agreements shall be made in accordance with § 295.30. To the extent that funds are appropriated in a subsequent fiscal year, existing operating agreements may be renewed if mutually acceptable to the Administrator and the Contractor and the MSP vessel remains eligible.
(g) Operation under a Continuing Resolution. In the event a Continuing Resolution (CR) is in place that does not provide sufficient appropriations to fully meet obligations under MSP Operating Agreements, a Contractor may request termination of the agreement in accordance with paragraph (f), herein, and § 295.30.
(h) Requisition authority. To the extent section 902 of the act is applicable to any vessel transferred foreign under this section, the vessel shall remain available to be requisitioned by the Maritime Administration under that provision of law.
(i) Transfer of Operating Agreements. A Contractor subject to an Agreement may transfer that Agreement (including all rights and obligations thereunder) to any person eligible to enter into an Agreement under the same priority established in section 652(i)(1)(A) of the act as the Contractor, provided that:
(1) The Contractor gives notice of any such transfer to the Maritime Administrator by filing a completed application;
(2) The transfer is not disapproved in writing by the Maritime Administrator within 90 days of the notification; and
(3) the vessel to be covered by the Agreement after transfer is the same vessel originally covered by the Agreement or is an eligible vessel under section 651(b) of the act and is the same type, and comparable to, the vessel originally covered by the Agreement.
§ 295.21 MSP assistance conditions.
(a) Term of MSP Operating Agreement. MSP Operating Agreements shall be effective for a period of not more than one fiscal year, and unless otherwise specified in the Agreement, shall be renewable, subject to the availability of appropriations or amounts otherwise made available, for each subsequent fiscal year through the end of FY 2005. In the event appropriations are enacted after October 1 with respect to any subsequent fiscal year, October 1 shall be considered the effective date of the renewed agreement, provided sufficient funds are made available and subject to the Contractor’s rights for early termination pursuant to section 652(m) of the act.
(b) Terms under a Continuing Resolution (CR). In the event funds are available under a CR, the terms and conditions of the MSP Operating Agreements shall be in force provided sufficient funds are available to fully meet obligations under MSP Operating Agreements, and only for the period stipulated in the applicable CR. If funds are not appropriated at sufficient levels for any portion of a fiscal year, the terms and conditions of any applicable MSP Operating Agreement may be voided and the Contractor may request termination of the MSP Operating Agreement in accordance with § 295.20(f).
(c) National security requirements. Each MSP Operating Agreement shall require the owner or operator of an Eligible Vessel included in that agreement to enter into an Emergency Preparedness Program Agreement pursuant to section 653 of the act.
(d) Vessel operating requirements. The MSP Operating Agreement shall require that during the period an Eligible Vessel is included in that Agreement, the Eligible Vessel shall:
(1) Documentation. Be documented as a U.S.-flag vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121; and
(2) Operation. Be operated exclusively in the U.S.-foreign trade or in mixed foreign and domestic trade allowed under a registry endorsement issued under 46 U.S.C. 12105, and shall not otherwise be operated in the coastwise trade of the United States.
(e) Limitations. Limitations on Contractors with respect to the operation of foreign-flag vessels shall be in accordance with section 804 of the act, as amended. The operation of vessels, other than Agreement Vessels, in the noncontiguous trades shall be limited in accordance with service levels and conditions permitted in section 656 of the act.
(f) Non-Contiguous Domestic Trade. [Reserved]
(g) Obligation of the U.S. Government. The amounts payable as MSP Payments under a MSP Operating Agreement shall constitute a contractual obligation of the United States Government to the extent of available appropriations.
§ 295.22 Commencement and termination of operations.
(a) Time frames. A Contractor that has been awarded a MSP Operating Agreement shall commence operations of the Eligible Vessel, under the applicable agreement or a subsequently renewed agreement, within the time frame specified as follows:
(1) Existing vessel. Within one year after the initial effective date of the MSP Operating Agreement in the case of a vessel in existence on that date and after notification to MARAD within 30 days of the Contractor’s intent; or
(2) New building. Within 30 months after the initial effective date of the MSP Operating Agreement in the case of a vessel to be constructed after that date.
(b) Unused authority. In the event of a termination of unused authority pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, such authority shall revert to MARAD.
§ 295.23 Reporting requirements.
The Contractor shall submit to the Director, Office of Financial and Rate Approvals, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590, one of the following reports, including management footnotes where necessary to make a fair financial presentation [Note: MARAD will accept electronic options (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.]:
(a) Form MA–172. Not later than 120 days after the close of the Contractor’s semiannual accounting period, a Form MA–172 on a semiannual basis, in accordance with 46 CFR 232.6; or
(b) Financial Statement. Not later than 120 days after the close of the Contractor’s annual accounting period, an audited annual financial statement in accordance with 46 CFR 232.6 and the most recent vessel operating cost data submitted as part of its Emergency Preparedness Agreement.
Subpart D—Payment and Billing Procedures
§ 295.30 Payment.
(a) Amount payable. A MSP Operating Agreement shall provide, subject to the availability of appropriations and to the extent the agreement is in effect, for each Agreement Vessel, an annual payment of $2,100,000 for each fiscal year. This amount shall be paid in equal monthly installments at the end of each month. The annual amount payable shall not be reduced except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and § 295.31(a)(3).
(b) Reductions in amount payable. (1) The annual amount otherwise payable under a MSP Operating Agreement shall be reduced on a pro rata basis for each day less than 320 in a fiscal year that an Agreement Vessel is not operated exclusively in the U.S.-foreign trade or in mixed foreign and domestic trade allowed under a registry endorsement issued under 46 U.S.C. 12105. Days during which the vessel is drydocked or undergoing survey, inspection, or repair shall be considered to be days during which the vessel is operated, provided the total of such days within a fiscal year does not exceed 30 days, unless prior to the expiration of a vessel’s 30 day period, approval is obtained from MARAD for an extension of the 30 day provision.
(2) There shall be no payment for any day that a MSP Agreement Vessel is engaged in transporting more than 7,500 tons (using the U.S. English standard of short tons, which converts to 6,696.75 long tons, or 6,803.85 metric tons) of civilian bulk preference cargoes pursuant to section 901(a), 901(b), or 901b of the act, provided that it is bulk cargo.
§ 295.31 Criteria for payment
(a) Submission of voucher. For contractors operating under more than one MSP Operating Agreement, the contractor may submit a single monthly voucher applicable to all its agreements. Each voucher submission shall include a certification that the vessel(s) for which payment is requested were operated in accordance with § 295.21(d) and applicable MSP Operating Agreements with MARAD, and consideration shall be given to reductions in amounts payable as set forth in § 295.30. All submissions shall be forwarded to the Director, Office of Accounting, MAR–330 Room 7325, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Payments shall be paid and processed under the terms and conditions of the Prompt Payment Act, 31 U.S.C. 3901.
(1) Payments shall be made per vessel, in equal monthly installments, of $175,000.
(2) To the extent that reductions under § 295.30(b) are known, such reductions shall be applied at the time of the current billing. The daily reduction amounts shall be based on the annual amounts in 295.30(a) of this part divided by 365 days (366 days in leap years) and rounded to the nearest cent. Daily reduction amounts shall be applied as follows:
(3) In the event a monthly payment is for a period less than a complete month, that month’s payment shall be calculated by multiplying the appropriate daily rate in § 295.31(a)(2) by the actual number of days the Eligible Vessel operated in accordance with § 295.21.
(4) MARAD may require, for good cause, that a portion of the funds payable under this section be withheld if the provisions of § 295.21(d) have not been met.
(5) Amounts owed to MARAD for reductions applicable to a prior billing period shall be electronically transferred using MARAD’s prescribed format, or a check may be forwarded to the Maritime Administration, P.O. Box 845133, Dallas, Texas 75284–5133, or the amount owed can be credited to MARAD by offsetting amounts payable in future billing periods.
(b) [Reserved]
Subpart E—Appeals Procedures
§ 295.40 Administrative determinations.
(a) Policy. A Contractor who disagrees with the findings, interpretations or decisions of the Contracting Officer with respect to the administration of this part may submit an appeal to the Maritime Administrator. Such appeals shall be made in writing to the Maritime Administrator, within 60 days following the date of the document notifying the Contractor of the administrative determination of the Contracting Officer. Such an appeal should be addressed to the Maritime Administrator, Att.: MSP Contract Appeals, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590.
(b) Process. The Maritime Administrator may require the person making the request to furnish additional information, or proof of factual allegations, and may order any proceeding appropriate in the circumstances. The decision of the Maritime Administrator shall be final.
PART 296—MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM (MSP)
Subpart A—Introduction
§ 296.1 Purpose.
This part prescribes regulations implementing the provisions of Subtitle C, Maritime Security Fleet Program, Title XXXV of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, the Maritime Security Act of 2003 (MSA 2003), governing Maritime Security Program (MSP) payments for vessels operating in the foreign trade or mixed foreign and domestic commerce of the United States allowed under a registry endorsement issued under 46 U.S.C. 12105. The MSA 2003 provides for joint responsibility between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for administering the law. These regulations provide the framework for the coordination between DOD and DOT in implementing the MSA 2003. Implementation of the MSA 2003 has been delegated by the Secretary of Transportation to the Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration and by the Secretary of Defense to the Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, respectively.
§ 296.2 Definitions.
For the purposes of this part:
Act means the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 App. U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
Administrator means the Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. DOT, who is authorized by the Secretary of Transportation to administer the MSA 2003, in consultation with the Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM).
Agreement Vessel means a vessel covered by an MSP Operating Agreement.
Applicant means an applicant for an MSP Operating Agreement. The term, “applicant” excludes a trust.
Bulk Cargo means cargo that is loaded and carried in bulk without mark or count.
Chapter 121 means the vessel documentation provisions of chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code.
Coastwise Trade means trade between points in the United States.
Commander means Commander, USTRANSCOM, who is authorized by the Secretary of Defense to administer the MSA 2003, in consultation with the Administrator.
Contracting Officer means the Associate Administrator for National Security, MARAD.
Contractor means the owner or operator of a vessel that enters into an MSP Operating Agreement for the vessel with the Secretary of Transportation (acting through MARAD) pursuant to § 53103 of the MSA 2003. The term, “Contractor” excludes a trust.
Defense Contractor means a person that operates or manages United States documented vessels for the Secretary of Defense or charters vessels to the Secretary of Defense and has entered into a special security agreement with the Secretary of Defense.
Documentation Citizen means an entity able to document a vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121. This definition includes a trust.
DOD means the U.S. Department of Defense.
Domestic Trade means trade between points in the United States.
Eligible Vessel means a vessel that meets the requirements of § 53102(b) of the MSA 2003.
Emergency Preparedness Agreement means an agreement, required by § 53107 of the MSA 2003, between a Contractor and the Secretary of Transportation (acting through MARAD) to make certain commercial transportation resources available during time of war or national emergency or whenever determined by the Secretary of Defense to be necessary for national security or contingency operation.
Enrollment means the entry into an MSP Operating Agreement with MARAD to operate a vessel(s) in the MSP Fleet in accordance with § 296.30.
Fiscal Year means any annual period beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30.
Foreign Commerce means a cargo freight service, including direct and relay service, operated exclusively in the foreign trade or in mixed foreign and domestic trade allowed under a registry endorsement under 46 U.S.C. 12111 where the origination point or the destination point of any cargo carried is the United States, regardless of whether the vessel provides direct service between the United States and a foreign country, or commerce or trade between foreign countries.
Militarily Useful is defined, in terms of minimum military capabilities, according to DOD Joint Strategic Planning Capabilities Plan (JSCAP) guidance.
MSA 2003 means the Maritime Security Act of 2003, as amended.
MSP Fleet means the fleet of vessels established under section 53102(a) of the MSA 2003 and operated under MSP Operating Agreements.
MSP Operating Agreement means the assistance agreement between a Contractor and MARAD that provides for MSP payments, but is not a “procurement contract.”
MSP Payments means the payments made for the operation of U.S.-flag vessels in the foreign commerce.
Noncontiguous Domestic Trade means transportation of cargo between a point in the contiguous 48 states and a point in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, other than a point in Alaska north of the Arctic Circle.
Operating Day means any calendar day during which a vessel is operated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MSP Operating Agreement.
Operator is a person that either owns a vessel and operates that vessel directly or charters in a vessel at a financial risk through a demise charter that transfers virtually all the rights and obligations of the vessel owner to the vessel operator, such as that of crewing, supplying, maintaining, insuring and navigating the vessel.
Owner means an entity that has title and/or beneficial ownership of a vessel. Only an owner that is a person is eligible to enter into an MSP Operating Agreement.
Participating Fleet Vessel means a vessel that—
(1) On October 1, 2015—
(i) Meets the requirements of paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of section 53102(c) of the MSA; and
(ii) Is less than 20 years of age if the vessel is a tank vessel, or is less than 25 years of age for all other vessel types; and
(2) on December 31, 2014, is covered by an MSP Operating Agreement under 46 U.S.C. chapter 531.
Person includes corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and associations existing under or authorized by the laws of the United States, or any State, Territory, District, or possession thereof, or of any foreign country. For purposes of holding an MSP Operating Agreement, the term “person” excludes a trust.
Roll-on/Roll-off Vessel means a vessel that has ramps allowing cargo to be loaded and discharged by means of wheeled vehicles so that cranes are not required.
SecDef means Secretary of Defense acting through the Commander USTRANSCOM.
Section 2 Citizen means a United States citizen within the meaning of 46 U.S.C. 50501, without regard to any statute that “deems” a vessel to be owned and operated by a United States citizen within the meaning of 46 U.S.C. 50501.
Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation acting through the Maritime Administrator.
Tank Vessel means, as stated in 46 U.S.C. 2101(38), a self-propelled tank vessel that is constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or cargo residue. In addition, the vessel must be double hulled and capable of carrying simultaneously more than two separated grades of refined petroleum products.
Transfer of an MSP Operating Agreement includes any sale, assignment or transfer of the MSP Operating Agreement, either directly or indirectly, or through any sale, reorganization, merger, or consolidation of the MSP Contractor.
United States includes the 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands.
United States Citizen Trust means:
(1) Subject to paragraph (3) of this definition, a trust that is qualified under this definition.
(2) A trust is qualified only if:
(i) Each of the trustees is a Section 2 Citizen; and
(ii) The application for documentation of the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121, includes the affidavit of each trustee stating that the trustee is not aware of any reason involving a beneficiary of the trust that is not a Section 2 Citizen, or involving any other person that is not a Section 2 Citizen, as a result of which the beneficiary or other person would hold more than 25 percent of the aggregate power to influence or limit the exercise of the authority of the trustee with respect to matters involving any ownership or operation of the vessel that may adversely affect the interests of the United States.
(3) If any person that is not a Section 2 Citizen has authority to direct or participate in directing a trustee for a trust in matters involving any ownership or operation of the vessel that may adversely affect the interests of the United States or in removing a trustee for a trust without cause, either directly or indirectly through the control of another person, the trust instrument provides that persons who are not Section 2 Citizens may not hold more than 25 percent of the aggregate authority to so direct or remove a trustee.
(4) This definition shall not be considered to prohibit a person who is not a Section 2 Citizen from holding more than 25 percent of the beneficial interest in a trust.
United States Documented Vessel means a vessel documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121.
§ 296.3 Applications.
(a) Action by MARAD—Time Deadlines. Applications for enrollment of vessels in the MSP were due by October 15, 2004 to the Secretary, Maritime Administration, Room 7218, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Any applications received before October 15, 2004 were deemed to have been submitted on October 15, 2004. Within 90 days after receipt of a completed application, the Secretary was obligated to approve the application, in conjunction with the SecDef, or provide in writing the reason for denial of that application. Execution of a standard MSP Operating Agreement took place reasonably soon after approval of the application. Contractors of MSP Operating Agreements were required to submit ownership information and signed charters to MARAD for approval by July 1, 2005.
(b) Action by the Applicant. Each applicant for an MSP Operating Agreement was required to submit an application under OMB control number 2133–0525 to the Secretary, Maritime Administration in the manner prescribed on that form. Application forms were made available from MARAD’s Office of Sealift Support, or the application form could be downloaded from the MARAD Web site, http://www.marad.dot.gov, Information required included:
(1) An Affidavit of Section 2 Citizenship that comports with the requirements of 46 CFR part 355, if applying as a Section 2 Citizen. Otherwise, an affidavit which demonstrates that the applicant is qualified to document a vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 is required. If the applicant is a vessel operator and proposes to employ a vessel manager, then the applicant must supply an affidavit for the vessel manager that meets the same citizenship requirements applicable to the applicant;
(2) Certificate of Incorporation;
(3) Copies of by-laws or other governing instruments;
(4) Maritime related affiliations;
(5) Financial data:
(i) Provide an audited financial statement or a completed MARAD Form MA–172 dated within 120 days after the close of the most recent fiscal period; and
(ii) Provide estimated annual forecast of maritime operations for the next five years showing revenue and expense, including explanations of any significant increase or decrease of these items;
(6) Intermodal network:
(i) If applicable, a statement describing the applicant’s operating and transportation assets, including vessels, container stocks, trucks, railcars, terminal facilities, and systems used to link such assets together;
(ii) The number of containers and their twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by size and type owned and/or long-term leased by the applicant distinguishing those that are owned from those that are leased; and
(iii) The number of chassis by size and type owned and/or long-term leased by the applicant distinguishing those that are owned from those that are leased;
(7) Diversity of trading patterns: A list of countries and trade routes serviced along with the types and volumes of cargo carried;
(8) Applicant’s record of owning and/or operating vessels: Provide number of ships owned and/or operated, specifying flag, in the last ten years, trades involved, number of employees in your ship operations department, vessel or ship managers utilized in the operation of your vessels, and any other information relevant to your record of owning or operating vessels;
(9) Bareboat charter arrangements, if applicable;
(10) Vessel data including vessel type, size, and construction date;
(11) Military Utility: Provide an assessment of the value of the vessel to DOD sealift requirements. Provide characteristics which indicate the value of the vessels to DOD including items of specific value, e.g., ramp strengths, national defense sealift features;
(12) Special Security Agreements: If applicable, provide a copy of any Special Security Agreement;
(13) If applicable, Certification from documentation citizen who is the demise charterer of the MSP vessel: In a letter submitted at the time of the application addressed to the Administrator and the Commander from the Chief Executive Officer, or equivalent, of a documentation citizen that is the proposed Contractor of an MSP Operating Agreement, provide a statement that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws of the foreign country(ies) of the parent, that would prohibit the proposed Contractor from performing its obligations under an MSP Operating Agreement. The statement should be substantially in the following format:
“I, ________, Chief Executive Officer of ________, certify to you that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws of the foreign country(ies) of ____’s ultimate foreign parent or intermediate parents that would prohibit ____ from performing its obligations under an Operating Agreement with the Maritime Administration pursuant to the Maritime Security Act of 2003.”;
(14) Agreement from the ultimate foreign parent of the documentation citizen: An agreement to be signed and submitted at the time of application from the equivalent of the Chief Executive Officer of the ultimate foreign parent of a documentation citizen not to influence the operation of the MSP vessel in a manner that will adversely affect the interests of the United States. The Agreement should be substantially in the following format:
“I, ________, am the Chief Executive Officer [or equivalent] of ______, the ultimate foreign parent of ________, a documentation citizen of the United States that is applying for an MSP Operating Agreement. I agree on behalf of the “foreign parent” that neither ________ (the ultimate foreign parent) nor any representative of ________ (the ultimate foreign parent) will in any way influence the operation of the MSP vessel in a manner that will adversely affect the interests of the United States.”;
(15) Replacement Vessel Plan and Age Waiver: If applicable, an applicant must submit a replacement vessel plan along with an age waiver request if the applicant seeks an age waiver for an existing vessel(s). The vessel replacement plan shall include the vessel’s characteristics, a letter of intent or other document indicating agreement for purchase of vessel, and a forecast of operations for five years for the replacement vessel. The age restriction for over-age vessels shall not apply to a Participating Fleet Vessel during the 30-month period beginning on the date the vessel begins operating under an MSP Operating Agreement under the MSA 2003 provided that the Secretary has determined that the Contractor has entered into an arrangement for a replacement vessel that will be eligible to be included in an MSP Operating Agreement, and;
(16) Anti-Lobbying Certificate: A certificate as required by 49 CFR part 20 stating that no funds provided under MSP have been used for lobbying to obtain an Operating Agreement.
§ 296.4 Waivers.
In General—In special circumstances, and for good cause shown, the procedures prescribed in this part may be waived in writing by the Secretary, by mutual agreement of the Secretary in consultation with the SecDef, and the Contractor, so long as the procedures adopted are consistent with the MSA 2003 and with the objectives of these regulations.
Subpart B—Eligibility
§ 296.10 Citizenship requirements of owners, charterers and operators.
Citizenship requirements are deemed to have been met if during the entire period of an MSP Operating Agreement under this chapter that applies to the vessel, all of the conditions of any of the paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section are met, and subject to conditions in paragraph (e):
(a) A vessel to be included in an MSP Operating Agreement is owned and operated by one or more persons that are Section 2 Citizens.
(b) A vessel to be included in an MSP Operating Agreement is owned by either a person that is a Section 2 Citizen or a United States Citizen Trust, and the vessel is demise chartered to a non-Section 2 Citizen—
(1) That is eligible to document the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121;
(2) Whose chairman of the board of directors, chief executive officer, and a majority of the members of the board of directors are Section 2 Citizens, and are appointed and subject to removal only upon approval by the Secretary as follows:
(i) Proposed changes to the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, and membership of the board of directors must be submitted to the Administrator 60 days before scheduled to take effect; and
(ii) MARAD must approve or disapprove changes within 30 days of receiving the proposed changes;
(3) That certifies to the Secretary in a format substantially similar to the format at § 296.3(b)(13) that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws that would prohibit the Contractor from performing its obligations under an MSP Operating Agreement at the time of application for an MSP Operating Agreement; and
(4) The ultimate foreign parent of that person proffers, at the time of application for an MSP Operating Agreement, an agreement in a format substantially similar to the format at § 296.3(b)(14) not to influence the vessel’s operation in a way that is detrimental to the United States.
(c) A vessel to be included in an MSP Operating Agreement is owned and operated by a defense contractor or a related person to include affiliated or related companies within the same corporate group that:
(1) Is eligible to document the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121;
(2) Operates or manages other United States-documented vessels for the SecDef, or charters other vessels to the SecDef;
(3) Has entered into a special security agreement with the SecDef;
(4) Certifies to the Secretary, at the time of application, in a format substantially similar to the format of § 296.3(b)(13), that there are no treaties, statutes, regulations, or other laws that would prohibit the Contractor from performing its obligations under an MSP Operating Agreement; and
(5) Has its ultimate foreign parent proffer, at the time of application for an MSP Operating Agreement, an agreement in a format substantially similar to the format of § 296.3(b)(14) not to influence the vessel’s operation in a way that is detrimental to the United States.
(d) The vessel is owned by a documentation citizen and demise chartered to a Section 2 Citizen.
(e) Where applicable, the Secretary and the SecDef shall notify the Senate Committees on Armed Services, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services that they concur with the certifications by the documentation citizens under § 296.3(b)(13) and that they have reviewed the agreements proffered by the ultimate foreign parent under § 296.3(b)(14), and agree that there are no other legal, operational, or other impediments that would prohibit the contractors for the vessels from performing their obligations under MSP Operating Agreements.
§ 296.11 Vessel requirements.
(a) Eligible vessel. A vessel is eligible to be included in an MSP Operating Agreement if:
(1) The vessel is:
(i) Determined by the SecDef to be suitable for use by the United States for national defense or military purposes in time of war or national emergency; and
(ii) Determined by the Secretary to be commercially viable;
(2) The vessel is operated or, in the case of a vessel to be purchased or constructed, will be operated to provide transportation in the foreign commerce;
(3) The vessel is self-propelled and—
(i) Is a tank vessel that is 10 years of age or less on the date the vessel is included in the Fleet; or
(ii) Is any other type of vessel that is 15 years of age or less on the date the vessel is included in the Fleet;
(4) The vessel is:
(i) A United States documented vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121; or
(ii) Not a United States-documented vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121, but the owner of the vessel has demonstrated an intent to have the vessel documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 at the time the vessel is to be included in the MSP fleet; and
(A) The vessel is eligible for a certificate of inspection if the Secretary of the Department in which the United States Coast Guard is operating determines that:
(1) The vessel is classed and designed in accordance with the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) or another classification society accepted by such Secretary;
(2) The vessel complies with applicable international agreements and associated guidelines as determined by the country in which the vessel was documented immediately before becoming a U.S.-flag vessel; and
(3) The flag country has not been identified by such Secretary as inadequately enforcing international vessel regulations.
(B) [Reserved]
(b) Waiver of age restriction of vessels. The SecDef, in conjunction with the Secretary, may waive the age restriction in paragraph (a) of this section if the Secretaries jointly determine that the waiver:
(1) Is in the national interest;
(2) Is appropriate to allow the maintenance of the economic viability of the vessel and any associated operating network; and
(3) Is necessary due to the lack of availability of other vessels and operators that comply with the requirements of the MSA 2003.
(c) Telecommunications and other electronic equipment. The telecommunications and other electronic equipment on an existing vessel that is redocumented under the laws of the United States for operation under an MSP Operating Agreement shall be deemed to satisfy all Federal Communications Commission equipment certification requirements, if
(1) Such equipment complies with all applicable international agreements and associated guidelines as determined by the country in which the vessel was documented immediately before becoming documented under the laws of the United States;
(2) That country has not been identified by the Secretary as inadequately enforcing international regulations as to that vessel; and
(3) At the end of its useful life, such equipment will be replaced with equipment that meets Federal Communications Commission equipment certification standards (see 47 CFR Chapter I).
§ 296.12 Applicants.
Applicant. Owners or operators of an eligible vessel may apply to MARAD for inclusion of that vessel in the MSP Fleet pursuant to the provisions of the MSA 2003. Applications shall be addressed to the Secretary, Maritime Administration, Room 7218, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
Subpart C—Priority for Granting Applications
§ 296.20 Tank vessels.
(a) First priority for the award of MSP Operating Agreements under MSA 2003 shall be granted to a tank vessel that is constructed in the United States after October 1, 2004.
(b) First priority for the award of MSP Operating Agreements under the MSA 2003 may be granted to a tank vessel that is less than ten years of age on the date it enters an MSP Operating Agreement:
(1) Provided: (i) That the Contractor agrees to execute a binding agreement approved by the Secretary for a replacement vessel to be operated under the MSP Operating Agreement and to be built in the United States not later than nine months after the first date appropriated funds are available for construction and operating assistance for a minimum of three tank vessels;
(ii) A tank vessel under this section is eligible to be included in the MSP under § 296.11(a); and
(iii) A tank vessel under this section is owned and operated during the period of the MSP Operating Agreement by one or more persons that are Section 2 Citizens;
(2) No payment can be made for an existing tank vessel granted priority one status after the earlier of:
(i) Four years following the date this MSP Operating Agreement is effective, except if amounts are available for construction of a minimum of three tank vessels under the National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Assistance Program (NDTVCP) by October 1, 2007, then no payments shall be made for the existing “tank vessel” after four years following the date such amounts are available; or
(ii) The date of delivery of the replacement tank vessel constructed in the United States after October 1, 2004.
(3) The Secretary will not enter into more than five MSP Operating Agreements for tank vessels under this priority. If the five tank vessel MSP Operating Agreement slots are not fully subscribed, the Secretary, in consultation with the SecDef, may award the non-subscribed slots to lower priority vessels, if deemed appropriate. If the Secretary determines that no funds are, or are likely to be, allocated for any tank vessel construction in the United States, the five slots may nevertheless be awarded to existing tank vessels or the slots may be awarded permanently to any eligible vessels. The Secretary may temporarily award a slot reserved for a tank vessel under construction to a lower priority vessel during the construction period of that vessel if an existing tank vessel offered by the tank vessel Contractor is not eligible for priority for that slot. If no existing tank vessel is offered by the tank vessel Contractor, the Secretary may temporarily award an MSP Operating Agreement to any eligible vessel of another Contractor until a new tank vessel’s construction is completed in the United States. Such temporary MSP Operating Agreements may be terminated under terms set forth in the temporary MSP Operating Agreement.
§§ 296.21-296.23 [Reserved]
§ 296.24 Subsequent awards of MSP Operating Agreements.
(a) MARAD intends to ensure that all available MSP Operating Agreements are fully utilized at all times in order to maximize the benefit of the MSP. Accordingly, when an MSP Operating Agreement becomes available through termination by the Secretary or early termination by the MSP contractor, and no transfer under 46 U.S.C. 53105(e) is involved, MARAD will reissue the MSP Operating Agreement pursuant to the following criteria:
(1) The proposed vessel shall meet the requirements for vessel eligibility in 46 U.S.C. 53102(b);
(2) The applicant shall meet the vessel ownership and operating requirements for priority in 46 U.S.C. 53102(c); and
(3) Priority will be assigned on the basis of vessel type established by military requirements specified by the Secretary of Defense. After consideration of military requirements, priority shall be given to an applicant that is a United States citizen under section 50501 of this title.
(b) MARAD shall allow an applicant at least 30 days to submit an application for a new MSP Operating Agreement.
(c) MARAD and USTRANSCOM will determine if the applications received form an adequate pool for award of a reissued MSP Operating Agreement. If so, MARAD will award a reissued MSP Operating Agreement from that pool of qualified applicants in its discretion according to the procedures of paragraph (a) of this section, subject to approval of the Secretary of Defense. MARAD and USTRANSCOM may decide to open a new round of applications. MARAD shall provide written reasons for denying applications. In as much as MSP furthers a public purpose and MARAD does not acquire goods or services through MSP, the selection process for award of MSP Operating Agreements does not constitute an acquisition process subject to any procurement law or the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Subpart D—Maritime Security Program Operating Agreements
§ 296.30 General conditions.
(a) Approval. The Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, may approve applications to enter into a MSP Operating Agreement and make MSP Payments with respect to vessels that are determined by the Secretary to be commercially viable and deemed by the Secretary of Defense to be militarily useful for meeting the sealift needs of the United States in time of war or national emergencies. The Secretary announced an initial award of 60 MSP Operating Agreements on January 12, 2005. In June 2014, the Secretary extended the term of all 60 MSP Operating Agreements through FY 2025.
(b) Effective date—(1) General rule. Unless otherwise provided, the effective date of an MSP Operating Agreement is October 1, 2005.
(2) Exceptions. In the case of an Eligible Vessel to be included in an MSP Operating Agreement that is on charter to the U.S. Government, other than a charter under the provisions of an Emergency Preparedness Agreement (EPA) provided by 46 U.S.C. 53107, as amended, unless an earlier date is requested by the applicant, the effective date for an MSP Operating Agreement shall be:
(i) The expiration or termination date of the Government charter covering the vessel; or
(ii) Any earlier date on which the vessel is withdrawn from that charter, but not before October 1, 2005.
(c) Replacement vessels. A Contractor may replace an MSP vessel under an MSP Operating Agreement with another vessel that is eligible to be included in the MSP under section 296.11(a), if the Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, approves the replacement vessel.
(d) Termination by the Secretary. If the Contractor materially fails to comply with the terms of the MSP Operating Agreement:
(1) The Secretary shall notify the Contractor and provide a reasonable opportunity for the Contractor to comply with the MSP Operating Agreement;
(2) The Secretary shall terminate the MSP Operating Agreement if the Contractor fails to achieve such compliance; and
(3) Upon such termination, any funds obligated by the relevant MSP Operating Agreement shall be available to the Secretary to carry out the MSP.
(e) Early termination by Contractor, generally. An MSP Operating Agreement shall terminate on a date specified by the Contractor if the Contractor notifies the Secretary not later than 60 days before the effective date of the proposed termination that the Contractor intends to terminate the MSP Operating Agreement. The Contractor shall be bound by the provisions relating to vessel documentation and national security commitments, and by its EPA for the full term, from October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2025, of the MSP Operating Agreement.
(f) [Reserved]
(g) Non-renewal for lack of funds. If, by the first day of a fiscal year, sufficient funds have not been appropriated under the authority of MSA 2003, as amended, for that fiscal year, the Secretary will notify the Senate Committees on Armed Services and Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, that MSP Operating Agreements for which sufficient funds are not available will not be renewed for that fiscal year if sufficient funds are not appropriated by the 60th day of that fiscal year. If only partial funding is appropriated by the 60th day of such fiscal year, then the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall select the vessels to retain under MSP Operating Agreements, based on the Secretaries’ determinations of the most militarily useful and commercially viable vessels. In the event that no funds are appropriated, then all MSP Operating Agreements shall be terminated, and each Contractor shall be released from its obligations under the MSP Operating Agreement. Final payments under the terminated MSP Operating Agreements shall be made in accordance with § 296.41. To the extent that funds are appropriated in a subsequent fiscal year, former MSP Operating Agreements may be reinstated if mutually acceptable to the Administrator and the Contractor, provided the MSP vessel remains eligible.
(h) Release of vessels from obligations. If sufficient funds are not appropriated for payments under an MSP Operating Agreement for any fiscal year by the 60th day of that fiscal year, then—
(1) Each vessel covered by a terminated MSP Operating Agreement is released from any further obligation under the MSP Operating Agreement;
(2) The owner and operator of a non-tank vessel may transfer and register the applicable vessel under foreign registry deemed acceptable by the Secretary and the SecDef, notwithstanding 46 U.S.C. chapter 561 and 46 CFR part 221;
(3) If section 902 of the Act is applicable to a vessel that has been transferred to a foreign registry due to a terminated MSP Operating Agreement, then that vessel is available to be requisitioned by the Secretary pursuant to section 902 of the Act; and
(4) Paragraph (h) of this section is not applicable to vessels under MSP Operating Agreements that have been terminated for any other reason.
(i) Foreign transfer of vessel. A Contractor may transfer a non-tank vessel to a foreign registry, without approval of the Secretary, if the Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, determines that the contractor will provide a replacement vessel:
(1) Of equal or greater military capability and of a capacity that is equivalent or greater as measured in deadweight tons, gross tons, or container equivalent units, as appropriate;
(2) That is a documented vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 by the owner of the vessel to be placed under a foreign registry; and
(3) That is not more than 10 years of age on the date of that documentation.
(j) Transfer of MSP Operating Agreements. A contractor under an MSP Operating Agreement may transfer the agreement (including all rights and obligations under the MSP Operating Agreement) to any person that is eligible to enter into the MSP Operating Agreement under this chapter if the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense determine that the transfer is in the best interests of the United States. A transaction shall not be considered a transfer of an MSP Operating Agreement if the same legal entity with the same vessels remains the contracting party under the MSP Operating Agreement.
§ 296.31 MSP assistance conditions.
(a) Term of MSP Operating Agreement. MSP Operating Agreements are authorized for 20 years, starting on October 1, 2005, and ending on September 30, 2025, but payments to Contractors are subject to annual appropriations each fiscal year. MARAD may enter into MSP Operating Agreements for a period less than the full term authorized under the MSA 2003, as amended.
(b) Terms under a Continuing Resolution (CR). In the event funds are available under a CR, the terms and conditions of the MSP Operating Agreements shall be in force provided sufficient funds are available to fully meet obligations under MSP Operating Agreements, and only for the period stipulated in the applicable CR. If funds are not appropriated under a CR at sufficient levels for any portion of a fiscal year, the Secretary will select the vessels to retain within the funding level of the previous fiscal year, in consultation with the SecDef, based on the Secretaries’ determination of the most militarily useful and commercially viable vessels. With regard to an MSP Operating Agreement that does not receive funds, the terms and conditions of any applicable MSP Operating Agreement may be voided and the Contractor may request termination of the MSP Operating Agreement.
(c) National security requirements. Each MSP Operating Agreement shall require the owner or operator of an Eligible Vessel included in that MSP Operating Agreement to enter into an EPA pursuant to section 53107 of the MSA 2003. The EPA shall be a document incorporating the terms of the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), as approved by the Secretary and the SecDef, or other agreement approved by the Secretaries.
(d) Vessel operating agreements. The MSP Operating Agreement shall require that during the period an Eligible Vessel is included in that MSP Operating Agreement, the Eligible Vessel shall:
(1) Documentation: Be documented as a U.S.-flag vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121;
(2) Operation: Be operated exclusively in the foreign commerce or in mixed foreign commerce and domestic trade allowed under a registry endorsement issued under 46 U.S.C. 12111, and shall not otherwise be operated in the coastwise trade of the United States; and
(3) Noncontiguous Domestic Trade: Not receive MSP payments during a period in which the Contractor participates, i.e., directly or indirectly owns, charters, or operates, a vessel engaged in noncontiguous domestic trade unless the Contractor is a Section 2 Citizen.
(e) Obligation of the U.S. Government. The amounts payable as MSP payments under an MSP Operating Agreement shall constitute a contractual obligation of the United States Government to the extent of available appropriations.
(f) U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadets. The MSP Operator shall agree to carry on the MSP vessel two U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadets, if available, on each voyage.
§ 296.32 Reporting requirements.
The Contractor shall submit to the Director, Office of Financial Approvals, Maritime Administration, 2nd Floor, West Building, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590, one of the following reports, including management footnotes where necessary to make a fair financial presentation:
(a) Form MA–172: Not later than 120 days after the close of the Contractor’s semiannual accounting period, a Form MA–172 on a semiannual basis, in accordance with 46 CFR 232.6; or
(b) Financial Statement: Not later than 120 days after the close of the Contractor’s annual accounting period, an audited financial statement in accordance with 46 CFR 232.6 and the most recent vessel operating cost data submitted as part of its EPA, or if not current year data, a Schedule 310 of the MA–172.
Subpart E—Billing and Payment Procedures
§ 296.40 Billing procedures.
Submission of voucher. For contractors operating under more than one MSP Operating Agreement, the contractor may submit a single monthly voucher applicable to all its MSP Operating Agreements. Each voucher submission shall include a certification that the vessel(s) for which payment is requested were operated in accordance with § 296.31(d) and applicable MSP Operating Agreements with MARAD, and consideration shall be given to reductions in amounts payable as set forth in § 296.41(b) and (c). All submissions shall be forwarded to the Director, Office of Accounting, MAR–330, Maritime Administration, 2nd Floor, West Building, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. Payments shall be paid and processed under the terms and conditions of the Prompt Payment Act, 31 U.S.C. 3901.
§ 296.41 Payment procedures.
(a) Amount payable. An MSP Operating Agreement shall provide, subject to the availability of appropriations and to the extent the MSP Operating Agreement is in effect, for each Agreement Vessel, an annual payment equal to $2,600,000 for FY 2006, FY 2007, FY 2008; $2,900,000 for FY 2009, FY 2010, FY 2011; $3,100,000 for FY 2012, FY 2013, FY 2014, and FY 2015; $3,500,000 for FY 2016; $4,999,950 for FY 2017; $5,000,000 for FY 2018, FY 2019, and FY 2020; $5,233,463 for FY 2021; and $3,700,000 for FY 2022, FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY 2025. This amount shall be paid in equal monthly installments at the end of each month. The annual amount payable shall not be reduced except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) Reductions in amount payable. (1) The annual amount otherwise payable under an MSP Operating Agreement shall be reduced on a pro rata basis for each day less than 320 in a fiscal year that an Agreement Vessel:
(i) Is not operated exclusively in the foreign commerce, except for tank vessels, which may be operated in foreign-to-foreign commerce;
(ii) Is operated in the coastwise trade; or
(iii) Is not documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121.
(2) To the extent that a Contractor operates MSP vessels less than 320 days under the provisions of § 296.31(d), payments will be reduced for each day less than 320 days.
(c) No payment. (1) Regardless of whether the Contractor has or will operate for 320 days in a fiscal year, a Contractor shall not be paid:
(i) For any day that an Agreement Vessel is engaged in transporting more than 7,500 tons (using the U.S. English standard of short tons, which converts to 6,696.75 long tons, or 6,803.85 metric tons) of civilian bulk preference cargoes pursuant to section 901(a), 901(b), or 901b of the Act, provided that it is bulk cargo;
(ii) During a period in which the Contractor participates in noncontiguous domestic trade, unless that Contractor is a Section 2 Citizen;
(iii) While under charter to the United States Government other than a charter pursuant to an EPA under § 53107 of the MSA 2003. A voyage charter that is essentially a contract of affreightment will not be considered to be a charter;
(iv) For a vessel in excess of 25 years of age, except for a LASH vessel in excess of 30 years of age or a tank vessel which is limited to 20 years of age, unless the vessel is a Participating Fleet Vessel meeting the requirements of § 296.21(e);
(v) For days in excess of 30 days in a fiscal year in which a vessel is drydocked or undergoing survey, inspection, or repair unless prior to the expiration of the vessel’s 30-day period, approval is obtained from MARAD for an extension beyond 30 days. Drydocking, survey, inspection, or repair periods of 30 days or less are considered operating days; and
(vi) If the contracted vessel is not operated or maintained in accordance with the terms of the MSP Operating Agreement.
(2) To the extent that non-payment days under paragraph (c) of this section are known, Contractor payments shall be reduced at the time of the current billing. The daily reduction amounts shall be based on the annual amounts in paragraph (a) of this section divided by 365 days (366 days in leap years) and rounded to the nearest cent. Daily reduction amounts shall be applied.
(3) MARAD may require, for good cause, that a portion of the funds payable under this section be withheld if the provisions of § 296.31(d) have not been met.
(4) Amounts owed to MARAD for reductions applicable to a prior billing period shall be electronically transferred using MARAD’s prescribed format, or a check may be forwarded to the Maritime Administration, P.O. Box 845133, Dallas, Texas 75284–5133, or the amount owed can be credited to MARAD by offsetting amounts payable in future billing periods.
Subpart F—Appeals Procedures
§ 296.50 Administrative determinations.
(a) Policy. A Contractor who disagrees with the findings, interpretations or decisions of the Maritime Administration or the Contracting Officer with respect to the administration of this part or any other dispute or complaint concerning MSP Operating Agreements may submit an appeal to the Administrator. Such appeals shall be made in writing to the Secretary, within 60 days following the date of the document notifying the Contractor of the administrative determination of the Contracting Officer. Such an appeal should be addressed to the Maritime Administrator, Attn.: MSP Operating Agreement Appeals, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Such an appeal is a prerequisite to exhausting administrative remedies.
(b) DOD determinations. The MSA 2003 assigns joint and separate roles and responsibilities to the Secretary and to the SecDef. The Administrator and the Commander will make joint and separate findings, interpretations, and decisions necessary to implement the MSA 2003. A Contractor who disagrees with the initial findings, interpretations or decisions regarding the implementation of the MSA 2003—whether joint or separate in nature—shall communicate such disagreement to the Contracting Officer. Any disagreement or dispute of a Contractor may, where appropriate, be transferred to the Director, Policy and Plans, U.S. Transportation Command (Director), for resolution. A Contractor who disagrees with the findings, interpretations, or decisions of the Director, with respect to the administration of this part, may submit an appeal to the Commander. Such an appeal shall be made in writing to the Commander within 60 days following the date of the document notifying the Contractor of the administrative determination of the Director. Such an appeal should be addressed to the Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, 508 Scott Drive, Scott Air Force Base, IL 62225–5357.
(c) Process. The Administrator, or the Commander in the case of a DOD determination, may require the person making the request to furnish additional information, or proof of factual allegations, and may order any proceeding appropriate in the circumstances. The decision of the Administrator, or the Commander in the case of a DOD determination, shall be final.
SUBCHAPTER D—VESSEL FINANCING ASSISTANCE
PART 298—OBLIGATION GUARANTEES
Subpart A—Introduction
§ 298.1 Purpose.
This part prescribes regulations implementing Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, governing Federal ship financing assistance (46 App. U.S.C. 1271 et seq.). This part uses “you” and “we” throughout. You and your refer to the applicant for Title XI financing assistance unless we note or imply otherwise. We, us, and our refer to the Maritime Administration, the Secretary of the Maritime Administration, or the Secretary of Transportation, as applicable.
§ 298.2 Definitions.
For the purpose of this part:
Act means the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 App. U.S.C. 1101 through 1294).
Actual Cost of a Vessel or Shipyard Project means, as of any specified date, the aggregate, as determined by us, of all amounts paid by or for the account of the Obligor on or before that date and all amounts which the Obligor is then obligated to pay from time to time thereafter, for the construction, reconstruction or reconditioning of such Vessel or Shipyard Project.
Advanced Shipbuilding Technology means:
(1) Numerically controlled machine tools, robots, automated process control equipment, computerized flexible manufacturing systems, associated computer software, and other technology for improving shipbuilding and related industrial production which advance the state-of-the-art; and
(2) Novel techniques and processes designed to improve shipbuilding quality, productivity, and practice, and to promote sustainable development, including engineering design, quality assurance, concurrent engineering, continuous process production technology, energy efficiency, waste minimization, design for recyclability or parts reuse, inventory management, upgraded worker skills, and communications with customers and suppliers; and
(3) Other elements contributing to a shipyard’s efficiency or productivity assisting it to more effectively operate in the shipbuilding industry.
Citizen of the United States means a person who, if an individual, is a Citizen of the United States by birth, naturalization or as otherwise authorized by law or, if other than an individual, meets the requirements of Section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended (46 App. U.S.C. 802), as further described at 46 CFR 221.3(c).
Closing means a meeting of various participants or their representatives in a Title XI financing, at which a commitment to issue Guarantees is executed, or at which all or part of the Obligations are authenticated and issued and the proceeds are made available for a purpose set forth in section 1104(a) of the Act, or at which a Vessel is delivered and a Mortgage is executed as security to us or a Shipyard Project is completed and a Mortgage or other security is executed to us.
Commitment Closing means a meeting of various participants or their representatives in a Title XI financing at which a commitment to issue Guarantees is executed and the forms of the Obligations and the related Title XI documents are also either agreed upon or executed.
Depository means the U.S. Department of Treasury, acting in its capacity under Section 1109 of the Act.
Depreciated Actual Cost of a Vessel or Shipyard Project means the Actual Cost of the Vessel or Shipyard Project, as defined in this section (less a residual value of 2
Documentation means all or part of the agreements relating to an entire Title XI financing which must be furnished to us, irrespective of whether we are a party to each agreement.
Eligible Export Vessel means a Vessel constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned in the United States for use in world-wide trade which will, upon delivery or redelivery, be placed under or continued to be documented under the laws of a country other than the United States.
Eligible Shipyard means a private shipyard located in the United States.
General Shipyard Facility means:
(1) For operations on land, any structure or appurtenance thereto designed for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, refurbishment, or rebuilding of any Vessel, including graving docks, building ways, ship lifts, wharves and pier cranes; the land necessary for any structures or appurtenances; and equipment necessary for the performance of any function referred to in this definition; and
(2) For operations other than on land, any Vessel, floating drydock, or barge constructed in the United States, within the meaning of § 298.11(a), and used for, or a type that is usually used for, activities referred to in paragraph (1) of this definition.
Guarantee means the contractual commitment of the United States of America, represented by us, endorsed on each Obligation, to make payment to the Obligee or an agent, upon demand, of the unpaid interest on, and the unpaid balance of the principal of such Obligation, including interest accruing between the date of default and the date of payment.
Guarantee Fee means the fee payable to us in consideration for the issuance of the Guarantees.
Indenture Trustee means a bank with corporate trust powers, or a trust company, with a capital and surplus of at least $25,000,000, which is located in and organized and doing business under the laws of the United States, any State or territory thereof, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which has duties under the terms of a Trust Indenture, entered into with the Obligor, providing for the issuance and registration of the ownership and transfer of Obligations, the disbursement of funds held in trust by the Indenture Trustee for the redemption and payment of interest and principal with respect to Obligations, demands by the Indenture Trustee for payment under the Guarantees in the event of default and the remittance of payments received to the Obligees. Pursuant to our specific authorization, the Indenture Trustee may also authenticate the Guarantees.
Letter Commitment means a letter from us to you, setting forth specific determinations made by us with respect to your proposed project, as required by the Act and regulations of this part, and stating our commitment to execute Guarantees, subject to compliance by you with any conditions specified therein.
Maritime Administration means the agency created within the Department of Transportation by Reorganization Plan No. 21 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1273), amended by Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961 (75 Stat. 840), as amended by Public Law 91–469 (84 Stat. 1036).
Modern Shipbuilding Technology means a technology to be introduced into the shipyard that is comprised of the best available proven technology, techniques, and processes appropriate to advancing the state-of-the-art of the applicant shipyard, or exceeds the best available processes of American shipbuilding, and that will enhance its productivity and make it more competitive internationally.
Mortgage means a first Preferred Mortgage on any Vessel or a first mortgage with respect to a Shipyard Project.
Obligation means any note, bond, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness, as defined in section 1101(c) of the Act, issued for one of the purposes specified in section 1104(a) of the Act.
Obligee means the holder of an Obligation.
Obligor means any party primarily liable for payment of principal of or interest on any Obligation.
Paying Agent means any Person appointed by the Obligor to pay the principal of or interest on the Obligations on behalf of the Obligor.
Person means any individual, estate, foundation, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other acceptable legal business entity, government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Preferred Mortgage means:
(1) In the case of a mortgage on a Vessel documented under United States law, whenever made, a mortgage that—
(i) Includes the whole of a Vessel;
(ii) Is filed in substantial compliance with 46 U.S.C. 31321;
(iii) Covers a documented Vessel or a Vessel for which an application for documentation has been filed that is in substantial compliance with the requirements of 46 U.S.C. Ch. 121 and the regulations prescribed under that Chapter by the United States Coast Guard; and
(iv) Is otherwise in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 313 of Title 46 of the U.S. Code.; and
(2) In the case of a mortgage on an Eligible Export Vessel, whenever made, a mortgage that—
(i) Constitutes a mortgage that is established as security on an Eligible Export Vessel under the laws of a foreign country;
(ii) Was executed under the laws of that foreign country and under which laws the ownership of the Vessel is documented;
(iii) Is registered under the laws of that foreign country in a public register at the port of registry of the Vessel or at a central office;
(iv) Otherwise satisfies the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 31301(6)(B) to constitute a Preferred Mortgage; and
(v) Has us as the mortgagee, or such other mortgagee as is permitted by the applicable foreign law and approved by us.
Related Party means as that term is defined by generally accepted accounting principles outlined in paragraph 24 of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 57, Related Party Disclosures.
Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation, acting by and through the Maritime Administrator, Department of Transportation, the Maritime Administrator or any official of the Maritime Administration to whom is duly delegated the authority, from time to time, to perform the functions of the Secretary of Transportation or the Maritime Administrator, Department of Transportation.
Secretary’s Note means a promissory note from the Obligor to the Secretary in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the Obligations, which is issued simultaneously with the Guarantees.
Security Agreement means the primary contract between the Obligor and the Secretary, providing for the transfer to the Secretary by the Obligor of all right, title and interest of the Obligor in certain described property (including rights under contracts in existence or to be entered into), and containing other provisions relating to representations and responsibilities of the Obligor to the Secretary as security for the issuance of Guarantees.
Shipyard Project means Advanced Shipbuilding Technology and Modern Shipbuilding Technology or both unless otherwise specified.
Vessel means all types of vessels, whether in existence or under construction, including passenger, cargo and combination passenger-cargo carrying vessels, tankers, towboats, barges and dredges which are or will be documented under the laws of the United States, floating drydocks which have a capacity of at least thirty-five thousand or more lifting tons and a beam of one hundred and twenty-five feet or more between the wing walls and oceanographic research or instruction or pollution treatment, abatement or control vessels, which are owned by citizens of the United States; except that an Eligible Export Vessel will not be documented under the laws of the United States.
§ 298.3 Applications.
(a) Process and certification. When you apply for a commitment to execute Guarantees, you must:
(1) Complete Form MA–163 and send it to the Secretary, Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. [Note: MARAD will accept electronic options (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information (excluding closing documents and documents submitted in connection with defaults) to MARAD, if practicable.]
(2) Certify the application in the manner that Form MA 163 prescribes.
(b) Required information. You must include all required information on Form MA 163 or in attached exhibits and schedules submitted with the application. You must also include the following regarding the Vessel or Vessels, if applicable:
(1) Any demise charters,
(2) Time charters in excess of six months,
(3) Contracts of affreightment,
(4) Drilling contracts, and/or
(5) Other contractual arrangements.
(c) Declaration of Lobbying form. You must also file the Declaration of Lobbying form as required by 31 U.S.C. 1352 with the initial application as part of the formal submission.
(d) Attachments. Each exhibit, schedule, and attachment must contain a statement, on the first page clearly identifying the document as an attachment to the application. You must state on each attachment the:
(1) Name of the applicant; and
(2) Date of the application.
(e) Amendment. You must mark “Amendment,” on any amendment of data contained in the application. Each first page must contain a statement clearly identifying the document as an amendment to your application and must include the:
(1) Name of the applicant;
(2) Date of application; and
(3) Certification required on Form MA 163.
(f) Application time schedule. You must submit each application to us at least four (4) months prior to the anticipated date by which you require a Letter Commitment.
(1) We may consider applications with less than four (4) months notice, prior to the anticipated date by which you require a Letter Commitment, if you submit written documentation to us that extenuating circumstances exist.
(2) During the first fifteen (15) calendar days after you submit your application, we will preliminarily review your application for adequacy and completeness.
(i) If we find that your application is incomplete, or if we require additional data, we will notify you promptly in writing, and you will have fifteen (15) calendar days, from the date of each request for additional information, to correct deficiencies.
(ii) If you have not corrected the deficiencies or have not made substantial progress toward correcting them, within the 15 calendar days, then we may terminate the processing of your application without prejudice.
(3) Once we consider your Title XI application complete, we will act on the application within a period of 60 calendar days, unless for good cause, we find it necessary to extend the 60 day period.
(4) If you do not complete your application and we do not act upon your application within four (4) months from the submission date, unless we extend the time period, we will notify you in writing that processing of the application is terminated and that you may reapply at a later date.
(i) If we terminate your application without prejudice, we will not require you to pay a new filing fee for a later application for a similar project that you file within one year of the termination date.
(ii) If you submit an application for a substantially different project, you must pay a new filing fee. We will determine whether the application is substantially different on a case-by-case basis.
(5) If we issue you a Letter Commitment, you must submit two (2) sets of the Closing documentation to us for review at least six (6) weeks prior to the anticipated Closing. The six weeks time period will give us time to complete an adequate review of the documentation. You must use our standard form of documentation.
(g) Degrees of risk. When processing applications, we will consider the different degrees of risk involved with different applications.
(h) Additional assurances. Before we approve your application, we may require additional assurances if you are not a well established firm with strong financial qualifications and strong market shares seeking financing guarantees for replacement vessels in an established market in which projected demand exceeds supply. The additional assurances may include:
(1) Firm charter commitments;
(2) Parent company guarantees;
(3) Greater equity participation;
(4) Private financing participation;
(5) Security interest on other property; and
(6) Similar arrangements to any of these additional assurances.
(i) Filing Fee. When you submit your application, you must include a $5,000 filing fee, which will be non-refundable, irrespective of whether we issue a Letter Commitment. However, the $5,000 filing fee is credited toward the investigation fee described in § 298.15(b).
(j) Confidential Information. (1) If we receive a request for release of your information, we will notify you. If you believe that your application, including attachments, contains information you consider to be trade secrets or commercial or financial information and privileged or confidential, or otherwise exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), you may assert a claim of confidentiality. When submitting your application, you should mark “Confidential” on the pages that you consider confidential. The same requirement applies to any amendment to the application.
(2) FOIA requests. We will apply the procedures contained in the Department of Transportation’s regulations at 49 CFR 7.17 regarding FOIA requests for information that the submitter has designated as confidential. We will consider your claim of confidentiality at the time someone requests the information under FOIA.
(3) Statement of objections. If we receive a request for release of your information, we will notify you. We will give you a reasonable period of time to give us a written, detailed statement explaining your objections to our release of the information. We will not give you notice if:
(i) We determine that we should not disclose the information;
(ii) The information has been lawfully published or made available to the public; or
(iii) Law (other than 5 U.S.C. 552) requires us to disclose the information.
(4) Our notification of intent to disclose. If your objections to release of the information do not persuade us, we will notify you of our intent to disclose in a reasonable number of days before we intend to disclose the information. The written notice will include:
(i) A statement explaining our reasons for not accepting the submitter’s disclosure objections;
(ii) A description of the business information that we will disclose; and
(iii) A specific disclosure date.
(k) Priority. We will give priority for processing applications to:
(1) Vessels capable of serving as a United States naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency,
(2) Requests for financing construction of equipment or vessels less than one year old as opposed to the refinancing of existing equipment or vessels that are one year old or older,
(3) Any applications involving the purchase of vessels currently financed under Title XI if the purpose is to process the assumption of the obligations,
(4) Applications from those willing to take guarantees for less than the normal term for that class of vessel.
(5) Eligible Export Vessels. We may issue a commitment to guarantee Obligations for an Eligible Export Vessel if we determine, in our sole discretion, that the issuance of a commitment to guarantee Obligations for an Eligible Export Vessel will not cause us to deny an economically sound application to issue a commitment to guarantee Obligations for vessels documented under the laws of the United States operating in the domestic or foreign commerce of the United States, after considering:
(i) The status of pending applications for commitments to guarantee obligations for vessels documented under the laws of the United States and operating or to be operated in the domestic or foreign commerce of the United States;
(ii) The economic soundness of the applications referred to in paragraph (k)(5)(i) of this section; and
(iii) The amount of guarantee authority available.
Subpart B—Eligibility
§ 298.10 Citizenship.
(a) Applicability. Before you receive a legal or beneficial interest in a Vessel financed under Title XI of the Act which is operating in or will be operated in the U.S. coastwise trade, you and any other Person, (including the shipowner and any bareboat charterer), must establish your United States citizenship, within the definition of “Citizen of the United States” in § 298.2.
(b) Prior to Letter Commitment. Before we issue the Letter Commitment, you and any Person identified in paragraph (a) of this section, who is required to establish United States citizenship must establish United States citizenship in the form and manner stated in 46 CFR part 355.
(c) Commitment Closing. (1) Within 10 days before every Commitment Closing, unless we waive this requirement for good cause, you and all Persons identified with the project who have previously established United States citizenship in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, must submit pro forma Supplemental Affidavits of Citizenship which we have approved for Closing as to form and substance, and
(2) On the date of the Closing, three (3) executed copies of Supplemental Affidavits of Citizenship that:
(i) Show evidence of the continuing United States citizenship of the Persons in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(ii) Bear the date of the Closing.
(d) Additional information. If we request additional material essential to clarify or support evidence of U.S. citizenship, you, the Obligor, or any Person identified in paragraph (a) of this section must submit the additional information.
§ 298.11 Vessel requirements.
When you apply for a Guarantee, the Vessel for which you intend to receive financing for construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning must meet the following criteria:
(a) United States Construction. A Vessel, including an Eligible Export Vessel, financed by an Obligation Guarantee must be constructed in the United States. United States construction means that the Vessel is assembled in a shipyard geographically located within the United States.
(1) A U.S.-flag Vessel must meet the applicable United States Coast Guard requirements.
(2) An Eligible Export Vessel must be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the International Maritime Organization and must meet the applicable:
(i) Laws, rules, and regulations of its country of documentation,
(ii) Treaties, conventions on international agreements to which that country is a signatory, and
(iii) Laws of the ports it serves.
(b) Actual Cost. We must approve your estimated Actual Cost for the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of a Vessel as a condition for issuance of the Letter Commitment. The estimated cost of the Vessel may include escalation for the anticipated construction period of the Vessel. We may contact the shipyard directly and may require you to have the shipyard that has contracted to build the Vessel to submit additional technical data, backup cost details, and other evidence if we have insufficient data.
(c) Class, condition, and operation. The Vessel must be constructed, maintained, and operated so as to meet the highest classification, certification, rating, and inspection standards for vessels of the same age and type imposed by:
(1) The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), or
(2) Another classification society that also meets the inspection standards of the United States Coast Guard with respect to the documentation of U.S.-flag vessels, or
(3) In the case of an Eligible Export Vessel, such standards as may be imposed by a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), classification societies to be ISO 9000 series registered or Quality Systems Certificate Scheme qualified IACS members who have been recognized by the United States Coast Guard as meeting acceptable standards with such recognition including, at a minimum, that the society meets the requirements of IMO Resolution A.739(18) with appropriate certificates required at delivery, so long as the home country of the IACS member accords equal reciprocity, as determined by us, to United States classification societies.
(4) Except in the case of an Eligible Export Vessel, the Vessel must be in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations as to condition and operation, including, but not limited to, those administered by the:
(i) United States Coast Guard,
(ii) Environmental Protection Agency,
(iii) Federal Communications Commission,
(iv) Public Health Service, or
(v) Their respective successor agencies, and
(vi) All applicable treaties and conventions to which the United States is a signatory, including, but not limited to, the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.
(d) Documentation. (1) An Eligible Export Vessel must be documented in a country that is party to the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, or other treaty, convention, or international agreement governing vessel inspection to which the United States is a signatory, and must comply with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations of its country of documentation, all applicable treaties, conventions on international agreements to which that country is a signatory, and the laws of the ports it serves.
(2) All other Eligible Vessels must be documented under U.S. registry.
(e) Reconstruction or reconditioning. Repairs necessary for the Vessel to meet the classification standards approved by us, or any regulatory body, or for previous inadequate maintenance and repair, will not constitute reconstruction or reconditioning within the meaning of this paragraph.
(f) Condition survey. If your application involves a reconstructed or reconditioned Vessel, you must make the Vessel available at a time and place acceptable to us so that we may conduct a condition survey. You must:
(1) Pay the cost of the condition survey.
(2) Ensure that the scope and extent of the condition survey will not be less effective than that required by the last ABS special survey completed (if the Vessel is classified), next due or overdue, whichever date is nearest in accordance with the Vessel’s age.
(3) Ensure that the Vessel meets the standard of the survey necessary for retention of class (if the Vessel is classified), and
(4) Ensure that the operating records of the Vessel reflect normal operation of the Vessel’s main propulsion and other machinery and equipment, consistent with accepted commercial experience and practice.
(g) Metric Usage. Our preferred system of measurement and weights for Vessels and Shipyard Projects is the metric system.
§ 298.12 Applicant and operator’s qualifications.
(a) Operator’s qualifications. We will not issue a Letter Commitment without a prior determination that you, the bareboat charterer, or other Person identified in the application as the operator of the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project, possesses the necessary experience, ability and other qualifications to properly operate and maintain the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project which serve as security for the Guarantees. You must also comply with all requirements of this part.
(b) Identity and ownership of applicant. In order for us to assess the likelihood that the project will be successful, we need information about you and the proposed project. To permit this assessment, you must provide the following information in your application for Title XI guarantees:
(1) Incorporated companies. If you or any bareboat charterer is an incorporated company, you must submit the following identifying information:
(i) Name of company, place and date of incorporation, and tax identification number, or if appropriate, international identification number of the company;
(ii) Address of principal place of business; and
(iii) Certified copy of certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
(2) Partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures, associations, unincorporated companies. If you or any bareboat charterer is a partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or unincorporated company, you must submit the following identifying information:
(i) Name of entity, place and date of formation, and tax identification number, or if appropriate, international identification number of entity;
(ii) Address of principal place of business; and
(iii) Certified copy of certificate of formation, partnership agreement or other documentation forming the entity.
(3) Other entities. For any entity that does not fit the descriptions in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, we will specify the information that the entity must submit regarding its identity and ownership.
(4) You and any bareboat charterer must provide a brief statement of the general effect of each voting agreement, voting trust or other arrangement whereby the voting rights of any interest in you or the bareboat charterer are controlled or exercised by any person who is not the holder of legal title to such interest.
(5) You and any bareboat charterer must provide the following information regarding the entity’s officers, directors, partners or members:
(i) Name and address;
(ii) Office or position; and
(iii) Nationality and interest owned (for example, shares owned and whether voting or non-voting).
(c) Business and affiliations of applicants. You must include:
(1) A brief description of your principal business activities during the past five years.
(2) A list of all business entities that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with you.
(3) The nature of the business transacted by each listed entity and the relationship between these entities. This information may be presented in the form of a chart.
(4) Whether any of the affiliated entities have previously applied for or received Title XI assistance.
(5) A statement indicating whether the applicant, any predecessor or affiliated entity has been in bankruptcy or reorganization under any insolvency or reorganization proceeding and if so, give details.
(6) A statement indicating whether the applicant or any predecessor or affiliated entity is now, or during the past five years has been, in default under any agreement or undertaking with others or with the United States of America, or is currently delinquent on any Federal debt, and if so, provide explanatory information.
(7) A list of your banking references:
(i) Principal bank(s) or lending institutions(s)—name and address;
(ii) Nature of relationship; and
(iii) Individual references—name(s), telephone and fax number of banking officer(s).
(d) Management of applicant. You must include:
(1) A brief description of the principal business activities during the past five years of each officer, director, partner or member you listed in paragraph (b)(5) of this section and if these persons (have) act(ed) as executive officers in other entities, indicate the names of these entities and whether such entities have defaulted on any U.S. Government debt, and
(2) The name and address of each organization engaged in business activities which have a direct financial relationship to those carried on or to be carried on by you with which any person listed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section has any present business connection, the name of each such person and, briefly, the nature of such connection.
(e) Applicant’s property and activity. You must provide:
(1) A brief description of the general character and location of the principal assets employed in your business and those of your affiliate, other than vessels. Describe financial encumbrances, if any;
(2) A general description of the vessels currently owned and/or operated by you or your affiliates and a description of the areas of operation; and,
(3) In the case of an Eligible Shipyard which is an applicant for a guarantee for a Shipyard Project, a brief description of the general character (that is, the number of building ways, launch method, drydocks and size) and location (that is, water depth, length of riverfront) of the principal properties of the applicant employed in its business. You must also describe any financial encumbrances.
(f) Operating ability. (1) You must submit a detailed statement showing your ability to successfully operate the financed Vessel(s).
(2) If a company other than you will operate the Vessel(s), then the information in paragraph (f)(1) of this section must be provided for the operating company together with a copy of the operating agreement.
(3) You must submit a copy of any management agreement(s) between you and any related or unrelated organization(s) which will affect the management of the Title XI Vessel or shipyard.
(4) In the case of an Eligible Shipyard, which is an applicant for a guarantee for a Shipyard Project, a detailed statement must be submitted showing your ability to successfully operate the Shipyard Project and construct/reconstruct Vessels, including name, education, background of, and licenses held by, all senior supervisory personnel concerned with the physical operation of the Shipyard Project.
(5) Where an operator has an historical performance record, we will consider this record in evaluating your operating ability. For newly formed entities, we will evaluate the performance of affiliates and/or companies associated with the principals (where the principals have a significant degree of control) in determining your operating ability. However, unless the affiliates or principals have an obligation with respect to the debt, we will not consider historical performance in evaluating your creditworthiness.
§ 298.13 Financial requirements.
(a) In general. To be eligible for guarantees, you and/or your parent organization (when applicable), and any other participants in the project having a significant financial or contractual relationship with you must submit information, respectively, on their financial condition. You must submit this information at the time of the application. You must supplement this information if we require it in subsequent requests. You must submit information satisfactory to us to show that financial resources are available to support the Title XI project.
(b) Cost of the project. You must submit the following cost information with respect to the project:
(1) Vessel financing Guarantees. A detailed statement of the estimated Actual Cost of construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of the Vessel(s) including those items which would normally be capitalized as Vessel construction costs. Net interest during construction is the total estimated construction period interest on non-equity funds less estimated earnings from the escrow fund, if such fund is to be established prior to Vessel(s) delivery.
(2) Foreign components. (i) You must exclude each item of foreign components and services from Actual Cost, unless we specifically grant a waiver for the item. We will not grant a waiver for major foreign components of the hull and superstructure.
(ii) In deciding whether to grant a waiver for foreign components and services, we will consider your certification, to be reviewed by us, stating that:
(A) A foreign item or service is not available in the United States on a timely or price-competitive basis, or
(B) The domestic item or service is not of sufficient quality.
(iii) Although excluded from Actual Cost, foreign components of the hull and superstructure can be regarded as owner-furnished equipment that may be used in satisfying your equity requirements imposed by paragraph (f) of this section.
(3) Costs incurred by written contracts. If any of the costs have been incurred by written contracts such as shipyard contract, management or operating agreement, you should forward signed copies with the application. We may require you to have the contracting shipyard submit back-up cost details and technical data. You must submit this information in the format given in the Title XI application procedures.
(4) Shipyard Project. In the case of Shipyard Project, a detailed statement of the actual cost of such technology, including those items which would normally be capitalizable. If you incurred any of the costs through written contracts, you should forward signed copies of the contract with the application. We may require you to have manufacturers submit back-up cost details and technical data. You must submit this information in the format given in the Title XI application procedures.
(5) Shore facilities, cargo containers, etc. A detailed statement showing the actual cost of any shore facilities, cargo containers, etc., required to be purchased in conjunction with the project.
(6) Additional project costs. A detailed statement showing any other costs associated with the project which were not included in paragraphs (b)(1) through (5) of this section, such as:
(i) Legal and accounting fees;
(ii) Printing costs;
(iii) Vessel insurance;
(iv) Underwriting fees;
(v) Fee to a Related Party; and
(vi) Other fees.
(7) Request for Actual Cost Approval and Reimbursement. If the project involves refinancing, you must also submit the exhibit entitled Request for Actual Cost Approval and Reimbursement, its summary sheet and supplemental schedules at the time of filing the application.
(c) Financing. (1) You must:
(i) Describe, in detail, how the costs of the project (sums referred to in paragraph (b) of this section) will be funded and the timing of such funding.
(ii) Include any vessel trade-ins, related or third party financings, etc.
(iii) Provide the proposed terms and conditions of all private funding, from both equity and debt sources and clearly identify all parties involved.
(iv) Obtain our approval of the terms and conditions for co-financing (involving a blend of Title XI and private financing for the debt portion), including the ability of the co-financiers to exercise their rights against collateral shared with us for any transaction.
(v) Demonstrate with financial statements that at least 12
(vi) Disclose all of the Vessel(s), Shipyard Project financing in the format given in the Title XI application procedures.
(2) Financial information. You must provide us with financial statements, prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and include notes that explain the basis for arriving at the figures except that for Eligible Export Vessels, your financial statements must be in accordance with GAAP if formed in the U.S., or reconciled to GAAP if formed in a foreign country unless a satisfactory justification is provided explaining the inability to reconcile. The financial statements must include the following [Note: MARAD will accept electronic options (such as facsimile and Internet) for transmission of required information to MARAD, if practicable.]:
(i) The most recent financial statements for you, your parent company and other significant participants, as applicable (year end or intermediate), and the three most recent audited statements with details of all existing debt. If you are a new entity and are to be funded from or guaranteed by external source(s), you must provide such statements for such source(s);
(ii) Your pro forma balance sheet and that of any guarantor (if applicable) as of the estimated date of execution of the Guarantees reflecting the assumption of the Title XI Obligations, including the current liability; and
(iii) Your pro forma balance sheets and that of the guarantor (if applicable) for five years after the Closing.
(d) Financial definitions. For the purpose of this section and §§ 298.35 and 298.42 of this part:
(1) “Company” means any Person subject to financial requirements imposed under paragraph (f) of this section and in § 298.35, as well as the reporting requirements imposed by § 298.42.
(2) “Working Capital” means the excess, if any, of current assets over current liabilities, both determined in accordance with GAAP and adjusted as follows:
(i) In determining current assets you must exclude:
(A) Any securities, obligations or evidence of indebtedness of a Related Party or of any stockholder, director, officer or employee (or any member of his family) of the Company or of such Related Party, except advances to agents required for the normal current operation of the Company’s vessels and current receivables arising out of the ordinary course of business and not outstanding for more than 60 days; and
(B) An amount equal to any excess of unterminated voyage revenue over unterminated voyage expenses.
(ii) In determining current liabilities, you must deduct any excess of unterminated voyage expenses over unterminated voyage revenue and add one half of all annual charter hire and other lease obligations (having a term of more than six months) due and payable within the succeeding fiscal year, other than charter hire and such other lease obligations already included and reported as a current liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
(3) “Equity” or “net worth” means, as of any date, (the total of paid-in-capital stock, paid-in surplus, earned surplus and appropriated surplus,) and all other amounts that would be included in net worth in accordance with GAAP, but does not include:
(i) Any receivables from any stockholder, director, Officer or employee (or their family) of the Company or from any Related Party (other than current receivables arising out of the ordinary course of business and not outstanding for more than 60 days), and
(ii) Any increment resulting from the reappraisal of assets.
(4) “Long-Term Debt” means, as of any date, the total notes, bonds, debentures, equipment obligations and other evidence of indebtedness that would be included in long term debt in accordance with GAAP. You must include any guarantee or other liability for the debt of any other Person not otherwise included on the balance sheet.
(5) “Capitalizable Cost” means the aggregate of the Actual Cost of the Vessel or Shipyard Project and those other items which customarily would be capitalized as Vessel costs or Shipyard Project costs under GAAP.
(6) “Depreciated Capitalizable Cost” means the Capitalizable Cost of a Vessel or Shipyard Project, depreciated on a straightline basis over the same useful life as determined by us for Actual Cost, and depreciated as required by § 298.21(g).
(e) Applicability. The financial resources must be adequate to meet the Equity requirements in the project and Working Capital requirements, as set forth in paragraph (f) of this section.
(1) The various financial requirements shall be met by the owner of the Vessel or Vessels or Shipyard Project to be security to us for the Guarantees, except that if the owner is not the operator, the overall financial requirements will be allocated among the owner, the operator and other parties as determined by us.
(2) The Company must satisfy the applicable financial requirements, in addition to any other financial requirements already imposed or which may be imposed upon it in connection with other Vessels financed under the Title XI program or in connection with other Shipyard Project financed under the Title XI program.
(3) A determination as to whether the Company has satisfied all financial requirements shall be based on the assumption that the projected financing has been completed. Accordingly, you must submit:
(i) A pro forma balance sheet at the time of the application, reflecting any adjustment made pursuant to paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section, and
(ii) A revised pro forma balance sheet, reflecting the completion of the projected financing, at least five business days before the first Closing at which the Obligations are issued.
(f) Financial requirements at Closing. Financial requirements can apply to one or more Companies, and are determined as follows:
(1) Owner as operator. Where the owner is to be the Vessel operator, minimum requirements at Closing usually are as follows:
(i) Working Capital. The Company’s Working Capital shall not be less than one dollar. This Working Capital requirement is based on the premise that the Company engages in a service-type activity with only normal vessel inventory. If Working Capital includes other inventory, in addition to such normal Vessel inventory, we may adjust the requirement as appropriate. Also, if we determine that the Company’s Working Capital includes amounts receivable that it reasonably could not expect to collect within one year, we may make adjustments to the Working Capital requirements.
(ii) Long-Term Debt. The Company’s Long-Term Debt must not be greater than twice its Equity.
(iii) Equity (net worth). The Company’s Equity must be:
(A) The greater of:
(1) 50 percent of its Long-Term Debt; or
(2) 90 percent of its Equity as shown on the last audited balance sheet, dated not earlier than six months before the date of issuance of the Letter Commitment; or
(B) Such other amount as may be specified by us.
(2) Lessee or charterer as operator. Where a lessee or charterer is to be the Vessel operator, minimum requirements at Closing usually are as follows:
(i) Working Capital. The operator’s Working Capital requirement will be the same as that which would have otherwise been imposed on the owner as operator under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section and based on the same premise stated in that paragraph.
(ii) Long-Term Debt. The operator’s Long-Term Debt will be the same as that which would have otherwise been imposed on the owner as operator under paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section.
(iii) Equity (net worth). The operator’s equity requirement will be the same as that which would have otherwise been imposed on the owner as operator under paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section.
(iv) The owner’s Equity shall at least be equal to the difference between the Capitalizable Cost or Depreciated Capitalizable Cost of the Vessel (whichever is applicable) and the total amount of the Guarantees.
(3) Owner as General Shipyard Facility. Where the owner of Shipyard Project is a General Shipyard Facility, minimum requirements at Closing will be the same as those set forth in paragraph (f)(1) of this section for an owner as operator.
(g) Adjustments to financial requirements at Closing. If the owner, although not operating a Vessel, assumes any of the operating responsibilities, we may adjust the respective Working Capital and Equity requirements of the owner and operator, otherwise applicable under paragraph (f) of this section, by increasing the requirements of the owner and decreasing those of the operator by the same amount.
(h) Subordinated debt considered to be Equity. With our consent, part of the Equity requirements applicable under paragraphs (c) and (f) of this section may be satisfied by debt, fully subordinated as to the payment of principal and interest on the Secretary’s Note and any claims secured as provided for in the Security Agreement or the Mortgage. Repayment of subordinated debt may be made only from funds available for payment of dividends or for other distributions, in accordance with requirements of the Title XI Reserve Fund and Financial Agreement (described in § 298.35). Such subordinated debt shall not be secured by any interest in property that is security for Guarantees under Title XI, unless the Obligor and the lender enter into a written agreement, satisfactory to us, providing, among other things, that if any Title XI financing or advance by us to the Obligor shall occur in the future, such security interest of the lender shall become subordinated to any indebtedness to us incurred by the Obligor and to any security interest obtained by us in that property or other property, with respect to the subsequent indebtedness.
(i) Modified requirements. We may waive or modify the financial terms or requirements otherwise applicable under this section and §§ 298.35 and 298.42, upon determining that there is adequate security for the Guarantees. We may impose similar financial requirements on any Person providing other security for the Guarantees.
§ 298.14 Economic soundness.
(a) Economic evaluation. We shall not issue a Letter Commitment for guarantees unless we find that the proposed project, regarding the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project for which you seek Title XI financing or refinancing, will be economically sound. The economic soundness and your ability to repay the Obligations will be the primary basis for our approval of a Letter Commitment. We will consider the value of the collateral for which we will issue the Obligations as only a secondary consideration in determining your ability to repay the Obligations.
(b) Basic feasibility factors. In making the economic soundness findings, we shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
(1) The need in the particular segment of the maritime industry for new or additional capacity, including any impact on existing equipment for which a guarantee under this title is in effect;
(2) The market potential for the employment of the Vessel or utilization of the Shipyard Project of a General Shipyard Facility over the life of the guarantee;
(3) Projected revenues and expenses associated with employment of the Vessel or utilization of the Shipyard Project of a General Shipyard Facility;
(4) Any charters, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements, or similar agreements or undertakings relevant to the employment of the Vessel or utilization of the Shipyard Project of a General Shipyard Facility;
(5) For inland waterways, the need for technical improvements including but not limited to increased fuel efficiency, or improved safety; and
(6) Other relevant criteria.
(c) Project feasibility. To demonstrate the economic feasibility of the project over the Guarantee period, you must submit the following information:
(1) Purpose. A detailed purpose for the obligations to be guaranteed.
(2) Necessary exhibits. Necessary exhibits to support your project feasibility as supplements to the application.
(3) Relevant market information. Information regarding the relevant market including a written narrative of the market (or potential market) for the project including full details on the following, as applicable:
(i) Nature and amount of cargo/passengers available for carriage and your projected share (provide also the number of units; that is containers, trailers, etc.);
(ii) Services or routes in which the Vessel(s) will be employed, including an itinerary of ports served, with the arrival and departure times, sea time, port time, hours working or idle in port, off hire days and reserve or contingency time, proposed number of annual sailings and number of annual working days for the Vessel(s) or, with respect to Shipyard Project, how the equipment will be employed;
(iii) Suitability of the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project for their anticipated use;
(iv) Significant factors influencing your expectations for the future market for the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project, for example, competition, government regulations, alternative uses, and charter rates; and
(v) Particulars of any charters, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements, etc. You should supplement the narrative by providing copies of any marketing studies and/or supporting information (for instance, existing or proposed charters, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements, and letters of intent from prospective customers).
(vi) The potential for purchasing existing equipment of a reasonable condition and age from another source, including information regarding:
(A) Market assessment concerning the availability and cost of existing equipment that may be an alternative to new construction or the new Shipyard Project;
(B) The cost of modification, reconditioning, or reconstruction of existing equipment to make it suitable for intended use; and
(C) Descriptions of any bids or offers which you had made to purchase existing equipment, especially Vessels which currently are financed with Title XI Obligations including date of offer, Vessels, and amount of offer.
(4) Revenues. A detailed statement of the revenues expected to be earned from the project based upon the information in paragraph (c) of this section. Vessel revenue projections shall include shipping/hire rates for current market conditions or market conditions expected to exist at the time of Vessel delivery taking into account seasonal or temporary fluctuations. The revenues shall be based on a realistic estimate of the Vessel(s) or the new Shipyard Project utilization rate and at a breakeven rate for the project. A justification for the utilization rate shall be supplied and should indicate the number of days per year allowed for maintenance, drydocking, inspection, etc.
(5) Expenses for Vessel financing. For applications for Vessel financing, a detailed statement of estimated Vessel expenses including the following (where applicable):
(i) Estimated Vessel daily operating expenses, including wages, insurance, maintenance and repair, fuel, etc. and a detailed projection of anticipated costs associated with long term maintenance of the Vessel(s) such as drydocking and major mid-life overhauls, with a time frame for these events over the period of the Guarantee;
(ii) If applicable, a detailed breakdown of those expenses associated with the Vessel(s) voyage, such as port fees, agency fees and canal fees that are assessed as a result of the voyage; and
(iii) A detailed breakdown of annual capital costs and administrative expenses, segregated as to:
(A) Interest on debt;
(B) Principal amortization; and
(C) Salaries and other administrative expenses (indicate basis of allocation).
(6) Expenses for a Shipyard Project. For applications for a Shipyard Project, a statement of estimated expenses related to the Shipyard Project, including the following (where applicable):
(i) A detailed breakdown of estimated daily operating expenses for the shipyard, such as wages, including staffing, and segregated as to straight-time, overtime and fringe benefits; utility costs; costs of stores, supplies, and equipment; maintenance and repair cost; insurance costs; and, other expenses (indicate items included); and
(ii) A detailed breakdown of annual capital costs and administrative expenses, segregated as to:
(A) Interest on debt;
(B) Principal amortization; and
(C) Salaries and other administrative expenses (indicate basis of allocation).
(7) Forecast of operations. Utilizing the revenues and expenses provided in paragraphs (c)(4),(5) and (6) of this section, you shall provide a forecast of operating cash flow, as defined in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, for the Title XI project for the first full year of operations and the next four years. The cash flow statements should be footnoted to explain the assumptions used.
(d) Objective criteria. We must make a finding of economic soundness as to each project based on an assessment of the entire project. In order for the project to receive approval, we must determine that a project meets the following criteria:
(1) The projected long-term demand (equal to length of time that you request financing) for the particular Vessel(s) or new Shipyard Project to be financed must exceed the supply of similar vessels or new shipyard project in the applicable markets. We will determine the supply of similar vessels and similar shipyard projects based on:
(i) Existing equipment,
(ii) Similar vessels or new shipyard project under construction, and
(iii) The projected need for new equipment in that particular segment of the maritime industry.
(2) We will base our determination of the project’s economic soundness on the following:
(i) Conformity of your projections with our supply and demand analyses;
(ii) Availability of charters, letters of intent, outstanding contractual commitments, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements or similar agreements or undertakings; and
(iii) Your existing market share compared with the market share necessary to meet projected revenues.
(3) In cases where market conditions are temporarily inadequate for you to service the Obligation indebtedness at the time of Vessel delivery, or completion of the Shipyard Project, we may approve your application only if you have sufficient outside sources of cash flow to service your indebtedness during this temporary period.
(4) With respect to the asset for which Obligations are to be issued, the operating cash flow to Obligation debt service ratio over the term of the Guarantee must be in excess of 1:1. Operating cash flow means revenues less operating and capital expenses including taxes paid but exclusive of interest, accrued taxes, depreciation and amortization for the Title XI asset. Debt service means interest plus principal.
§ 298.15 Investigation fee.
(a) In general. Before we issue a Letter Commitment, you shall pay us an investigation fee. The Letter Commitment will state the fee which is based on the formula in paragraph (b) of this section.
(1) The investigation fee covers the cost of the investigation of the project described in the application and the participants in the project, the appraisal of properties offered as security, Vessel inspection during construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning (where applicable) and other administrative expenses.
(2) If, for any reason, we disapprove the application, you shall pay one-half of the investigation fees.
(b) Base Fee. (1) The investigation fee shall be one-half (
(2) One-eighth (
(c) Credit for filing fee. You will receive credit for the $5,000 filing fee that you paid upon filing the original application (described in § 298.3) towards the investigation fee.
§ 298.16 Substitution of participants.
(a) You may request our permission to substitute participants to a Mortgage and/or Security Agreement in a financing that is receiving assistance authorized by Title XI of the Act.
(b) A non-refundable fee of $3,000 is due, payable at the time of the request. The fee defrays all costs of processing and reviewing a joint application by a mortgagor and/or Obligor and a proposed transferee of a Vessel or Shipyard Project, which is security for Title XI debt, if the proposed transferee is to assume the Mortgage and/or the Security Agreement.
§ 298.17 Evaluation of applications.
(a) In evaluating project applications, we shall also consider whether the application provides for:
(1) The capability of the Vessel(s) serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.
(2) The financing of the Vessel(s) within one year after delivery.
(3) The acquisition of Vessel(s) currently financed under Title XI by assumption of the total obligation(s).
(4) The Guarantees extend for less than the normal term for that class of vessel.
(5) In the case of an Eligible Shipyard, the capability of the shipyard to engage in naval vessel construction in time of war or national emergency.
(6) In the case of Shipyard Project, the Guarantees extend for less than the technological life of the asset.
(b) In determining the amount of equity which you must provide, we will consider, among other things, the following:
(1) Your financial strength;
(2) Adequacy of collateral; and
(3) The term of the Guarantees.
§ 298.18 Financing Shipyard Projects.
(a) Initial criteria. We may issue Guarantees to finance a Shipyard Project at a General Shipyard Facility. We may approve such Guarantees after we consider whether the Guarantees will result in shipyard modernization and support increased productivity.
(b) Detailed statement. You must provide a detailed statement, with the Guarantee application, which will provide the basis for our consideration.
(c) Required conditions. We shall approve your application for loan guarantees under this section if we determine the following:
(1) The term for such Guarantees will not exceed the reasonable economic useful life of the collective assets which comprise this Shipyard Project;
(2) There is sufficient collateral to secure the Guarantee; and
(3) Your application will not prevent us from guaranteeing debt for a Shipyard Project that, in our sole opinion, will serve a more desirable use of appropriated funds. In making this determination, we will consider:
(i) The types of vessels which will be built by the shipyard,
(ii) The productivity increases which will be achieved,
(iii) The geographic location of the shipyard,
(iv) The long-term viability of the shipyard,
(v) The soundness of the financial transaction,
(vi) Any financial impact on other Title XI transactions, and
(vii) The furtherance of the goals of the Shipbuilding Act.
§ 298.19 Financing Eligible Export Vessels.
(a) Notification to Secretary of Defense. (1) We will provide prompt notice of our receipt of an application for a loan Guarantee for an Eligible Export Vessel to the Secretary of Defense.
(2) During the 30-day period, beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Defense receives such notice, the Secretary of Defense may disapprove the loan guarantee if the Secretary of Defense makes an assessment that the Vessel’s potential use may cause harm to United States national security interests.
(3) The Secretary of Defense may not disapprove a loan Guarantee under this section solely on the basis of the type of vessel to be constructed with the loan Guarantee. The authority of the Secretary of Defense to disapprove a loan Guarantee under this section may not be delegated to any official other than a civilian officer of the Department of Defense appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. We will not approve a loan guarantee disapproved by the Secretary of Defense.
(b) Vessel eligibility. We may not approve a Guarantee for an Eligible Export Vessel unless:
(1) We find that the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of the Vessel will aid in the transition of United States shipyards to commercial activities or will preserve shipbuilding assets that would be essential in time of war or national emergency;
(2) The owner of the Vessel agrees with us that the Vessel shall not be transferred to any country designated by the Secretary of Defense as a country whose interests are hostile to the interests of the United States; and
(3) We determine that the countries in which the shipowner, its charterers, guarantors, or other financial interests supporting the transaction, if any, have their chief executive offices or have located a substantial portion of their assets, present an acceptable financial or legal risk to our collateral interests. Our determination will be based on confidential risk assessments provided by the Inter-Agency Country Risk Assessment System and will take into account any other factors related to the loan guarantee transaction that we deem pertinent.
Subpart C—Guarantees
§ 298.20 Term, redemptions, and interest rate.
(a) In general. The maturity date of the Obligations must be satisfactory to us and must not exceed the anticipated physical and economic life of the Vessel or Vessels or Shipyard Project, and may be less than but no more than:
(1) Twenty-five years from the date of delivery from the shipbuilder of a single new Vessel which is to be security for Guarantees;
(2) Twenty-five years from the date of delivery from the shipyard of the last of multiple Vessels which are to be security for the Guarantees but that the amount of the Guarantees will relate to the amount of the depreciated actual cost of the multiple Vessels as of the Closing;
(3) The later of twenty-five years from the date of original delivery of a reconstructed, or reconditioned Vessel which is to be security for the Guarantees, or at the expiration of the remaining useful life of the Vessel, as we determine; or
(4) The technological life of the Shipyard Project.
(b) Required redemptions. Where multiple Vessels or multiple Shipyard Project assets are to be used as security for the Guarantees, as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, we may require payments of principal prior to maturity (redemptions) regarding all related Obligations, as we may deem necessary to maintain adequate security for the Guarantees.
(c) Interest rate. We will make a determination as to the reasonableness of the interest rate of each Obligation, taking into account the range of interest rates prevailing in the private market for similar loans and the risks that we assume.
§ 298.21 Limits.
(a) Actual Cost basis. We will issue a guarantee on an amount of the Obligation satisfactory to us based on the economic soundness of the transaction. The Obligation amount may be less than but not more than 75 percent or 87
(1) If minimum horsepower of the main engine is a requirement for Guarantees up to 87
(2) Where we refinance existing debt, the amount of new Obligations we issue for the existing debt may not exceed the lesser of:
(i) The amount of outstanding debt being refinanced (whether or not receiving assistance under Title XI); or
(ii) Seventy-five or 87
(b) Actual Cost items. Actual Cost is comprised essentially of those items which would customarily be capitalized as Vessel or Shipyard Project construction costs such as designing, engineering, constructing (including performance bond premiums that we approve), inspecting, outfitting and equipping.
(1) Cost items include those items usually specified in Vessel or Shipyard Project construction contracts, e.g., changes and extras, cost of owner furnished equipment, shoreside spare parts and commitment fees and interest on the Obligations or other borrowings incurred during the construction period (excluding interest paid on subordinated debt considered to be Equity), and less income realized from investment of Escrow Fund deposits during the construction period.
(2) Commissions (which represent a portion of the total shipyard contract price) may be included in the foreign equipment and services amount of the Actual Cost of an export project, provided:
(i) A majority of the work done by the parties receiving the commissions is in the form of design and engineering work, and
(ii) The commissions represent a small amount of the total contract price.
(3) You may include Guarantee Fees determined in accordance with the provisions of section 1104(e) of the Act as an item of Actual Cost.
(4) In approving an item of Actual Cost, we will consider all pertinent factors.
(c) Items excludible from Actual Cost. Actual Cost shall not include any other costs such as the following:
(1) Legal fees or expenses;
(2) Accounting fees or expenses;
(3) Commitment fees or interest other than those specifically allowed;
(4) Fees, commissions or charges for granting or arranging for financing;
(5) Fees or charges for preparing, printing and filing an application for Title XI Guarantees and supporting documents, for services rendered to obtain approval of the application and for preparing, printing and processing documents relating to the application for Guarantees;
(6) Underwriting or trustee’s fees;
(7) Foreign, federal, state or local taxes, user fees, or other governmental charges;
(8) Investigation fee determined in accordance with section 1104(f) of the Act and § 298.15;
(9) Predelivery Vessel operating expenses, Vessel insurance premiums and other items which may not be properly capitalized by the owner as costs of the Vessel under GAAP;
(10) The cost of the condition survey required by § 298.11(f) and all work necessary to meet the standards set forth in that paragraph;
(11) The cost to the Shipowner of a Vessel which is to be reconstructed, or reconditioned, e.g., cost of acquisition or repair work;
(12) Generally, any amount payable to the shipyard for early delivery of the Vessel;
(13) Generally, any amount payable to the manufacturer of the Shipyard Project for early delivery of the equipment to the General Shipyard Facility;
(14) Predelivery Shipyard Project expenses which may not be properly capitalized by the General Shipyard Facility as costs of the Shipyard Project under GAAP; and
(15) The cost of major foreign components and other foreign components for which there is no waiver and their assembly when comprising any part of the hull and superstructure of a Vessel.
(d) Substantiation of Actual Cost. (1) Before we make distribution from the Escrow Fund or Construction Fund (described in §§ 298.33 and 298.34), and prior to our final Actual Cost determination for each Vessel or Shipyard Project, you must submit to us documents substantiating all claimed costs eligible under paragraph (b) of this section or, alternatively, appropriate certification of such costs by an agent who has received our approval.
(2) These documents may include, but need not be limited to, copies of invoices, change orders, subcontracts, and where we require, statements from independent certified or independent licensed public accountants that the costs for which you seek payment or reimbursement were actually paid or are payable for the construction of a Vessel or Shipyard Project.
(3) You must summarize, index and arrange these documents according to cost categories by following the directions contained in our forms.
(e) Escalation as part of Actual Cost. Escalation clauses in construction contracts shall be subject to our approval. After a review of the base contract price and the escalation clauses, we shall, in order to estimate the Actual Cost amount to be stated in the Letter Commitment, add to the approved base contract price the amount of estimated escalation as approved by us. We must subsequently approve the amount of escalation cost you claimed as a component of Actual Cost.
(f) Monies received in respect of construction. (1) If you or any Person acting on your behalf, from time to time receives moneys due for construction of a Vessel or Shipyard Project (described in the Security Agreement) from the shipbuilder, guarantors, sureties or other Persons, you shall give us written notice of such fact.
(2) As long as we have not paid the Guarantees, you or other recipient shall promptly deposit these moneys with us to be held by the Depository in accordance with the Depository Agreement.
(3) We will determine the extent to which Actual Cost is to be reduced by these moneys.
(4) In no event shall Actual Cost be reduced with respect to payments by the shipyard to a Vessel or Shipyard Project owner of liquidated damages for late delivery of the Vessel or Shipyard Project .
(5) If we have paid the Guarantees, you or other recipient must promptly pay these moneys, including any liquidated damages, to us for deposit into the Maritime Guaranteed Loans account.
(g) Depreciated Actual Cost. After a Vessel or Shipyard Project has been delivered or redelivered (in the case of reconstruction or reconditioning), the limitation on the amount of Guarantees will be 75 or 87
§ 298.22 Amortization of Obligations.
(a) Generally, after delivery or completion of Shipyard Project, and until maturity of the Obligations, provisions of the Trust Indenture or other part of the Documentation require you to make periodic payment of principal and interest on the Obligations.
(b) Usually, the payment of principal (amortization) shall be made semi-annually, but in no event, less frequently than on an annual basis, and in either case the amortization shall be in equal payments of principal (level principal), unless we consent to the periodic payment of a constant aggregate amount, comprised of both interest and principal components which are variable in amount (level payment). No other proposed method of amortization will be allowed which would reduce the amount of periodic amortization below that determined under the level principal or level payment basis at any time prior to maturity of the Obligations, except where:
(1) You can demonstrate to our satisfaction that there will be adequate funds to discharge the Obligations at maturity;
(2) You establish a fund with the Depository in which you deposit an equal annual amount necessary to redeem the outstanding Obligations at maturity; or
(3) With regard to Eligible Export Vessels, in accordance with such other terms as we determine to be more favorable and to be compatible with export credit terms offered by foreign governments for the sale of vessels built in foreign shipyards.
§ 298.23 Refinancing.
(a) We may approve guarantees of Obligations to be secured by one or more Vessels or a Shipyard Project issued to refinance existing Title XI debt for either Vessels or for Shipyard Project and existing non-Title XI debt, so long as the existing debt has been previously issued for one of the purposes set forth in sections 1104(a)(1) through (4) of the Act. Section 1104 (a) (1) of the Act requires that, if the existing indebtedness was incurred more than one year after the delivery or redelivery of the related Vessel or Shipyard Project, the proceeds of such Obligations will be applied to the construction, reconstruction or reconditioning of other Vessels or Shipyard Project or as provided in § 298.24.
(b) We shall require any security lien on the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project to be discharged immediately before we place a Mortgage or other security interest on any of the above assets. You must satisfy all necessary eligibility requirements as set forth in subpart B of this part, including economic soundness.
§ 298.24 Financing a Vessel more than a year after delivery.
(a) We may approve Guarantees for a Vessel which has been delivered (or redelivered in the case of reconstruction or reconditioning of a Vessel) more than one year prior to the issuance of the Guarantees only if:
(1) The issuance of the Guarantees would otherwise satisfy the requirements of the Act and the regulations in this part, and
(2) The proceeds of the Obligation financing such existing Vessel are used to finance:
(i) The construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of a different Vessel within one year of that Vessel’s delivery or redelivery, as the case may be, or
(ii) Facilities or equipment pertaining to marine operations. Such facilities or equipment must be of a specialized nature, used principally for servicing vessels and in handling waterborne cargo in the close proximity of the berthing area, excluding over-the-road equipment (other than chassis and containers), permanent or semipermanent structures and real estate, as well as new or less than one year old.
(b) At the Closing of Guarantees covered by this section, you must deposit the proceeds of the Obligation into an Escrow Fund established to pay for the cost unless you demonstrate to our satisfaction that all such costs have been paid.
§ 298.25 Excess interest or other consideration.
We shall not execute Guarantees if any agreement in the Documentation directly or indirectly provides for:
(a) The payment to an Obligee of interest, or other compensation for services which have not been performed, in a manner that such compensation or payment is being provided as interest in excess of the rate approved by us; or
(b) Grants of security to an Obligee in addition to the Guarantees.
§ 298.26 Lease payments.
You must obtain our approval of the amount and conditions of lease or charter hire payments if the payment of principal and interest on Obligations would be dependent, in any way, upon the lease or charter hire payments for a Vessel or Shipyard Project.
§ 298.27 Advances.
(a) In general. (1) In accordance with section 207 and Title XI of the Act, we have the discretion to make or commit to make an advance or payment of funds to, or on behalf of the owner, or operator or directly to any other person or entity for items, including, but not limited to:
(i) Principal,
(ii) Interest,
(iii) Insurance, and
(iv) Other vessel-related expenses or fees.
(2) We will make advances or payments only to protect, preserve or improve the collateral held as our security for Title XI debt.
(3) When requesting an advance, you must demonstrate that:
(i) Your problems are short term (less than two years) by using market and cash flow analysis and other projections.
(ii) An advance(s), would assist you over temporary difficulties; and
(iii) There is adequate collateral for the advance.
(b) Filing requirements. (1) You shall apply for an advance or other payment as early as is reasonably possible.
(2) Principal and interest payments. We must receive a request for an advance for principal and interest payments at least 30 days before the initial payment date.
(3) Insurance payments. We must receive a request for an advance of insurance payments at least 30 days before a renewal or termination date.
(4) Extenuating circumstances. We may consider requests for assistance with less notice, upon written documentation of extenuating circumstances.
(5) Supporting data. Any requests for assistance must be accompanied by supporting data regarding:
(i) Need for the advance,
(ii) Financial assistance you sought from other sources,
(iii) The measures that you are taking and have taken to alleviate the situation,
(iv) Financial projections,
(v) Proposed term of the repayment,
(vi) Current and projected market conditions,
(vii) Information on other available collateral,
(viii) Liens and other creditor information, and
(ix) Any other information which we may request.
Subpart D—Documentation
§ 298.30 Nature and content of Obligations.
(a) Single page. An Obligation, in the form of a note, bond of any type, or other debt instrument, when engraved, printed or lithographed on a single sheet of paper must include on its face the:
(1) Name of the Obligor,
(2) Principal sum,
(3) Rate of interest,
(4) Date of maturity, and
(5) Guarantee of the United States, authenticated by the Indenture Trustee, if any.
(b) Several pages. If the Obligation is typewritten, printed or reproduced by other means on several pages of paper, the Guarantee of the United States and the authentication certificate of the Indenture Trustee, if any, may appear at the end of the typewritten Obligation.
(c) Rights and responsibilities. The instrument which is evidence of indebtedness shall also contain all information necessary to apprise the Obligees of their rights and responsibilities including, but not limited to:
(1) Time and manner for payment of principal and interest,
(2) Redemptions,
(3) Default procedure, and
(4) Notification (in case of registered Obligations) of sale or other transfer of the instruments.
§ 298.31 Mortgage.
(a) In general. Under normal circumstances, a Guarantee shall not be endorsed on any Obligation until we receive satisfactory evidence that we hold a Mortgage in one or more Vessels or a Mortgage or other security interest in the Shipyard Project. During construction of a new Vessel or any Shipyard Project, a security interest may be perfected by a filing under the Uniform Commercial Code.
(b) Ensuring validity of security interest. In order to ensure that our Mortgages or other security interests are valid and enforceable, we shall require that the Obligor obtain legal opinions, in form and substance satisfactory to us, from independent, outside legal counsel satisfactory to us, including foreign independent outside legal Counsel for Eligible Export Vessels, which opinions shall state, among other things, that the Mortgage or other security interest(s) are valid and enforceable:
(1) In the country in which the Vessel is documented (or, in the case of a security interest, in jurisdictions acceptable to us);
(2) In the United States; and
(3) For vessels operating on specified trade routes, in the country or countries involved in this service, unless we determine that those destinations are too numerous, in which case, we will instead require an opinion of foreign validity and enforceability in the Vessel’s primary port of operation.
(c) Alternative forms of security. In the case where a Mortgage or security interest on the financed assets may not be available or enforceable, we will require alternative forms of security.
(d) Mortgage in our favor. The Security Agreement shall provide that upon delivery of a new Vessel or upon final completion of the Shipyard Project, or at the time Guarantees are issued with respect to an existing Vessel or the Shipyard Project, a Mortgage on the Vessel and a Mortgage or other security interest on the Shipyard Project will be executed in our favor, unless we determine that a Mortgage or a security interest is not available or enforceable in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(e) Filing. You must file the Mortgage with the United States Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center. You must file the Mortgage for an Eligible Export Vessel with the proper foreign authorities. For assets of a General Shipyard Facility, you must file a Mortgage and security interest with the proper authorities within the appropriate state for recording. After you have recorded the Mortgage, you must deliver to us the Mortgage and evidence of the filing of the security interest.
(f) Mortgage secured by multiple Vessels. (1) When two or more Vessels are to be security for Guarantees, the Security Agreement may provide that one Mortgage relating to all the Vessels (Fleet Mortgage) shall be executed, perfected and delivered to us by the Obligor.
(2) If the Fleet Mortgage relates to undelivered Vessels, the Fleet Mortgage will be executed upon delivery of the first vessel. At the time of each subsequent Vessel delivery, the Obligor shall execute a supplement to the Fleet Mortgage which makes that Vessel subject to our Mortgage lien.
(3) The Fleet Mortgage shall provide that payment by the Obligor of the entire amount of Obligations covered or to be covered by Guarantees shall be required to discharge the Fleet Mortgage, regardless of the amount of the Secretary’s Note or Notes issued and outstanding at the time of execution and delivery of the Fleet Mortgage or the number of Vessels covered by the Fleet Mortgage.
(4) The discharge date of the Fleet Mortgage shall be the maturity date of the Secretary’s Note. We may require, as authorized by section 1104(c)(2) of the Act, such payments of principal prior to maturity (redemptions), regarding all related Obligations, as deemed necessary to maintain adequate security for the Guarantees.
(5) Each Fleet Mortgage shall provide that in the event of constructive total loss, requisition of title or sale of any Vessel covered by the Fleet Mortgage, indebtedness represented by the Obligations shall be paid, unless we otherwise determine that there remains adequate security for the Guarantees, and the Vessel shall be discharged from the Mortgage lien.
(g) Adequacy of collateral. (1) Under normal circumstances, a First Preferred Mortgage on the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project will be adequate security for the Guarantees.
(2) If, however, we determine that the Mortgage on the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project is not sufficient to provide adequate security, as a condition to approving the Letter Commitment or processing the application, we may require additional collateral, such as a mortgage(s) on other vessel(s) or Shipyard Project or on other assets, special escrow funds, pledges of stock, charters, contracts, notes, letters of credit, accounts receivable assignments, and guarantees.
§ 298.32 Required provisions in documentation.
(a) Performance under shipyard and related contracts. Generally, shipyard and related contracts must contain provisions for:
(1) Furnishing by the shipyard or contractor of the Shipyard Project of satisfactory insurance and a satisfactory performance bond where Obligations are issued during the construction period, except that if the shipyard or contractor of the Shipyard Project demonstrates to our satisfaction that it has sufficient financial resources and operational capacity to complete the project, posting of a bond will not be required;
(2) Allowing access to the Vessel or Shipyard Project, as well as all related work projects being performed by the contractor and subcontractors, to our representative, at all reasonable times, to inspect performance of the work and to observe trials and other tests for the purpose of determining that the Vessel or Shipyard Project is being constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned in accordance with contract plans and specifications approved by us;
(3) Submitting to us, upon request, one set of shipyard plans, in form and substance satisfactory to us, for the Vessel or Shipyard Project as built;
(4) Making periodic payments for the work in accordance with an agreed schedule, submitted by the shipyard or contractor, as appropriate, in a form acceptable to us, based on percentage of completion, after such percentage and satisfactory performance are certified by the Obligor, shipyard or contractor, as appropriate, and our representative as to each payment;
(5) Prohibiting the use of proceeds from the sale of Obligations for the payment of work performed outside the shipyard, unless we consent in writing to such use; and
(6) Requiring that all components of the hull and superstructure of a U.S.-documented Vessel and an Eligible Export Vessel shall be assembled in the United States.
(7) If Obligation will not be issued during the construction period of the Vessel and Shipyard Project, requiring that shipyard-related contracts shall generally include the provisions specified in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3) and (a)(6) of this section.
(b) Assignments and general covenants from Obligor to us. The Obligor shall assign rights and shall covenant with us, as we require, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Assignment of all or part of the right, title and interest under the construction contract and related contracts, except those rights expressly reserved therein by the Obligor relating to such things as patent infringement and liquidated damages;
(2) Assignment of rights to receive all moneys which from time to time become due regarding Vessel or Shipyard Project construction;
(3) Assignment, where applicable, of all or a part of the bareboat charter, time charter, contracts of affreightment or other agreements relating to the use of the Vessel or Shipyard Project and all hire payable to the Obligor, and delivery to us of required consents by appropriate parties to any such assignments;
(4) Covenants relating to the filing of satisfactory evidence of continuing United States citizenship, in accordance with 46 CFR part 355, with the exception of Eligible Export Vessels and shipyards with Shipyard Projects; warranty of Vessel or Shipyard Project title free from all liens other than those specifically excepted; maintaining United States documentation of the Vessel or documentation under the laws of a country other than the United States with regard to an Eligible Export Vessel; compliance with the provisions of 46 U.S.C. 31301–31343, except that Eligible Export Vessels shall comply with the definition of a “preferred mortgage” in 46 U.S.C. 31301(6)(B), requiring, among other things, that the Mortgage shall comply with the mortgage laws of the foreign country where the Vessel is documented and shall have been registered under those laws in a public register; Notice of Mortgage, payment of all taxes (except if being contested in good faith); annual financial statements audited by independent certified or independent licensed public accountant.
(5) Covenants to keep records of construction costs paid by or for the Obligor’s account and to furnish us with a detailed statement of those costs, distinguishing between:
(i) Items paid or obligated to be paid, attested to by independent certified public accountants unless otherwise verified by us; and
(ii) Costs of American and foreign materials (including services) in the hull and superstructure.
(6) Covenants to maintain Marine and War Risk Hull and Machinery insurance on the Vessel or Eligible Export Vessel in an amount equal to 110% of the outstanding Obligations or up to the full commercial value of the Vessel or Eligible Export Vessel, whichever is greater; Marine and War Risk Protection and Indemnity insurance; Interim War Risk Binders for Hull and Machinery, and Protection and Indemnity coverages underwritten by us as authorized by Title XII of the Act; and such additional insurance as may be required by us. All insurance required to be maintained shall be placed with the United States Government and American and/or British (and/or other foreign, if permitted by us by prior written notice) insurance companies, underwriters’ associations or underwriting funds approved by us through marine insurance brokers and/or underwriting agents approved by us. All insurance required to be maintained shall be placed under the latest (at the time of issue) forms of American Institute of Marine Underwriters policies approved by us and/or under such other forms of policies which we may approve in writing and/or policies issued by or for us insuring the Vessel or Eligible Export Vessel against the usual risks provided for under such forms, including such amounts of increase value or other forms of “that total loss only” insurance permitted by the Hull and Machinery insurance policies;
(7) Collateralize other debt due to us under other Title XI financings;
(8) Covenants to maintain shipyard insurance on the Shipyard Project in an amount equal to 110% of the outstanding Obligations or up to the full commercial value of the Shipyard Project, whichever is greater, and such additional insurance as may be required by us; and
(9) Covenants to maintain additional types of insurance as may be required by us with respect to Eligible Export Vessels, i.e. political risk insurance, to cover such items as the political, financial, and/or economic risk in a foreign country.
§ 298.33 Escrow fund.
(a) Escrow Fund Deposits. At the time of the sale of the Obligations, the Obligor shall deposit with the Depository in an escrow fund (the “Escrow Fund”) all of the proceeds of that sale unless the Obligor is entitled to withdraw funds under paragraph (b) of this section. The Obligor must also deposit into the Escrow Fund on the Closing date an amount equal to six months interest at the rate borne by the Obligations, unless we find the existence of adequate consideration or accept other consideration in lieu of the interest deposit.
(b) Escrow Fund Withdrawals. You, as Obligor, may make a written request for us to disburse funds from the Escrow Fund. Within a reasonable time thereafter, we shall disburse directly to the Indenture Trustee, any Paying Agent for such Obligations, or any other Person entitled to payment any amount which you are obligated to pay or have paid, on account of the items and amounts or any other item approved by us, provided that we are satisfied with the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the following submissions:
(1) A responsible officer of the Obligor shall deliver an officer’s certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to us, stating that:
(i) There is no default under the construction contract or the Security Agreement;
(ii) There have been no occurrences which have or would adversely and materially affect the condition of the Vessel, its hull or any of its component parts, or the Shipyard Project;
(iii) The amounts of the request are in accordance with the construction contract including the approved disbursement schedule and each item in these amounts is properly included in our approved estimate of Actual Cost;
(iv) With respect to the request, once the contractor is paid there will be no liens or encumbrances on the applicable Vessel, its hull or component parts, or the Shipyard Project for which the withdrawal is being requested except for those already approved by us; and
(v) If the Vessel or Shipyard Project has already been delivered or completed, it is in class, if required, and is being maintained in the highest and best condition. The Obligor must also attach an officer’s certificate of the shipyard and other general contractors, in form and substance satisfactory to us, stating that there are no liens or encumbrances as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section and attaching the invoices and receipts supporting each proposed withdrawal to our satisfaction.
(2) No payment or reimbursement under this section shall be made:
(i) To any Person until the total amount paid by or for the account of the Obligor from sources other than the proceeds of such Obligations equals at least 12
(ii) To the Obligor which would have the effect of reducing the total amounts paid by the Obligor pursuant to paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section; or
(iii) To any Person on account of items, amounts or increases representing changes and extras or owner furnished equipment, if any, unless such items, amounts and increases shall have been previously approved by us; provided, however, that when the amount guaranteed by us equals 75 percent or less of the Actual Cost and the Obligor demonstrates to our satisfaction the ability to pay in the remaining 25 percent, or more, then after the initial 12
(3) We will not be required to make any disbursement except out of the cash available in the Escrow Fund. If any sale or payment on maturity results in a loss in the principal amount of the Escrow Fund invested in securities so sold or matured, the requested disbursement from the Escrow Fund shall be reduced by an amount equal to such loss, and the Obligor must pay to any Person entitled thereto, the balance of the requested disbursement from the Obligor’s funds other than the proceeds of such Obligations.
(4) If we assume the Obligor’s rights and duties under the Obligations or we pay the Guarantees, all amounts in the Escrow Fund (including realized income which has not yet been paid to the Obligor), shall be paid to us and be credited against any amounts due or to become due to us under the Security Agreement and the Secretary’s Note.
(5) Other rights and duties with respect to withdrawals from the Escrow Fund shall be set out in the closing documentation in form and substance satisfactory to us.
(c) Investment and liquidation of the Escrow Fund. We may invest the Escrow Fund in obligations of the United States. We will deposit amounts in the Escrow Fund into an account with the U.S. Treasury Department and upon agreement with the Obligor, shall deliver to the U.S. Treasury Department instructions for the investment, reinvestment and liquidation of the Escrow Fund. We will have no liability to the Obligor for acting in accordance with such instructions.
(d) Income on the Escrow Fund. Unless there is an existing default, any income realized on the Escrow Fund shall be paid to the Obligor upon our receipt of such income.
(e) Termination date of the Escrow Fund. The Escrow Fund shall terminate 90 days after the delivery date of the last Vessel or Shipyard Project covered by the Security Agreement (the “Termination Date”). In the event that on such date the payment of the full amount of the aggregate Actual Cost of all of the Vessels or Shipyard Project has not been made or the amounts with respect to such Actual Cost are not then due and payable, then we and the Obligor by written agreement shall extend the Termination Date for such period as we and the Obligor shall determine is sufficient to allow for such contingencies. Any amounts remaining in the Escrow Fund on the Termination Date which are in excess of 87
§ 298.34 [Reserved]
§ 298.35 Title XI Reserve Fund and Financial Agreement.
(a) Purpose. In order to provide us with further security and to ensure payment of the interest and principal due on the Obligations, we will require the Company to enter into a Title XI Reserve Fund and Financial Agreement (Agreement) at the first Closing at which the Company issues Obligations. We may waive or modify provisions of the Agreement based on our evaluation of the aggregate security for the Guarantees.
(b) Financial covenants. There will be two sets of covenants. One set of covenants will be imposed regardless of the Company’s financial condition (primary covenants). The other set of covenants will be imposed only if the Company does not meet specific financial conditions (supplemental covenants). The primary and supplemental covenants are to be set forth in the Agreement. Covenants shall be imposed on the Company as follows:
(1) Primary covenants. So long as Guarantees are in effect the Company shall not, without our prior written consent:
(i) Make any distribution of earnings, except as may be permitted as follows:
(A) From retained earnings in an amount specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C) of this section, provided that, in the fiscal year in which the distribution of earnings is made there is no operating loss to the date of such payment of such distribution of earnings, and there was no operating loss in the immediately preceding three fiscal years, or there was a one-year operating loss during the immediately preceding three fiscal years, but such loss was not in the immediately preceding fiscal year, and there was positive net income for the three year period;
(B) If distributions of earnings may not be made under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section, a distribution can be made in an amount equal to the total operating net income for the immediately preceding three fiscal year period, provided that:
(1) There were no two successive years of operating losses;
(2) There is no operating loss to the date of such distribution in the fiscal year in which such distribution is made; and
(3) The distribution of earnings made would not exceed an amount specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C) of this section;
(C) Distributions of earnings may be made from earnings of prior years in an aggregate amount equal to 40 percent of the Company’s total net income after tax for each of the prior years, less any distributions that were made in such years; or the aggregate of the Company’s total net income after tax for such prior years, provided that, after making such distribution, the Company’s Long-Term Debt does not exceed its Net Worth. In computing net income for purposes of this paragraph (b)(1)(i)(C), extraordinary gains, such as gains from the sale of assets, will be excluded;
(ii) Enter into any service, management or operating agreement for the operation of the Vessel or the Shipyard Project (excluding husbanding type agreements), or appoint or designate a managing or operating agent for the operation of the Vessel or the Shipyard Project (excluding husbanding agents) unless approved by us;
(iii) Sell, mortgage, transfer, or demise charter the Vessel or the Shipyard Project or any assets to any non-Related Party except as permitted in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section or sell, mortgage, transfer, or demise charter the Vessel or any assets to a Related Party, unless such transaction is at a fair market value as determined by an independent appraiser acceptable to us, and is a total cash transaction;
(iv) Enter into any agreement for both sale and leaseback of the same assets so sold unless the proceeds from such sale are at least equal to the fair market value of the property sold;
(v) Guarantee, or otherwise become liable for the obligations of any other Person, except with respect to any undertakings as to the fees and expenses of the Indenture Trustee, except endorsement for deposit of checks and other negotiable instruments acquired in the ordinary course of business and except as otherwise permitted in this section;
(vi) Directly or indirectly embark on any new enterprise or business activity not directly connected with the business of shipping or other activity in which the Company is actively engaged;
(vii) Enter into any merger or consolidation or convey, sell, demise charter, or otherwise transfer, or dispose of any portion of its properties or assets (any and all of which acts are encompassed within the words “sale” or “sold” as used in this section), provided that, the Company will not be deemed to have sold such properties or assets if the net book value of the aggregate of all the assets sold by the Company during any period of 12 consecutive calendar months does not exceed ten percent of the total net book value of all of the Company’s assets; the Company retains the proceeds of the sale of assets for use in accordance with the Company’s regular business activities; and the sale is not otherwise prohibited by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section. The Company may not consummate such sale without our prior written consent if the Company has not, prior to the time of such sale, submitted to us, as required, its most recently audited financial statements referred to in § 298.42(a) and any attempt to consummate a sale absent such approval will be null and void ab initio.
(2) Supplemental Covenants which may become applicable. Unless, after giving effect to such transaction or transactions, during any fiscal year of the Company, the Company’s Working Capital is equal to at least one dollar, the Company’s Long-Term Debt does not exceed two times the Company’s Net Worth and the Company’s Net Worth is at least the amount specified by us, the Company shall not, without our prior written consent:
(i) Withdraw any capital;
(ii) Redeem any share capital or convert any of the same into debt;
(iii) Pay any dividend (except dividends payable in capital stock of the Company);
(iv) Make any loan or advance (except advances to cover current expenses of the Company), either directly or indirectly, to any stockholder, director, officer, or employee of the Company, or to any other Related Party;
(v) Make any investments in the securities of any Related Party;
(vi) Prepay in whole or in part any indebtedness to any stockholder, director, officer, or employee of the Company, or to any Related Party, which has a stated maturity of more than one year from such date;
(vii) Increase any direct employee compensation (as defined in this paragraph) paid to any employee in excess of $100,000 per annum; nor increase any direct employee compensation which is already in excess of $100,000 per annum; nor initially employ or re-employ any person at a direct employee compensation rate in excess of $100,000 per annum; provided, however, that beginning with January 1, 2000 the $100,000 limit may be increased annually based on the previous years’ closing Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “direct employee compensation” is the total amount of any wage, salary, bonus commission, or other form of direct payment to any employee from all companies with guarantees under the Act as reported to the Internal Revenue Service for any fiscal year.
(viii) Acquire any fixed assets other than those required for the maintenance of the Company’s existing assets, including normal maintenance and operation of any vessel or vessels owned or chartered by the Company;
(ix) Either enter into or become liable (directly or indirectly) under charters and leases (having a term of six months or more) for the payment of charter hire and rent on all such charters and leases which have annual payments aggregating in excess of an amount specified by us;
(x) Pay any indebtedness subordinated to the Obligations or to any other Title XI obligations;
(xi) Create, assume, incur, or in any manner become liable for any indebtedness, except current liabilities, or short term loans, incurred or assumed in the ordinary course of business as such business presently exists;
(xii) Make any investment whether by acquisition of stock or indebtedness, or by loan, advance, transfer of property, capital contribution, guarantee of indebtedness or otherwise, in any Person, other than obligations of the United States, bank deposits or investments in securities of the character permitted for monies in the Title XI Reserve Fund; and,
(xiii) Create, assume, permit or suffer to exist or continue any mortgage, lien, charge or encumbrance upon, or pledge of, or subject to the prior payment of any indebtedness, any of its property or assets, real or personal, tangible or intangible, whether now owned or thereafter acquired, or own or acquire, or agree to acquire, title to any property of any kind subject to or upon a chattel mortgage or conditional sales agreement or other title retention agreement, except loans, mortgages and indebtedness guaranteed by us under Title XI of the Act or related to the construction of a vessel approved for Title XI by us, and liens incurred in the ordinary course of business as such business presently exists.
(c) Title XI Reserve Fund Net Income. The Agreement shall provide that within 105 days after the end of its accounting year, the Company will compute its net income attributable to the operation of the Vessel(s) that were constructed, reconstructed, reconditioned or refinanced with Title XI financing assistance (Title XI Reserve Fund Net Income). The computation utilizes a ratio expressed as a percentage, and applies this percentage to the Company’s total net income after taxes. The numerator of the ratio is be the total original capitalized cost of all Company Vessels (whether leased or owned) which were constructed, reconstructed, reconditioned or refinanced with the assistance of Guarantees. The denominator shall be the total original capitalized cost of all the Company’s fixed assets. In the case of Shipyard Project, the Agreement shall provide that within 105 days after the end of its accounting year, the Company shall submit its audited financial statements showing its net cash flow in a manner acceptable to us, in lieu of any other computation of Reserve Fund Net Income specified in this section for Vessels. The net income after taxes, computed in accordance with GAAP, will be adjusted as follows:
(1) The depreciation expense applicable to the accounting year shall be added back.
(2) There shall be subtracted:
(i) An amount equal to the principal amount of debt required to be paid or redeemed, and actually paid or redeemed by the Company (other than from the Title XI Reserve Fund) during the year; and
(ii) The principal amount of Obligations retired or paid (as defined in the Security Agreement), prepaid or redeemed, in excess of the required redemptions or payments which may be used by the Company as a credit against future required redemptions or other required payments with respect to the Obligations.
(d) Deposits. Unless the Company, as of the close of its accounting year, was subject to and in compliance with the financial requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the Company shall make one or more deposits to us to be held by the Depository (the Title XI Reserve Fund), as further provided for in the Depository Agreement. The amount of deposit as to any year, or period less than a full year, where applicable, will be determined as follows:
(1) Fifty percent of the Title XI Reserve Fund Net Income, less an amount equal to 10% of the Company’s total original equity investment in the Vessel or Vessels, (if the Company is the owner of the assets), will be deposited into the Title XI Reserve Fund.
(2) In the case of Shipyard Project, the shipyard shall make a deposit at two percent of its net cash flow, as defined by GAAP, and as shown on its audited financial statements.
(3) Any additional amounts that may be required pursuant to the Security Agreement or any other agreement in the documentation to which the Company is a party.
(4) Any additional amounts that may be required, pursuant to provisions of the Security Agreement or any other agreement in the documentation to which the Company is a party.
(5) Irrespective of the Company’s deposit requirement, as stated in paragraphs (d) (1) through (4) of this section, the Company will not be required to make any deposits into the Title XI Reserve Fund if any of the following events will have occurred:
(i) The Company will have discharged the Obligations and related Secretary’s Note and will have paid other sums secured under the Security Agreement and Preferred Mortgage;
(ii) All Guarantees with respect to outstanding Obligations will have terminated pursuant to the provisions of the Security Agreements, other than by reason of payment of the Guarantees; or
(iii) The amount in the Title XI Reserve Fund, (including any securities at market value), is equal to, or in excess of 50 percent of the principal amount of outstanding Obligations.
(e) Fund in lieu of Title XI Reserve Fund. If the Company has established a Capital Construction Fund (CCF), pursuant to section 607 of the Act, whether interim or permanent, at any time when a deposit would otherwise be required to be made into the Title XI Reserve Fund, and the Company elects to make such deposits to the CCF, the Company must enter into an agreement, satisfactory to us, providing that all such deposits of assets therein will be security (CCF Security Amount) to the United States in lieu of the Title XI Reserve Fund. The deposit requirements of the Title XI Reserve Fund and Financial Agreement will be deemed satisfied by deposits of equal amounts in the CCF, and withdrawal of the CCF Security Amount will be subject to our prior written consent. If, for any reason, the CCF terminates prior to the payment of the Obligations, the Secretary’s Note and all other amounts due under or secured by the Security Agreement or Mortgage, the CCF Security Amount will be deposited or redeposited in the Title XI Reserve Fund.
§ 298.36 Guarantee Fee.
(a) Rates in general. (1) For annual periods, beginning with the date of the Security Agreement and prior to the delivery date of a Vessel or Shipyard Project, we shall charge a Guarantee Fee set at a rate of not less than
(2) For annual periods beginning with the delivery date of a Vessel or Shipyard Project, the Guarantee Fee shall be set at an annual rate of not less than
(b) Rate calculation. (1) The Guarantee Fee rate generally shall vary inversely with the ratio of Equity to Long-Term Debt (Variable Rate) of the Person who we consider to be the primary source of credit in the transaction (Credit Source), for example,
(i) The long term time charterer (where the charter hire represents the source of payment of interest and principal with respect to the Obligations),
(ii) The guarantor of the Obligations,
(iii) The Obligor, or
(iv) The bareboat charterer.
(2) Where the Variable Rate is used, we may make such adjustments to the computation of Equity and Long-Term Debt considered necessary to reflect more accurately the financial condition of the Credit Source.
(3) We shall base our determination of Equity and Long-Term Debt on information contained in forms or statements on file with us prior to the date on which the Guarantee Fee is to be paid.
(4) With our consent, you may include in Equity and exclude from Long-Term Debt, any subordinated indebtedness representing loans from any credit source.
(5) We may establish a fixed rate or other method of calculation of the Guarantee Fee, upon an evaluation of the aggregate security for the Guarantees.
(c) Variable Rate prior to Vessel or Shipyard Project. For annual periods beginning prior to the delivery date of a Vessel or Shipyard Project being constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned, the Guarantee Fee shall be determined as follows:
(1) If the Equity is less than 15 percent of the Long-Term Debt, the Guarantee Fee rate shall be
(2) If the Equity is at least 15 percent of the Long-Term Debt, but less than the Long-Term Debt, the Guarantee Fee rate shall be
(3) If the Equity is equal to or exceeds the Long-Term Debt, the Guarantee Fee rate shall be
(d) Variable Rate after Vessel or Shipyard Project delivery or completion. For annual periods beginning on or after the Vessel or Shipyard Project delivery date, the Guarantee Fee shall be determined as follows:
(1) If the Equity is less than 15 percent of the Long-Term Debt, the Guarantee Fee rate shall be 1 percent of the Average Principal Amount of Obligations Outstanding during the annual period covered by the Guarantee Fee.
(2) If the Equity is at least 15 percent of the Long-Term Debt but less than 60 percent of the Long-Term Debt, the Guarantee Fee rate shall be
(3) If the Equity is at least 60 percent of the Long-Term Debt, but less than the Long-Term Debt, the Guarantee Fee rate shall be
(4) If the Equity is equal to or exceeds the Long-Term Debt, the Guarantee Fee rate shall be
(e) Payment of Guarantee Fee. (1) The Guarantee Fee covering the full period of the stated maturity of the Obligations commencing with the date of the Security Agreement shall be paid to us concurrently with the execution and delivery of said Agreement. The project’s entire Guarantee Fee payment shall be made by you to us in an amount equal to the sum of the present value of the separate products obtained by applying the pertinent pre or post delivery Guarantee Fee rate or rates to the projected amount of the Average Principal Amount of Obligations Outstanding for each year of the stated maturity of the Obligations. In calculating the present value used in determining the amount of the Guarantee Fee to be paid, we shall use a discount rate based on information contained in the President’s most recently submitted budget.
(2) The Guarantee Fee may be included in Actual Cost, is eligible to be financed, and is non-refundable.
(f) Proration of Guarantee Fee. The Guarantee Fee shall be prorated where a Vessel delivery is scheduled to occur during the annual period with respect to which payment of said Guarantee Fee is being made, as follows:
(1) Undelivered Vessel. If the Guarantee Fee relates to an undelivered Vessel, the predelivery rate is applicable to the Average Principal Amount of Obligations Outstanding for the period from the date of the Security Agreement to the delivery date, and the delivered Vessel rate is applicable for the balance of the annual period in which the delivery occurs.
(2) Multiple Vessels. If the Guarantee Fee relates to more than one Vessel, the amount of outstanding Obligations will be allocated to each Vessel in the manner prescribed in § 298.33(d), and an amount shall be determined for each Vessel by using the rate that is applicable under paragraph (c) or (d) of this section. The Guarantee Fee shall be the aggregate of the amounts calculated for each Vessel.
§ 298.37 Examination and audit.
(a)(1) We shall have the right to examine and audit the books, records (including original logs, cargo manifests and similar records) and books of account, which pertain directly to the project, of the Obligor, bareboat charterer, time charterer or any other Person who has an agreement with respect to control of, or a financial interest in, a Vessel or Shipyard Project, as well as records of a Related Party and domestic agents connected with such Persons, and shall have full, free and complete access to these items at all reasonable times.
(2) We shall have the right to full, free and complete access, at all reasonable times, to each Vessel or Shipyard Project for which Guarantees are in force.
(3) When a Vessel is in port or undergoing repairs, we may make photostatic or other copies of any books, records and other relevant documents or papers being examined or audited.
(b) The Person in control of the premises where we conduct the examination or audit must furnish, without charge, adequate office space and other facilities that we reasonably require in performing the examination, audit or inspection.
§ 298.38 Partnership agreements and limited liability company agreements.
Partnership and limited liability company agreements must be in form and substance satisfactory to us prior to any Guarantee Closing, especially relating, but not limited to:
(a) Duration of the entity;
(b) Adequate partnership or limited liability company funding requirements and mechanisms;
(c) Dissolution of the entity and withdrawal of a general partner or member;
(d) The termination, amendment, or other modification of the entity without our prior written consent; and
(e) Distribution of funds or ownership interest.
§ 298.39 Exemptions.
We may exempt an applicant from any requirement of this part, unless required by statute or other regulations, in exceptional cases, on written findings that:
(a) The case materially involves factors not considered in the promulgation of this part;
(b)(1) A national emergency makes it necessary to approve the exemption, or
(2) The exemption will substantially relieve the financial liability of the United States;
(c) The exemption will not substantially impact effective regulation of the Title XI program, consistent with the objectives of this part;
(d) The exemption will not be unjustly discriminatory; and
(e) For Eligible Export Vessels, such exemption would assist in creating financing terms that would be compatible with export credit terms for the sale of vessels built in shipyards other than those in the United States.
Subpart E—Defaults and Remedies, Reporting Requirements, Applicability of Regulations
§ 298.40 Defaults.
(a) In General. Provisions concerning the existence and declaration of a default and demand for payment of the Obligations (described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section) shall be included in the Security Agreement and in other parts of the Documentation.
(b) Principal and interest Payment Default. Unless we have assumed the Obligor’s rights and duties under the Obligation and agreements and have made any payments in default under terms in the Obligation or related agreements, the following procedures regarding principal and interest payment default shall apply:
(1) No demand shall be made for payment under the Guarantees unless the default shall have continued for 30 days (Payment Default).
(2) After the expiration of said 30-day period, demand for payment of all amounts due under the Guarantees must be made no later than 60 days afterward.
(3) After demand for payment is made by or on behalf of the Obligees, we shall make payment under the Guarantees, except if we determine that a Payment Default has not occurred or that such Payment Default has been remedied prior to demand being made.
(c) Security Default. If a default occurs under the Security Agreement which is other than a Payment Default (Security Default), section 1105(b) of the Act allows us, in our sole discretion, to declare such default a Security Default, and we may notify the Obligee or agent of the Obligee of such Security Default, stating that demand for payment under the Guarantees must be made no later than 60 days after the date of such notification.
(d) Payment of Guarantees. If we receive notice of demand for payment of the Guarantees, we shall, no later than 30 days after the date of such demand (provided that we shall not have, upon such terms as may be provided in the Obligations or related agreements, prior to that demand, assumed the Obligor’s rights and duties under the Obligation and agreements and shall have made any payments in default), make payment to the Obligees, Indenture Trustee or any other agent of the unpaid principal amount of Obligations and unpaid interest accrued and accruing thereon up to, but not including, the date of payment.
§ 298.41 Remedies after default.
(a) In general. The Security Agreement or other parts of the Documentation shall include provisions governing remedies after a default, which relate to our rights and duties, the rights and duties of the Obligor, and other appropriate Persons.
(b) Action by the Secretary. (1) We may take the Vessel or Shipyard Project and hold, lease, charter, operate or use the Vessel or Shipyard Project, accounting only for the net profits to the Obligor after a default has occurred and is continuing and before making payment required under the Guarantees.
(2) After making payment required under the Guarantees, we may initiate or otherwise participate in legal proceedings of every type, or take any other action considered appropriate, to protect rights and interests granted to us under:
(i) Sections 1105(c), 1105(e) and 1108(b) of the Act,
(ii) The Security Agreement,
(iii) Other applicable provisions of law, and
(iv) The Documentation.
(c) Security proceeds to Secretary. Our interest in proceeds realized from the disposition of or collection regarding the security granted to us in consideration for the Guarantees (except all proceeds from the sale, requisition, charter or other disposition of property purchased by us at a foreclosure or other public sale, which proceeds shall belong to and vest exclusively in us), shall be an amount equal to, but not in excess of, the sum of (in order of priority of application of the proceeds):
(1) All moneys due and unpaid and secured by the Mortgage or Security Agreement;
(2) All advances, including interest thereon, by us, under the Security Agreement and all our reasonable charges and expenses;
(3) The accrued and unpaid interest on the Secretary’s Note;
(4) The accrued and unpaid balance of the principal of the Secretary’s Note; and
(5) To the extent of any collaterization by the Obligor of other debt due to us from the Obligor under other Title XI financings, such other Title XI debt.
(d) Security proceeds to Obligor. You shall be entitled to the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of security, described in paragraph (c) of this section, if and to the extent that the proceeds realized are in excess of the amounts described in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this section.
§ 298.42 Reporting requirements—financial statements.
(a) In general. The financial statements of the Company shall be audited at least annually, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, by independent certified public accountants licensed to practice by the regulatory authority of a State or other political subdivision of the United States or, licensed public accountants licensed to practice by the regulatory authority or other political subdivision of the United States on or before December 31, 1970.
(b) Eligible Export Vessels. In the case of Eligible Export Vessels, the accounts of the Company shall be audited at least annually, and unless otherwise agreed to by us, we shall require that the financial statements be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, by accountants as described in paragraph (a) of this section or by independent public accountants licensed to practice by the regulatory authority or other political subdivision of a foreign country, provided such accountants are satisfactory to us. The accountants performing such audits may be the regular auditors of the Company.
(c) Reports of Company and other Persons. Except as we require otherwise, the Company must file a semiannual financial report and an annual financial report, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, with us as specified in the Documentation. You must include:
(1) The balance sheet and a statement of paid-in-capital and retained earnings at the close of the required reporting period,
(2) A statement of income for the period, and
(3) Any other statement that we consider necessary to accurately reflect the Company’s financial condition and the results of its operations.
(d) Required form. We will specify in a letter to the Company the form required for reporting and the number of copies that you must submit
(e) Other Persons. We may after providing the Company notice, also require the Company to submit financial statements of any other Person, directly or indirectly participating in the project, if the financial condition of that Person affects our security for the Guarantees.
(f) Timeliness. The required financial report for the annual period will be due within 105 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Company, commencing with the first fiscal year ending after the date of the Security Agreement. The required semiannual report will be due within 105 days after each semiannual period, commencing with the first semiannual period ending after the date of the Security Agreement.
(g) Public accountant’s report. The annual report will be accompanied by the public accountant’s report based on an audit of the company’s financial statements. We may require an audit by the public accountants of the financial statements contained in the company’s semiannual report. We also may require certification of the semiannual report by the accountants. Where independent certification is not required, a responsible corporate officer will attach a certification that such report is based on the accounting records and, to the best of that officer’s knowledge and belief, is accurate and complete.
(h) Leveraged lease financing. If the method of financing involved is a leveraged lease financing, or a trust is the owner of the Vessels, we may modify the requirements for annual and semiannual accounting reports of the Obligor accordingly.
(i) Letter of confirmation. The Company must furnish, along with its financial report, a letter of confirmation issued by its insurance underwriter(s) or broker(s) that the Company has paid premiums on insurance applicable to the preservation, protection and operation of the asset, which information must state the term for which the insurance is in force.
§ 298.43 Applicability of the regulations.
(a) The regulations in this part are effective August 21, 2000, and apply to all applications made, Letter Commitments, Commitments to Guarantee Obligations or Guarantees issued or entered into on or after August 21, 2000, under section 1104(a) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended.
(b) The regulations in this part do not apply to any applications made, Letter Commitments, Commitments to Guarantee Obligations, or Guarantees issued under those regulations in effect before August 21, 2000. See 46 CFR, parts 200 to 499, edition revised as of October 1, 1996 and 46 CFR, parts 200 to 499, edition revised as of October 1, 1999 for regulations that apply to applications made, Letter Commitments, Commitments to Guarantee Obligations, or Guarantees issued before August 21, 2000.
Subpart F—Administration [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER E [RESERVED]
SUBCHAPTER F—POSITION REPORTING SYSTEM
PART 307—ESTABLISHMENT OF MANDATORY POSITION REPORTING SYSTEM FOR VESSELS
§ 307.1 Purpose.
This part establishes that operators of U.S.-flag oceangoing vessels in U.S. foreign trade and certain foreign-flag vessels as described in 46 U.S.C. 1283 must report on their locations according to the provisions of this regulation to enhance the safety of vessel operations at sea and provide a contingency for events of national emergency.
§ 307.3 Definitions.
As used in this part:
(a) Administrator means the Maritime Administrator of the Department of Transportation.
(b) MARAD means the Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.
(c) Coast Guard means the United States Coast Guard, Department of Transportation.
(d) AMVER means the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System operated by the U.S. Coast Guard as it applies to U.S.-flag ships and certain non-U.S.-flag ships in U.S. foreign commerce under this regulation.
§ 307.5 Provisions of general applicability.
(a) The following operators must comply with the reporting requirements contained in this part:
(1) Operators of United States-flag vessels of one thousand gross tons or more, operating in the foreign commerce of the United States.
(2) Operators of foreign-flag vessels of one thousand gross tons, or more, for which an Interim War Risk Insurance Binder has been issued under the provisions of Title XII, Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 1281 et seq.).
(b) Operators of other merchant vessels may choose to submit reports and have voyage information forwarded to MARAD, when approved by the Coast Guard and MARAD. Information voluntarily provided by them will be released by Coast Guard only for safety purposes or to satisfy certain advance notification requirements of 33 CFR part 160. Requests should be addressed to the Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, Attn: MAR–742.
§ 307.7 Information required in report.
(a) Types of reports. Reports on vessel departure, arrival, position and deviation are required under this part. Sailing plans are optional, and may be sent prior to departure, or may be combined with departure reports.
(b) Report content. Content of each type of required report are specified below. Note that the word “MAREP” must be included in the text of each message if MARAD is to receive the information.
(1) Sailing plan report. Sailing plan reports, though optional, must contain the following:
(i) Vessel name,
(ii) International Radio Call Sign,
(iii) Intended time of departure,
(iv) Port of departure and latitude/longitude,
(v) Port of destination and latitude/longitude,
(vi) Estimated time of arrival,
(vii) Route information, and
(viii) The keyword “MAREP”.
(2) Departure report. Departure reports must contain the following:
(i) Vessel name,
(ii) International Radio Call Sign,
(iii) Time of departure,
(iv) Port of departure,
(v) Latitude and longitude, and
(vi) The keyword “MAREP”.
(3) Position report. Position reports must contain the following:
(i) Vessel name,
(ii) International Radio Call Sign,
(iii) Time at reported position,
(iv) Latitude and longitude, and
(v) The keyword “MAREP”.
(4) Deviation report. Deviation reports are necessary to report sailing plan changes or other changes and must contain the following:
(i) Vessel name,
(ii) International Radio Call Sign,
(iii) The changes to prior reports, and
(iv) The keyword “MAREP”.
(5) Arrival report. Arrival reports must contain the following:
(i) Vessel name,
(ii) International Radio Call Sign,
(iii) Port name,
(iv) Latitude and longitude,
(v) Time of arrival, and
(vi) The keyword “MAREP”.
§ 307.9 When to report.
(a) Operators required to report under this regulation shall send reports during the Radio Officer’s normal duty hours.
(b) Operators shall send reports as follows:
(1) Departure Reports must be sent as soon as practicable upon leaving the Port of Departure.
(2) Position Reports must be sent within twenty-four hours of departure, and subsequently, no less frequently that every forty-eight hours until arrival.
(3) Arrival Reports must be sent immediately prior to or upon arrival at the Port of Destination.
(4) Deviation Reports may be sent at the discretion of the vessel operator. Reports may be sent more frequently than the above schedule, as, for example, in heavy weather or under other adverse conditions.
§ 307.11 Report changes.
The Administrator, through MARAD advisory or special warning, may direct changes in reporting frequency and specify particular information to be included in the comments section of AMVER messages.
§ 307.13 Where to report.
To ensure that no charge is applied, all AMVER reports must be passed through specified radio stations. Those stations which currently accept AMVER reports and apply no coastal station, ship station, or landline charge are listed in each issue of the “AMVER Bulletin” publication, together with respective International Radio Call Sign, location, frequency bands, and hours of operation. The “AMVER Bulletin” is available from AMVER Maritime Relations Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Battery Park Building, New York, NY 10004. Although AMVER reports may be sent through other stations, the Coast Guard cannot reimburse the sender for any charges applied.
§ 307.15 Release of information from reports.
(a) The information collected under these instructions will be released to recognized search-and-rescue authorities, to make advance notice to the U.S. Coast Guard of arrival in U.S. ports as required by certain sections of 33 CFR. The information collected will also be forwarded to the MARAD.
(b) AMVER reports will remain voluntary for foreign ships unless otherwise directed by their governments, and will be kept strictly confidential by the U.S. Coast Guard. Information collected from such foreign ships will not be forwarded to MARAD.
(c) any information provided in the remarks line will be stored in AMVER’s automatic data processing system for later review. However, no immediate action will be taken, nor will the information be routinely passed to other organizations. The remarks line cannot be used as a substitute for sending information to other search-and-rescue authorities or organizations. However, AMVER will, at the request of other SAR authorities, forward remarks line information to the requesting agencies.
§ 307.17 Distress messages and hostile action reports.
(a) AMVER reports shall not replace distress messages and hostile action reports prescribed by Chapter 5, Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) Publication 117.
(b) Vessel owners or operators subject to this part shall summarize distress messages or hostile action reports in the comments sections of AMVER reports.
§ 307.19 Penalties.
The owner or operator of a vessel in the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States is subject to a penalty of $157 for each day of failure to file an AMVER report required by this part. Such penalty shall constitute a lien upon the vessel, and such vessel may be libeled in the district court of the United States in which the vessel may be found.
SUBCHAPTER G—EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
PART 308—WAR RISK INSURANCE
Subpart A—General
§ 308.1 Eligibility for vessel insurance.
Any vessel within one of the following categories shall be eligible for insurance, but shall remain eligible only while meeting the qualifications criteria in one of said categories. An eligible vessel is not insured unless and until an application is submitted as required in subpart B, C, or D of this part 308 and the Maritime Administrator, Department of Transportation, (Maritime Administrator) Maritime Administration (MARAD), approves said application.
(a) A vessel registered, enrolled, or licensed under the laws of the United States of America (United States); any undocumented vessel owned or chartered by or made available to the United States or any department or agency thereof; any tug or barge or other watercraft (documented under the laws of the United States, or undocumented) owned by a citizen of the United States and used in essential water transportation; and United States citizen-owned watercraft used in the fishing trade or industry, except when used exclusively in or for sport fishing.
(b) Any vessel, other than a vessel described in paragraph (a) of this section determined by the Maritime Administrator to be engaged in the national defense or the national economy of the United States and subject to an unqualified Contract of Commitment with the United States in a form required by the Maritime Administrator, and which is:
(1) Owned by a United States corporation, or a foreign corporation in which a majority of the stock is owned and controlled by a citizen or citizens of the United States, whether direct or through intervening corporations, foreign or domestic. Where such intervening corporations are foreign, the ultimate majority ownership and control of the stock of such corporations must be vested in a citizen or citizens of the United States as defined 46 U.S.C. 50501(a);
(2) Owned by a foreign corporation which is not directly or beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States, but which vessel is under a long-term charter or other long-term contract covering the use of the vessel on terms deemed by the Maritime Administrator to subject the vessel to United States control in the event of an emergency. The charterer of such vessel must be either a citizen or citizens of the United States or a foreign corporation in which a majority of the stock is owned and controlled by a citizen or citizens of the United States, whether direct or indirect through intervening corporations, foreign or domestic. Where such intervening corporations are foreign, ultimate majority ownership and control of the stock of such corporations must be vested in a citizen or citizens of the United States, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 50501(a).
(c) Any other vessel, at the sole discretion of the Maritime Administrator, but only while engaged in a service which has been determined by the Maritime Administrator to be in the interest of the national defense or the national economy of the United States. Vessels in this category are not eligible for war risk insurance interim binders.
§ 308.2 Requirements for eligible vessels.
(a) Restrictions—foreign-flag vessels. Interim insurance is available on any vessel described in § 308.1(a) and (b), provided application for interim insurance is submitted as required in subparts B, C, or D of this part 308, and the Maritime Administrator approves said application: Provided, that only vessels of Panamanian, Honduran, Bahamian, Republic of the Marshall Islands or Liberian registry not more than 20 years old will be considered eligible under § 308.1 (b) for interim insurance, subject at all times to the determination specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) Special rules—foreign-flag vessels. For the purpose of providing interim insurance on vessels described in § 308.1(b), the Maritime Administrator shall consider the characteristics, employment, and general management of the vessel. The Maritime Administrator formally determines that the following vessels are engaged in a service in the interest of the national defense or the national economy of the United States and qualify for an interim binder:
(1) Vessels substantially engaged in the foreign commerce of the United States or which would be required in the event of war or national emergency;
(2) Tankers of not less than 2,000 deadweight tons;
(3) Dry cargo vessels, including containerships, break-bulk, and dry bulk vessels;
(4) Heavy lift vessels;
(5) Refrigerated vessels and other classes of ships in short supply in the United States-flag fleet;
(6) Passenger vessels; and
(7) Other vessels with special capabilities, as determined by the Maritime Administrator.
(c) Vessel Position Reports. All vessels for which war risk insurance interim binders have been issued shall file a Vessel Position Report. The purpose of this report is to inform U.S. agencies of vessel arrivals, departures, and at-sea locations. Failure to make required regular reports will cause MARAD to issue a one-time notice of default. If failure to report continues, MARAD shall cancel the interim binder for the subject vessel and any insurance attaching thereunder. MARAD will issue reporting instructions and formats with the binders.
(d) Notice of change in status of vessel after binder issued. Any breach of the warranty prescribed hereunder as to vessels in all categories with respect to Department of Commerce Transportation Order T–1 (44 CFR Parts 401 and 402), as well as the additional warranties as to vessels in categories (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, with respect to maintenance of eligibility for insurance and availability of the insured vessels to the U.S. Government in time of emergency, shall terminate the binders and any insurance attaching thereunder. In the event of the sale, demise charter, requisition, confiscation, change of flag, total loss, or any other change in status which, by the terms of the binder causes the binder to terminate, prompt notice shall be given in writing to MARAD’s underwriting agent and to MARAD at: Division of Marine Insurance, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., MAR–712, Washington, DC 20950.
(e) Nature of change in status of other vessels. It is the intention of the parties that any breach of the warranty as to operation in the approved service of vessels described in § 308.1(c) shall terminate the insurance. In the event of the sale, demise charter, requisition, confiscation, change of flag, total loss, any other change in status or change in operation of the vessel in the approved service prompt notice shall be given to MARAD’s underwriting agent MARAD’s underwriting agent and to MARAD at the address in paragraph (d) of this section.
§ 308.3 Applications for insurance; warranties; supporting documents; payment of binder fees.
(a) Application, binder forms. A single application for War Risk Insurance shall be filed on Form MA–528, specifying the types of insurance coverages for which the applicant is applying. A single application may be submitted for several vessels, if the application identifies each vessel to be insured and the coverage(s) required, by completing appendices A and B to that form. An interim binder for war risk insurance coverage, of the types described in subparts B, C and D of this part, shall be on Form MA–942, which may be obtained from the MARAD’s underwriting agent or from MARAD.
(b) Warranties—(1) In general. Applications for war risk hull and protection and indemnity insurance in any eligible category of this part 308 shall include a warranty that, at all times during the effective period of the binder and any insurance attaching thereunder, the insured vessel, regardless of its nation of registry, will comply with Department of Commerce Transportation Order T–1 (44 CFR parts 401 and 402), or any modifications thereof so long as it remains in force and that the vessel will not be chartered, unless in accordance with the provisions of §§ 221.11 and 221.13 of this chapter, which requirement is applicable to any charter in existence at the time the applicant applies for insurance.
(2) Vessels described in § 308.1(a). Applications for war risk insurance on a vessel described in § 308.1(a) shall contain the warranty that at, and from the date of issuance of the interim binder, and for and during the term of any insurance attaching thereunder, such vessel will remain eligible within its category.
(3) Vessels described in § 308.1(b). Applications for war risk insurance on a vessel described in § 308.1(b) shall contain the warranties that at all times the vessel will remain eligible within its applicable category; that the vessel will be made available for use by the United States pursuant to the signed Contract of Commitment submitted with the insurance applications, as required by MARAD; that the vessel will remain in the approved service; and that no controlling interest in the vessel shall be transferred by a subsequent sale or long-term charter, except on the condition that the successor in interest agrees to be bound by the terms of the applicant’s Contract of Commitment. All instruments transferring any controlling interest in the vessel, including long-term charter or merger agreements, shall be submitted to MARAD for prior approval.
(4) Vessels described in § 308.1(c). Applications for war risk insurance on a vessel described in § 308.1(c) shall contain warranties that the vessel will remain in the approved service and that any change in flag or service will be reported in advance to MARAD for a new determination as to whether the vessel’s service is in the interest of the national defense or the national economy of the United States. Vessels in this category are not eligible for war risk insurance interim binders.
(5) Vessel locator filing requirements. Applications for insurance on vessels in all categories, except tugs and barges and vessels used exclusively in the fishing trade or industry, described in § 308.1(a), shall contain a warranty that at all times the vessel will file reports as required under the U.S. Coast Guard’s Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) as prescribed in § 308.2(c) of this section.
(c) Filing applications for insurance. All applications for insurance on a vessel shall be made to MARAD’s underwriting agent and to MARAD at the address in § 308.2(d).
(d) Required submissions with—(1) In general. An application for insurance on a vessel described in § 308.1(b) shall be accompanied by:
(i) A contract of commitment, in the form prescribed in § 308.5. In the event the vessel is determined to be ineligible under the terms of this part 308, the applicant will be so advised and the executed contract of commitment and any official foreign government action or approval will be returned to the applicant by MARAD.
(ii) An executed agreement contained in the application for insurance that any charter or other contract covering the use of the vessel during the period of the binder or any insurance attaching thereunder shall be subject to termination or suspension without notice in the event the United States requires the use of the vessel under the voluntary contract of commitment submitted by the applicant.
(2) Certification of citizenship. An application for insurance on such a vessel shall be supported by execution of the citizenship certification, in the format set out in appendix C to Form MA–528, as described in paragraph (a) of this section. That certification shall be required to establish the U.S. citizenship of the majority ownership and control of the vessel-owning corporation, whether that ownership is direct or through intervening corporations.
(3) Existing long-term charters. An application for a vessel in this category which is at the time of application under long-term charter or other long-term contract, either to the applicant or from the applicant to a third party, shall be jointly submitted by the owner and the charterer, and in addition to the other materials required under this paragraph, shall be accompanied by a copy of the long-term contract covering the use of the vessel and all addenda thereto, certified to be full and complete copies (except as to rate of hire or freight) and a completed appendix C to Form MA–528, establishing the U.S. citizenship of the majority of the shareholders and control of the charterer. The charterer shall also furnish to MARAD a certified copy of any amendment to such charter which may be issued subsequent to the issuance of any binder of insurance under this part 308.
(4) Foreign government action or approval. An application for a vessel in this category also shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the evidence of any official action or approval required by the government of the country of registry as a prerequisite to the execution of a contract of commitment with the United States.
(5) Additional materials. With respect to a vessel in this category, the applicant shall submit the following additional materials:
(i) A statement describing the service in which the vessel is engaged, including a listing of the vessel’s voyages and ports of call during the immediately preceding six (6) month period, indicating the tonnage and type of cargo carried on such voyages and the reasons why such service should be deemed to be in the interest of the national defense or the national economy of the United States;
(ii) Material demonstrating the management and financial capabilities of the applicant; and
(iii) In the case of a new vessel or a vessel which has not for the six (6) months immediately prior to the date of the application been engaged in the foreign commerce of the United States, a statement, signed by a responsible company official, certifying the extent to which the vessel will be engaged in the foreign commerce of the United States for the six (6) months immediately following the issuance of any interim binder of insurance under this part 308.
(e) Requests for changes in binders. All requests for changes in binders and inquiries relative to the insurance after the interim binders have been issued shall be directed to MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD at the address in § 308.2(d).
(f) Fees. A check payable in U.S. funds to the “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation” for the total amount of all binder fees payable by such applicant shall accompany each application. Binder fees are not returnable.
(g) Availability of Application Forms. Form MA–528 may be obtained from either MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD at the address in § 308.2 (d).
§ 308.4 [Reserved]
§ 308.5 Voluntary contract of commitment.
Applications for insurance on vessels described in § 308.1(b) shall be accompanied by a contract of commitment, in triplicate originals, executed by the owner (or by the owner and the charterer where required by § 308.3). Contracts of commitment to make the vessel available to the United States during any period in which vessels may be requisitioned under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 563 shall be submitted on standard contract form which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD. The effective date of the contract of commitment will be the effective date of the binder and will be inserted in the contract of commitment by MARAD.
§ 308.6 Period of interim binders, updating application information and new applications.
(a) All existing interim binders remain in full force and effect without the necessity of re-application or the payment of additional fees so long as the Secretary of Transportation’s authority to provide such insurance has been extended and is continuous.
(b) Assureds under interim binders are required to notify MARAD’s underwriting agent annually, by June 30th, of any change in the information provided in their original binder applications including, but not limited to, change of address, vessel name or vessel characteristics.
(c) New applications for interim binders on American vessels, with necessary attachments (as specified in § 308.3), as well as checks for the binder fees prescribed made payable to “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation,” shall be filed with the MARAD’s underwriting agent. All interim binders on American vessels shall become effective as of the date of determination of eligibility by MARAD.
(d) New applications for interim binders on U.S. citizen-owned or controlled foreign-flag vessels, with necessary attachments (as specified in § 308.3), as well as checks for the binder fees prescribed made payable to “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation,” shall be filed for review in accordance with eligibility requirements specified in § 308.2, and mailed to MARAD’s underwriting agent. All interim binders on foreign-flag vessels will become effective on the date the owner’s contract of commitment is executed by MARAD.
§ 308.7 Premiums and payment thereof.
Rate to be fixed promptly upon the happening of the event causing the American Institute Hull War Risks and Strikes Clauses dated December 1, 1977 (including Automatic Termination and Cancellation Provisions) for attachment to American Institute Hull Clauses dated June 2, 1977 of any war risk policies to become operative and premium shall be payable within ten (10) days after receipt of notice of the amount thereof by the assured. Premiums shall be paid to the Underwriting Agent that issued the binders by check payable to the order of “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.” In the event that it is subsequently determined that insurance under interim binders did not attach, premiums paid will be refunded by the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.8 War risk insurance underwriting agency agreement.
Standard form MA–355, Underwriting Agency Agreement, shall be executed by the Maritime Administrator and domestic insurance companies or groups of domestic insurance companies authorized to do a marine insurance business in any States of the United States, appointing such companies or groups of companies as Underwriting Agents to issue binders and policies covering hull, protection and indemnity, and Second Seamen’s war risk insurance under subparts B, C, and D of this part. It shall contain provisions including, but not limited to the appointment of the agent, duties of the agent, books and records, compensation, standard of performance, indemnification effective date, amendment and termination, and nondiscrimination.
Subpart B—War Risk Hull and Disbursements Insurance
§ 308.100 Insured amount.
An applicant for war risk hull insurance shall state the amount of insurance desired but any payment of claim for damage to or actual or constructive total loss of the vessel insured shall be made as provided in § 308.103(a). An applicant desiring disbursements insurance may at his option obtain such additional insurance but any claim for loss of disbursements as a consequence of the actual or constructive total loss of the vessel insured shall be made as provided in § 308.103(c).
§ 308.101 [Reserved]
§ 308.102 Issuance of interim binder; terms and conditions; fees.
Upon acceptance of an application, an interim binder in the form set forth in § 308.106, will be issued and there shall be deemed to be incorporated therein by references all the terms, conditions, and warranties contained in the application for war risk hull and disbursements insurance and the standard war risk hull insurance policy (set forth in § 308.107), to the same extent as if such application and policy were made a part of the binder. The binder fee (not refundable) for American vessels shall be $25 per application for vessels under 500 gross tons; $100 per application for vessels 500 gross tons or over; and $100 per barge application. The binder fee (not refundable) for foreign-flag vessels shall be $50 per application for vessels under 500 gross tons; $200 per application for vessels 500 tons or over; and $200 per barge application. All fees are payable in U.S. funds by check to order of “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.”
§ 308.103 Insured amounts under interim binder.
(a) Valuation. The valuation in the policy for damage to, or actual or constructive total loss of the vessel insured shall be a stated valuation (exclusive of National Defense features paid for by the Government) determined by the Maritime Administrator which shall not exceed the amount that would be payable if the vessel had been requisitioned for title under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 563 at the time of the attachment of the insurance under said policy: Provided, however, that in the case of a construction subsidized vessel, for the period of insurance prior to requisition for title or use, the valuation so determined shall be reduced by such proportion as the amount of construction subsidy paid with respect to the vessel bears to the entire construction cost and capital improvements thereof (excluding the cost of national defense features), and for the period of insurance after requisition for use the valuation so determined shall not exceed the amount which would be payable under 46 U.S.C. 56303 in the case of requisition for title or use: Provided, further, that the insured shall have the right within sixty (60) days after the attachment of the insurance under said policy, or within sixty (60) days after determination of such valuation by the Maritime Administrator, whichever is later, to reject such valuation, and shall pay, at the rate provided for in said policy, premiums upon such asserted valuation as the insured shall specify at the time of rejection, but such asserted valuation shall not operate to the prejudice of the Government in any subsequent action on the policy. In the event of the actual or constructive total loss of the vessel, if the insured has not rejected such valuation the amount of any claim therefor which is adjusted, compromised, settled, adjudged, or paid shall not exceed such stated amount, but if the insured has so rejected such valuation, the insured shall be paid as a tentative advance only, 75 per centum of such valuation so determined by the Maritime Administrator and shall be entitled to sue the United States in a court having jurisdiction of such claims to recover such valuation as would be equal to the just compensation which such court determines would have been payable if the vessel had been requisitioned for title under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 563 at the time of the attachment of the insurance under said policy: Provided, however, that in the case of a construction-subsidized vessel, the valuation determined by the court as such just compensation for any period of insurance prior to actual requisition for title or use of the vessel shall be reduced by such proportion as the amount of construction subsidy paid with respect to the vessel bears to the entire construction cost and capital improvements thereof (excluding the cost of national defense features), and for any period of insurance after actual requisition for use, the valuation determined by the court shall be the amount which would have been payable under 46 U.S.C. 56303 in the case of requisition for title: And provided further, that in the event of an election by the insured to reject the stated valuation fixed by the Maritime Administrator and to sue in the courts, the amount of the judgment will be payable without regard to any limitations provided by statute, although the excess of any amounts advanced on account of just compensation that is over the amount of the court judgment shall be required to be refunded by the insured. In the event of such court determination, premiums under the policy shall be adjusted on the basis of the valuation as finally determined and of the rate provided for in said policy. The “stated valuation” of the vessel insured refers to the vessel as described in § 309.5 of this chapter.
(b) Insurance risks. Insurance risks covered by the terms of the standard form of war risk hull insurance policy (§ 308.107), except damage to or actual or constructive total loss of the vessel insured as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section and loss of disbursements (limited to consumable and subsistence stores, slop chests, bar stock and bunker fuel lost as a consequence of the actual or constructive total loss of the vessel insured) as set forth in paragraph (c) of this section and identified as disbursements, shall be insured for an amount not in excess of the “sum insured” as referred to in said policy.
(c) Disbursements. Disbursements shall be insured as authorized under 46 U.S.C. 53903(a)(4) and shall be limited to consumable and subsistence stores, slop chests, bar stock and bunker fuel. Disbursements insurance shall be optional and is insurance additional to the war risk hull insurance provided under this subpart, and payment of claim shall be limited to the actual value of the disbursements lost as a consequence of the actual or constructive total loss of the vessel insured.
§ 308.104 Additional war risk insurance.
Owners or charterers may obtain, on an excess basis, additional war risk insurance in such amounts as desired and such insurance shall not inure to the benefit of the Maritime Administrator as underwriter.
§ 308.105 Reporting casualties and filing claims.
All casualties occurring after insurance under a binder has attached shall be reported promptly to the underwriting agent that issued the binder and all claim documents shall likewise be filed with such underwriting agent, but payment of the amounts due in settlement of claims will be made by the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.106 [Reserved]
§ 308.107 War risk hull insurance policy.
Standard Form MA–240, issued by the Maritime Administrator, acting for the United States, through authority delegated by the Secretary of Transportation, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
Subpart C—War Risk Protection and Indemnity Insurance
§ 308.200 Insured amount—application.
An applicant for war risk protection and indemnity insurance shall state the amount of insurance desired but such amount shall not exceed $750 per gross ton of the Vessel.
§ 308.201 [Reserved]
§ 308.202 Issuance of interim binder; terms and conditions.
Upon acceptance of an application, an interim binder in form as set forth in § 308.3 will be issued and there shall be deemed to be incorporated therein by reference all the terms, conditions, and warranties contained in the application for war risk protection and indemnity insurance (set forth in § 308.3) and the standard war risk protection and indemnity insurance policy (set forth in § 308.207) to the same extent as if such application and policy were made a part of the binder. The binder fee (not refundable) shall be $100 per application for American barges; $25 per application for all other American vessels; $200 per application for foreign-flag barges; and $50 per application for all other foreign-flag vessels. All fees are payable in U.S. funds by check to the order of “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.”
§ 308.203 Amount insured under interim binder.
The amount insured shall be the amount stated in the application, but not in excess of $750 per gross ton of the vessel.
§ 308.204 Additional war risk protection and indemnity insurance.
Owners or charterers may obtain, on an excess basis, additional war risk protection and indemnity insurance in such amounts as desired and such insurance shall not inure to the benefit of the Maritime Administrator, as underwriter.
§ 308.205 Reporting casualties and filing claims.
All casualties occurring after insurance under a binder has attached shall be reported promptly to, and all claim documents filed with “Office of Marine Insurance, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.”
§ 308.206 [Reserved]
§ 308.207 War risk protection and indemnity insurance policy.
The standard form of war risk protection and indemnity insurance policy, Form MA–241, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
Subpart D—Second Seamen’s War Risk Insurance
§ 308.300 Insured amount—application.
An applicant for Second Seamen’s war risk insurance shall not state the amount of insurance desired, which shall be as provided in § 308.303.
§ 308.301 [Reserved]
§ 308.302 Issuance of interim binder; terms and conditions.
Upon acceptance of an application, an interim binder in form as set forth in § 308.3 will be issued and there shall be deemed to be incorporated therein by reference all the terms, conditions, and warranties contained in the application for Second Seamen’s war risk insurance (set forth in § 308.3) and the Second Seamen’s War Risk Policy (1955) (set forth in § 308.306) to the same extent as if such application and policy were made a part of the binder. The binder fee (not refundable) shall be $75 per application for American vessels and $150 per application for foreign-flag vessels. All fees are payable in U.S. funds by check to the order of “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.”
§ 308.303 Amounts insured under interim binder.
The amounts insured are the amounts specified in the Second Seamen’s War Risk Policy (1955) or as modified by shipping articles, collective bargaining agreements or other applicable employment agreements which are in effect as of the date of a casualty involving the subject vessel. Upon the attachment of this binder, the number of crew members and modified benefits payable as of that date shall be declared immediately to the Underwriting Agent that issued the binder. Any subsequent changes shall be likewise declared.
§ 308.304 Reporting casualties and filing claims.
All casualties occurring after insurance under a binder has attached shall be reported promptly to, and all claim documents filed with, “Maritime Administration, Attention: Chief, Office of Marine Insurance.”
§ 308.305 [Reserved]
§ 308.306 Second Seamen’s War Risk Policy, Form MA–242.
The standard form of Second Seamen’s War Risk Policy Form MA–242, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
Subpart E—War Risk Builder’s Risk Insurance
§ 308.400 Authority.
The Secretary of Transportation has delegated authority to the Maritime Administrator to perform the functions vested in the Secretary of Transportation by 46 U.S.C. Chapter 539. The Maritime Administrator, pursuant to a finding by the Secretary under 46 U.S.C. 53902(a) has authorized the issuance of war risk insurance on American vessels under construction in shipyards in the United States.
§ 308.401 Eligibility for insurance.
A vessel is eligible for insurance if it is an American vessel, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 53901, being constructed in a shipyard within the United States.
§ 308.402 Insurance during vessel construction period.
(a) Prelaunching period. This period is from the date and time the first material destined for inclusion as part of the vessel becomes at risk at the shipyard of the builder to the date and time the vessel first becomes water-borne after launching.
(b) Postlaunching period. This period is from the date and time the vessel first becomes water-borne after launching to the date and time of delivery of the vessel by the builder.
(c) Portions of periods. A vessel may be insured for a portion of either period as cited in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section at the sole discretion of the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.403 Insured amounts.
(a) Prelaunching period. The amount insured during this period will be the cost of material destined for inclusion as a part of the vessel at risk at the shipyard of the builder, plus the cost of labor, other direct charges, overhead, and profit not exceeding 10 percent, all as determined from the builder’s records.
(b) Postlaunching period. The amount insured during this period will be:
(1) An amount not in excess of the difference in amount between the total amount of war risk insurance obtainable from companies authorized to do an insurance business in a State of the United States and the contract price of the vessel plus the cost of the materials and equipment furnished by the owner and not included in such contract price, or
(2) An amount not in excess of the contract price of the vessel plus the cost of materials and equipment furnished by the owner and not included in the contract price: Provided, that no war risk insurance is obtainable from companies authorized to do an insurance business in a State of the United States.
(c) Maximum liability. The amount of any claim for damage to or the total or constructive total loss of the vessel adjusted, compromised, settled, adjudged or paid shall not exceed the amount insured: Provided, that the amount payable hereunder shall not exceed the maximum sum which the Maritime Administrator, as Underwriter, is authorized to pay under any applicable Acts of Congress: Provided, further, that where MARAD is an Excess Underwriter, the amount payable under this insurance for damage to or the total or constructive total loss of the vessel, after all sums due and payable under primary and excess insurance written by commercial Underwriters have been exhausted, shall be the balance, if any, of said claims.
§ 308.404 Application for insurance.
Application for insurance shall be made to “Maritime Administration, Attention: Chief, Division of Marine Insurance” at the address in § 308.2(d). The applications shall be signed by all parties to be named as assureds, unless they have filed with the Chief, Division of Marine Insurance, written designations of a broker or brokers to act for them, in which case the applications may be signed by such broker or brokers.
§ 308.405 Form of application.
Applications shall be submitted in duplicate and may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.406 Issuance of policies; terms and conditions.
Upon acceptance of an application, a policy in the form specified in § 308.409 will be issued with endorsements MA–283(A) and MA–283(D), or MA–283(B) and MA–283(D), or MA–283(C), and MA–283(D), as appropriate.
§ 308.407 Premiums and payment.
For the prelaunching period premium will be charged on the average value at risk during each calendar month or the daily pro rata part thereof for periods of less than one calendar month. For the postlaunching period premium will be charged on the amount insured for the full period. Premiums shall be due and payable within thirty days after receipt by the Assured of notice of the amount thereof and if not paid within that period the insurance shall become null and void and of no effect from the beginning of the period for which the premium charge is made unless the Maritime Administrator agrees otherwise. Payment shall be made to MARAD at the address in § 308.2(d), by check payable to the order of “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.”
The Maritime Administrator, acting for the Secretary of Transportation, shall have the right to change the rate of premium at any time, and unless the revised rate of premium is accepted in writing by the Assured within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the Assured of notice of the revised rate, the policy shall become null and void and of no effect as of midnight, Standard Time, at the location of the shipyard on the fifteenth (15th) day after receipt of said notice. Premium at the revised rate shall be payable for the fifteen (15) day period during which the insurance remained in force unless the Assured, within such period, dispatches notice to MARAD by fax, certified mail or courier of his refusal to accept such revised rate of premium, in which event premium at the revised rate shall be payable for that portion of the fifteen (15) day period prior to dispatch of such notice. Upon the dispatch of such notice of non-acceptance the insurance shall terminate.
§ 308.409 Standard form of War Risk Builder’s Risk Insurance Policy, Form MA–283.
The standard form of War Risk Builder’s Risk Insurance Policy, Form MA–283 may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.410 Reporting casualties and filing claims.
Casualties shall be reported promptly to, and all claims documents filed with MARAD, Attention: Chief, Division of Marine Insurance, at the address in § 308.2(d).
Subpart F—War Risk Cargo Insurance
Introduction
§ 308.500 Authority.
The Secretary of Transportation has delegated authority to the Maritime Administrator to perform the functions vested in the Secretary by 46 U.S.C. Chapter 539, which authority includes the insurance set forth in this Subpart, as provided under 46 U.S.C. 53903(a)(3). For the purposes of this Subpart F—War Risk Cargo Insurance, the terms “cargo” and “cargoes” as used herein shall include loaded or empty containers located aboard American and foreign-flag vessels insured under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 539. Cargo war risk insurance will be written under either an open policy or a facultative policy in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 308.501 Cargoes on which coverage is available.
The Maritime Administrator will be prepared to provide marine insurance against loss or damage by the risks of war under approved clauses on shipments of cargoes coming within one or more of the following categories:
(a) Shipped or to be shipped on any American vessel, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 53901;
(b) Shipped or to be shipped on any foreign flag vessels owned by citizens of the United States;
(c) Owned by citizens or residents of the United States, its Territories or possessions;
(d) Imported to, or exported from, the United States, its Territories or possessions, under contracts of sale or purchase by the terms of which the risk of loss by war risks or the obligation to provide insurance against such risks is assumed by or falls upon a citizen or resident of the United States, its Territories or possessions;
(e) Sold or purchased by citizens or residents of the United States, its Territories or possessions, under contracts of sale or purchase by the terms of which the risk of loss by war risks or the obligation to provide insurance against such risks is assumed by or falls upon a citizen or resident of the United States, its Territories or possessions;
(f) Shipped between ports in the United States, or between ports in the United States and its Territories and possessions, or between ports in such Territories or possessions; and
(g) Shipped or to be shipped on any foreign flag vessels, whether or not owned by citizens of the United States, if such vessels are engaged in transportation in the water-borne commerce of the United States or in such other transportation by water or such other services as may be deemed by the Maritime Administrator to be in the interest of the national defense or the national economy of the United States, when so engaged.
§ 308.502 Additional insurance.
The assured may place increased value or additional insurance in other markets beyond the amount of insurance provided by the Maritime Administrator, but such insurance must be non-participating with the Maritime Administrator’s coverage, and without benefit of salvage or right of contribution.
§ 308.503 Rate schedules.
Rate schedules published by the Maritime Administrator may be obtained from an underwriting agent. All rate schedules are subject to change by the Maritime Administrator at any time without notice. If no rate is published for a voyage on which war risk coverage is available, the Maritime Administrator will name a rate through an underwriting agent upon application.
§ 308.504 Definition of territories and possessions.
Whenever reference is made to the territories and possessions of the United States in this subpart or in any supplement thereto or any policy of insurance issued pursuant to the provisions thereof, said territories and possessions shall be deemed to include only the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Wake Island, Midway Islands, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Navassa Island, and Wake Island.
Open Policy War Risk Cargo Insurance
§ 308.505 General.
The Maritime Administrator is prepared to provide an open cargo war risk insurance policy covering any cargoes described in § 308.501. The policy will be in the standard form of War Risk Open Cargo Policy, Form MA–300, prescribed in § 308.517. All policies will be issued by underwriting agents appointed by the Maritime Administrator. All underwriting agents will be domestic insurance companies authorized to do a marine insurance business in a State of the United States.
§ 308.506 Application for an Open Cargo Policy.
Application for an Open Cargo Policy shall be made by filing Form MA–301, prescribed in § 308.521, with the underwriting agent of MARAD. The application shall state the applicant’s name and address; the person or persons to whom loss shall be payable; the nature and geographic scope of the shipments to be covered under the policy which shall not be broader than the coverage authorized in § 308.501; the requested effective date, which shall not be earlier than the date of the completion of the requirements for the issuance of the policy; and the basis of valuation to be incorporated in the policy. An applicant may specify one basis of valuation for imports and another for exports, and he may specify different bases of valuation for different commodities or voyages, provided that each basis of valuation specified by the applicant shall define the value by the use of facts which existed prior to the date of the shipment and which are readily ascertainable by either party after the safe arrival or loss of the shipment.
Clause 21 of the policy requires the assured to maintain with the Maritime Administrator a collateral deposit fund or a surety bond, to secure the payment of the premiums, in an amount which shall at all times exceed the unpaid premiums on all risks which have attached under the policy. The minimum amount of the fund or of the surety bond shall be $1,000. Clause 21 also provides that, within seven (7) days from the time knowledge comes to the assured that the amount of the deposit or the surety bond is insufficient to meet the requirements of Clause 21, the assured shall deposit additional collateral or increase the surety bond in an amount not less than double the amount of such insufficiency, and for a sum which shall be a multiple of $500. If the assured fails to increase the deposit or the surety bond within the seven (7) day period, the policy automatically becomes void at the end of the seven (7) day period except as to risks which have attached prior to that date. The procedure for establishing a collateral deposit fund is prescribed in § 308.509, and the procedure for posting and maintaining a surety bond is prescribed in § 308.510. An application for the issuance of an open cargo policy shall be ineffective unless a collateral deposit fund is established and maintained, or a surety bond is posted and maintained, in accordance with the provisions of this section and § 308.510.
§ 308.508 Issuance of an Open Cargo Policy.
(a) Time. The underwriting agent will issue an Open Cargo Policy within fifteen (15) days after the completion by the applicant of the requirements set forth in §§ 308.506 and 308.507 unless the time for issuance is extended by the Maritime Administrator in writing. The underwriting agent may not make any Open Cargo Policy effective with respect to shipments attaching on a date earlier than the date when the application was completed, but he may make it effective on the date of the completion of the application or any date thereafter requested by the applicant.
(b) Numbering. Each Open Cargo Policy supplied to the underwriting agent by the Maritime Administrator shall be numbered by MARAD before it is supplied to the underwriting agent. No two numbers shall be the same. The underwriting agent when issuing the policy shall add at the end of the policy number the agency number assigned to that underwriting agent, and where policies are issued by more than one office of an underwriting agent, the issuing office shall also be identified in the policy number. For example, policies issued by an office in New York will be designated by “NY” and policies issued in San Francisco will be designated by “SF” prefixed to the underwriting agent’s agency number.
§ 308.509 Collateral deposit fund.
(a) Requirements. An assured electing to use a cash collateral deposit fund pursuant to § 308.507 shall comply with the provisions of this section and Clause 21 of the Open Cargo Policy, Form MA–300, prescribed in § 308.517.
(b) Cash or Government bonds. To establish a collateral deposit fund the applicant shall deposit with the underwriting agent a check payable to the order of the “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation” for the amount of the fund, or United States Government bonds having a par value at the time of deposit of the amount of the fund, which shall be a multiple of $500 but not less than $1,000, together with a letter of transmittal executed by the applicant on Form MA–302, prescribed in § 308.522. Upon receipt of the deposit, the underwriting agent shall assign it a serial number and transmit it to “Maritime Administration, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, Maritime Administration”. It is the responsibility of the assured to make sure that this deposit fund is sufficient at all times to cover the premiums payable on all risks which have attached under the policy, so as to prevent the termination of the insurance under the provisions of Clause 21.
(c) Overdue premiums. Pursuant to Clause 20, if the assured fails to pay any premium when it becomes due and payable, he thereby breaches the policy and it automatically ceases to insure any shipments which would otherwise have attached after the expiration of fifteen (15) days following the due date of the premium, unless within the fifteen (15) day period the premium has been paid and the assured has otherwise complied with the requirements of the policy, including the filing of the closing report required by Clause 19 and the payment of the reinstatement fee of $25 required by Clause 20. If the assured fails to pay the premium within the fifteen (15) day period, the Maritime Administrator may deduct from the assured’s collateral deposit fund all amounts due.
(d) Increase in amount of collateral as required by Clause 21. If the assured fails to deposit additional collateral in the fund within seven (7) days from the time knowledge comes to the assured that the amount of collateral is insufficient to meet the requirements of Clause 21, the policy shall be void except as to risks which have attached prior to the expiration of the seven (7) day period.
(e) Changes in amount of collateral. The assured may increase or decrease the amount of the collateral deposit fund by amounts of not less than $500 or multiples thereof, provided that the amount of the fund shall not be less than the amount required by Clause 21, or the required minimum of $1,000, whichever is greater. The effect of any change in the amount of the collateral deposit shall be the sole responsibility of the assured, and the permission granted by this paragraph to change the amount of collateral in the fund shall in no manner relieve the assured of the responsibility imposed by Clause 21.
(f) Increase of collateral. To increase the amount of the collateral on deposit in the fund, the assured shall transmit to the underwriting agent on Form MA–302, prescribed in § 308.522, a check payable to the order of “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation” or United States Government bonds having a par value at the time of deposit of not less than the amount of the requested increase. The increase shall become effective upon the date of the receipt of the application and check or bonds by the underwriting agent, as shown on Form MA–302.
(g) Decrease of collateral. To decrease the collateral deposit fund, the assured shall file with the underwriting agent an application on Form MA–305, prescribed in § 308.525. The decrease shall become effective upon the date of the receipt of the application by the underwriting agent as shown on Form MA–305.
(h) Refund of collateral. Whenever the assured becomes entitled to a refund of the collateral deposit, in whole or in part, by reason of a request for a partial return of such collateral, or the cancellation of the policy and the payment in full of all premiums then or thereafter due, or the waiver by the Maritime Administrator of the requirements of maintaining the collateral deposit fund because the assured is a department or agency of the United States or is acting on behalf of such a department or agency, or the substitution of a surety bond in the place and stead of the collateral deposit fund, as provided in § 308.510(j), the Maritime Administrator will refund to the assured the amount of the collateral deposit to which the assured is entitled; provided, however, that the repayment of such collateral shall not be made by the Maritime Administrator until the assured has filed a closing report and paid in full all premiums with respect to all shipments which had attached at the time of the receipt by the underwriting agent of the application for the refund, Form MA–305, and a certificate executed in duplicate on Form MA–306, prescribed in § 308.526, and, in the event of the substitution of a surety bond for the collateral deposit fund, the receipt by the underwriting agent of the surety bond properly executed, in accordance with § 308.510.
§ 308.510 Surety bond.
(a) Requirements. An assured electing to post a surety bond pursuant to § 308.507 shall comply with the provisions of this section and Clause 21 of the Open Cargo Policy, Form MA–300, prescribed in § 308.517.
(b) Amount of bond. An applicant who wishes to post a surety bond shall deliver to the underwriting agent a surety bond on Form MA–308, prescribed in § 308.528, executed by the assured as principal, and by the surety, in such amount as the assured determines to be necessary to comply with Clause 21. Such amount shall be a multiple of $500 but shall not be less than $1,000. Upon receipt of the surety bond, the underwriting agent shall assign a serial number to it and transmit it to “Maritime Administration, Attention: Chief, Division of Marine Insurance.” It shall be the responsibility of the assured to provide that the amount of the bond is sufficient at all times to cover the premium payable on all risks which have attached under the policy, so as to prevent the termination of the insurance under the provisions of Clause 21.
(c) Surety. The sufficiency of the surety executing the bond shall be subject to approval by the Maritime Administrator. The underwriting agent may accept on behalf of the Maritime Administrator a surety bond executed by a surety named on the United States Treasury Department’s approved list of sureties whose bonds are acceptable to the United States Treasury Department to secure obligations due the United States, provided the bond is within the maximum amount for which the surety is so authorized to write bonds as shown by the approved list.
(d) Overdue premiums. Pursuant to Clause 20, if the assured fails to pay any premium when it becomes due and payable, he thereby breaches the policy and it automatically ceases to insure any shipments which would otherwise have attached after the expiration of fifteen (15) days following the due date of the premium, unless within the fifteen (15) day period the premium has been paid and the assured has otherwise complied with the requirements of the policy, including the filing of the closing report required by Clause 19 and the payment of the reinstatement fee of $25 required by Clause 20. If the assured fails to pay the premium within the fifteen (15) day period, all amounts due shall become a liability collectible under the surety bond and from the assured.
(e) Increase in amount of bond as required by Clause 21. If the assured fails to increase the amount of the surety bond within seven (7) days from the time knowledge comes to the assured that the amount of the bond is insufficient to meet the requirements of Clause 21, the policy shall be void except as to risks which have attached prior to the expiration of the seven (7) day period.
(f) Changes in amount of bond. The assured may increase or decrease the amount of the surety bond by amounts of not less than $500 or multiples thereof, provided that the amount of the bond shall not be less than the amount required by Clause 21, or the required minimum of $1,000, whichever is greater. The effect of any change in the amount of the bond shall be the sole responsibility of the assured, and the permission granted by this paragraph to change the amount of the bond shall in no manner relieve the assured of the responsibility imposed by Clause 21.
(g) Increase in amount of bond. To increase the surety bond the assured shall transmit to the underwriting agent, on Form MA–310, prescribed in § 308.530, an endorsement duly executed by the assured and the surety company on Form MA–311, prescribed in § 308.531. The increase shall become effective upon the date of the receipt of the endorsement by the underwriting agent as shown on Form MA–311.
(h) Decrease in amount of bond. To decrease the amount of the bond, the assured shall transmit to the underwriting agent, on Form MA–310, prescribed in § 308.530, an endorsement duly executed by the assured and the surety on Form MA–311, prescribed in § 308.531. The decrease shall become effective upon the date of the receipt of the endorsement by the underwriting agent as shown on Form MA–311, except as to shipments which on that date are known or reported to the assured to be in transit and which have attached under the policy and upon which premium has not been paid in full.
(i) Termination of bond. Whenever the assured becomes entitled to a termination of a surety bond by reason of the cancellation of the policy and the payment in full of all premiums then or thereafter due, or the waiver by the Maritime Administrator of the requirements of maintaining the surety bond by an assured which is a department or agency of the United States or is acting on behalf of such a department or agency, or the substitution of a collateral deposit fund in the place or stead of the surety bond, the underwriting agent shall execute a release on Form MA–312, prescribed in § 308.532. The release shall be made effective as of:
(1) The effective date of the cancellation of the policy when the bond is terminated for that reason, or
(2) The date of the Maritime Administrator’s directive waiving the requirement of a surety bond when the bond is terminated for that reason, or
(3) The effective date of the establishment of a collateral deposit fund when the bond is terminated for that reason.
(j) Substitution of bond for collateral deposit. An assured may substitute a surety bond for a collateral deposit fund by delivering to the underwriting agent a surety bond on Form MA–309, prescribed in § 308.529, executed by the assured as principal, and by the surety, in such amount as the assured determines to be necessary to comply with Clause 21. Such amount shall be a multiple of $500, but shall not be less than $1,000. The collateral deposit fund will be refunded to the assured after the bond has been posted, in accordance with the provisions of § 308.509(h).
§ 308.511 Cancellation of Open Cargo Policy.
An assured may cancel an Open Cargo Policy by delivering to the underwriting agent, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the requested date of cancellation, an application for cancellation executed by the assured on Form MA–304, prescribed in § 308.524, together with the original policy. The policy shall be cancelled as of the effective date requested in the application, which, unless otherwise agreed by the Maritime Administrator in writing, shall not be a date earlier than fifteen (15) days following the date of the receipt of the application as acknowledged by the underwriting agent on Form MA–304, with respect to all risks that have not attached prior to said effective date. Such cancellation shall not relieve the assured of the obligation to file closing reports with respect to all risks which attached prior to the effective date of the cancellation and to pay all unpaid premiums. Within four (4) months of the effective date of cancellation, unless otherwise agreed by the Maritime Administrator in writing, the assured must file a closing report in duplicate on Form MA–313, prescribed in § 308.533, of all shipments covered by the policy for which closing reports have not been previously filed. The assured shall mark this closing report ”Final Closing Report on Cancellation of Policy”, and file a certificate on Form MA–313–B, prescribed in § 308.535, executed by the assured in duplicate. Thereafter, when all unpaid premiums have been paid, the assured will become entitled to a refund of the collateral deposit, or cancellation of the surety bond in accordance with §§ 308.509 and 308.510. If the assured has lost or mislaid the original policy and is unable to produce it for cancellation, the assured shall execute a letter of indemnity and such other documents as may be required by the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.512 Declaration of shipments under Open Cargo Policy.
(a) Closing report. (1) The assured shall file with the underwriting agent, not later than the twenty-fifth (25th) day of each month, a closing report for all inward shipments and a closing report for all outward shipments, and pay the premium and fees, for all shipments covered during the preceding calendar month, as required by Clause 19. Each closing report shall be filed in duplicate on Form MA–313, prescribed in § 308.533, supported by a certificate executed by the assured on Form MA–313–A, prescribed in § 308.534. If the assured has no shipments to report during any calendar month, the closing report, Form MA–313, shall, nevertheless, be filed with one or both of the following statements, depending upon their applicability, noted thereon certifying that:
(i) No inward shipment coming within the scope of this policy arrived at destination during the preceding calendar month, and that during the preceding calendar month no knowledge has come to the assured of an inward shipment covered under the terms of the policy which will not arrive by reason of loss, frustration or other similar cause,
(ii) No outward shipment coming within the scope of this policy was made during the preceding calendar month, and
(iii) Whenever a sea passage is made with respect to cargo covered under the policy by a barge or sailing vessel the assured shall note that fact upon the closing report, unless the Maritime Administrator otherwise agrees.
(2) An assured reporting for one calendar month shall not include therein a report of a shipment due to be reported in the report for the next succeeding calendar month. Thus, the report of January closing shipments filed in February does not include February closings.
(b) Inward shipments. The closing report covering inward shipments shall include:
(1) All such shipments which have arrived at the port of destination during the preceding calendar month, and
(2) All such shipments with respect to which inability to so arrive by reason of loss, frustration, or other similar causes has come to the knowledge of the assured during the preceding calendar month.
(c) Outward shipments. The closing report covering outward shipments shall include all such shipments which attached under the policy during the preceding calendar month.
(d) Definition of inward and outward shipments. A shipment will be classified as an inward shipment or as an outward shipment by reference to the geographical location of the assured with respect to the movement of the shipment. The address of the assured as stated in the application filed by him for the policy shall be deemed to be the assured’s geographical location for the purpose of determining whether the shipment is inward or outward. To illustrate, if an assured has stated in his application that his address is in Hawaii, the assured’s shipments of goods from the United States to Hawaii would be classified as inward, and his shipments from Hawaii to the United States would be classified as outward. Any shipments that cannot be classified as inward or outward under this definition shall be treated as inward shipments for the purposes of the declaration.
(e) Supplemental closing report. If an assured files a closing report and thereafter discovers that one or more additional shipments should have been included in the report, then, even though the assured has executed the certificate on Form MA–313–A, prescribed in § 308.534, or Form MA–313–B, prescribed in § 308.535, in connection with the closing report, the assured must nevertheless amend the closing report by filing a supplemental closing report supported by an appropriate certificate. The supplemental closing report must be accompanied by a statement in writing signed by the assured giving the reasons for the omission of such shipments from the original closing report. If the Maritime Administrator finds that the failure to file the complete closing report was either inadvertent or unintentional or arose by reason of causes beyond the control of the assured, the otherwise automatic termination of the policy by reason of a breach of the warranty embodied in Clause 20 shall be avoided pursuant to the provisions of Clause 23.
The assured shall pay the premium, when his closing report is filed, for all shipments shown on his closing report for the preceding month, at the rates prescribed by the Maritime Administrator and in effect on the date of the ocean bill of lading, or if an ocean bill of lading was not issued, on the date of the equivalent shipping document, or if no ocean bill of lading or equivalent shipping document was issued, or if such documents were undated, on the date the goods were laden on the overseas vessel, as required by Clause 19. All payments of premium or fees must be made by check or money order payable to the order of ”Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.”
No premium will be returned to the assured with respect to a shipment of goods that attached under the policy except where there was a declaration of value at variance with Clause 8, or an error in the application of a rate or in the computation of a premium, or the insured goods were short-shipped. An application for the return of a premium shall be made on Form MA–307, prescribed in § 308.527, filed in duplicate with the Underwriting Agent who will transmit it to the Maritime Administrator for payment.
§ 308.515 Payment in event of loss.
All claims for losses shall be filed by the assured with the Underwriting Agent who issued the policy. Such claims must be supported by the customary documents required in connection with war risk insurance claims, together with appropriate declarations as required by Clause 9, and such further data as may now or hereafter be required by the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.516 Failure to comply with Clause 21.
(a) If the assured willfully fails to maintain a collateral deposit fund or a surety bond in an amount sufficient to meet the requirements of Clause 21, the policy becomes void from the date the fund or bond was first insufficient, but, if the assured’s failure was inadvertent, the policy may be reinstated when the assured complies with Clause 21, and shows to the satisfaction of the Maritime Administrator that his failure was inadvertent and not willful. If the failure was in fact inadvertent, the assured shall file a declaration on Form MA–314, prescribed in § 308.536, executed in duplicate, with the Underwriting Agent within seven (7) days from the time knowledge comes to the assured of the insufficiency of the collateral deposit fund or surety bond unless the time for filing such declaration is extended by permission of the Maritime Administrator. If the space provided in the declaration, Form MA–314, for an explanation of the circumstances whereby the assured first had knowledge that the collateral was not sufficient, the assured shall attach to the declaration a detailed statement and include the same by reference in the declaration.
(b) If any policy becomes void by reason of the failure of the assured to deposit additional collateral or increase the amount of its surety bond under the provisions of Clause 21, the Maritime Administrator reserves the right to refuse to issue another policy to such assured for a period of ninety (90) days.
§ 308.517 Open Cargo Policy, Form MA–300.
The standard form of War Risk Open Cargo, Form MA–300, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.518 Standard optional endorsement No. 1, Form MA–300–A.
Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD, limits the amount payable for the loss of goods to the actual bona fide pecuniary loss to the Assured, exclusive of any allowance for anticipated or accrued profit arising out of the insured venture. An Assured may elect to have his Open Cargo Policy endorsed with Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1 applicable on all shipments, or on all outward shipments, or on all inward shipments, or on named commodities except goods sold by the Assured prior to loading on board the overseas vessel and shipped for the account and at the risk of third persons other than a branch subsidiary or affiliate of the Assured. When an Assured has elected to have Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1 made applicable to certain named commodities he may not change to a different basis of valuation for those commodities until after he has given ninety (90) days written notice to the Maritime Administrator through the Underwriting Agent of his election to make the change. Application for Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1 may be made to the Underwriting Agent which is authorized to issue the endorsement without prior approval of the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.519 Standard optional endorsement No. 2, Form MA–300–B.
Standard Optional Endorsement No. 2, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD, amends the policy to cover shipments made to the Assured or shipped by the Assured as agent for the account and risk of a principal. Application for Standard Optional Endorsement No. 2 may be made to the Underwriting Agent, which is authorized to issue the endorsement without prior approval of the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.520 Standard optional endorsement No. 3, Form MA–300–C.
Standard Optional Endorsement No. 3, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD, amends the policy to include shipments of diamonds for industrial purposes, or rubies or sapphires, natural or synthetic, used for instruments or watch jewels imported to the Continental United States (excluding Alaska). Application for Standard Optional Endorsement No. 3 may be made to the Underwriting Agent, which shall transmit it to the Maritime Administrator for approval or disapproval of the issuance of the endorsement.
§ 308.521 Application for Open Cargo Policy, Form MA–301.
The standard form of application for a War Risk Open Cargo Policy may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.522 Collateral deposit fund, letter of transmittal, Form MA–302.
The standard form of letter of transmittal for use in establishing a collateral deposit fund may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.523 Application for revision of Open Cargo Policy, Form MA–303.
An application for the revision of an Open Cargo Policy shall be filed in duplicate with the Underwriting Agent on a form which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.524 Application for cancellation of Open Cargo Policy, Form MA–304.
The standard form of application for cancellation of an Open Cargo Policy Form MA–304 may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.525 Application for decrease in amount of cash collateral fund, Form MA–305.
Application for decrease in the amount of the cash collateral deposit fund shall be made on Form MA–305, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.526 Certificate for repayment of decrease of collateral deposit fund, Form MA–306.
The standard form of certificate for repayment of the amount of the decrease of the collateral deposit fund, Form MA–306, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
An application for the return of premium, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD, shall be filed in duplicate with the Underwriting Agent on Form MA–307.
§ 308.528 Surety Bond A, Form MA–308.
The Standard Form of Surety Bond A, Form MA–308, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD, shall be used by an Assured who elects to post a surety bond as security for payment of the premiums pursuant to Clause 21 of the policy:
§ 308.529 Surety Bond B, Form MA–309.
An Assured who elects to substitute a surety bond for a collateral deposit fund shall submit Form MA–309, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.530 Letter requesting increase or decrease in amount of surety bond, Form MA–310.
An endorsement increasing or decreasing the amount of the surety bond, Form MA–310, shall be transmitted to the underwriting agent and may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.531 Endorsement of surety bond increasing or decreasing amount of coverage, Form MA–311.
The Standard Form of Endorsement which shall be used in increasing or decreasing the amount of a surety bond, Form MA–311, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.532 Release of surety bond, Form MA–312.
The Standard Form of Release of Surety bond, Form MA–312, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.533 Closing report, Form MA–313.
This form, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD, shall be filed in duplicate with the Underwriting Agent not later than the 25th day of each month.
§ 308.534 Certificate to be attached to closing report, Form MA–313–A.
The standard form of Certificate to be attached to the closing report, Form MA–313–A, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD and shall be filed each month.
§ 308.535 Certificate to be attached to final closing report, Form MA–313–B.
The Standard Form of Certificate, Form MA–313–B, shall be attached to the final closing report after cancellation of the policy, and may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.536 Declaration where failure to comply with Clause 21 was inadvertent, Form MA–314.
An Assured that fails inadvertently to maintain a collateral deposit fund or surety bond in an amount sufficient to meet the requirements of Clause 21 of the Policy shall file this Declaration, Form MA–314, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
Facultative War Risk Cargo Insurance
§ 308.538 General.
The Maritime Administrator is prepared to provide facultative war risk insurance policies covering any cargoes described in § 308.501 which are designated by an applicant prior to the attachment of risks, if the applicant does not have an Open Cargo Policy issued by the Maritime Administrator, or if he has a shipment which is not covered by his Open Cargo Policy. However, a person with regular shipments is urged to avail himself of the advantages of the automatic coverage of an Open Cargo Policy. The Maritime Administrator reserves the right to decline to quote rates or bind insurance on shipments of cargo that could be covered by an Open Cargo Policy unless the applicant can show to the satisfaction of the Maritime Administrator that the risk is not one of a series of similar risks forming part of a continual flow of business for the applicant. The policy will be in the standard form of War Risk Facultative Cargo Policy, Form MA–316, prescribed in § 308.545. All policies shall be issued by Underwriting Agents appointed by the Maritime Administrator. All Underwriting Agents shall be domestic insurance companies authorized to do a marine insurance business in a State of the United States.
§ 308.539 Application.
(a) Preliminary request. Application for a Facultative Cargo Policy shall be made by filing a preliminary request in writing (including telegram) with an Underwriting Agent of MARAD, setting forth the following information:
(1) The name and address of the applicant;
(2) The amount of insurance requested;
(3) The commodity and quantity to be insured;
(4) The voyage to be covered;
(5) The name of the vessel upon which the cargo will be shipped, if known, the name of the steamship line, if known, and the date of shipment, if the applicant is submitting the request to bind war risk in writing; for security reasons, if the applicant is submitting the order to bind war risk insurance by telefax, neither the name of the vessel nor the name of the steamship line nor the anticipated date of sailing, should be mentioned. Mentioning such information in a telefax may result in a denial of insurance to the applicant. Any envelope transmitting a letter containing such information shall be marked “confidential.”
(b) Binder. Before the insurance can be bound, the applicant shall provide the Underwriting Agent with a properly prepared binder on Form MA–315 prescribed in § 308.544. The binder must be submitted in duplicate, accompanied by check or Money Order payable to the order of ”Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation” for the full amount of the premium computed on the amount to be insured at the rate set by the Maritime Administrator. Any application for facultative cargo war risk insurance received by an Underwriting Agent later than 4 p.m. (Local Time) shall be considered the next day’s business.
(c) Optional loss limits clause. Clause 9 of the standard form of facultative cargo policy, Form MA–316, prescribed in § 308.545, limits the amount payable for loss to the fair market value at the place and approximate time of the attachment of risk, plus the cost of marine insurance, transportation and expenses incident thereto, and war risk insurance with respect to the lost or damaged goods, or if it is impossible to determine the fair market value at place and time of attachment of risk, the fair market value at the designated port of arrival on the date of the attachment of the risk, plus the cost of marine insurance, transportation and expenses incidental thereto, and war risk insurance with respect to the lost or damaged goods, or if the goods had been purchased prior to loading, the actual amount paid or payable to the seller for the goods less all discounts, plus the cost of marine insurance, transportation and expenses incidental thereto, and war risk insurance with respect to the lost or damaged goods. In lieu of these loss limits, the Assured by so specifying in his application, and the binder may have attached to the policy when issued Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1–A, Form MA–316, prescribed in § 308.546, which limits the amount payable for loss to the actual bona fide pecuniary loss to the Assured, exclusive of any allowance for anticipated or accrued profits arising out of the insured venture.
§ 308.540 Premiums.
(a) Rates. Rate Schedules for war risk facultative cargo insurance will be published by the Maritime Administrator from time to time, and may be obtained from an Underwriting Agent. All Rate Schedules are subject to change by the Maritime Administrator without notice. If no rate is published for a voyage on which war risk facultative cargo insurance is available, the Maritime Administrator will name a rate through an Underwriting Agent upon application. Whenever an applicant for war risk facultative cargo insurance receives a definite rate quotation and desires to bind insurance at the quoted rate, an order to bind the insurance in accordance with the procedure set forth in this subpart should be submitted within two business days following the day of quotation accompanied by check or Money Order payable to the order of “Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation” for the full amount of the premium thereon computed on the amount to be insured at the rate set by the Maritime Administrator, or the quotation will expire.
(b) Return premium. Where goods are short-shipped, the amount of insurance may be reduced by an amount computed by applying to the original amount of insurance the proportion which the quantity of merchandise short-shipped (i.e., bales, barrels, tons, and other designations of quantity) bears to the total quantity of merchandise originally declared for insurance. Where more than one class of merchandise is insured under one policy (e.g., fuel, oil and gasoline) the reduced amount of insurance must be computed separately on each item. Where the amount of insurance is reduced, the Maritime Administrator will give consideration to requests for proportionate returns of premium. An application for the return of a premium must be submitted to the Underwriting Agent in quadruplicate on Form MA–317, prescribed in § 308.547.
§ 308.541 Issuance.
(a) Binder. The Underwriting Agent is authorized to issue a facultative policy in Form MA–316, prescribed in § 308.545, when there has been presented to him a properly prepared binder on Form MA–315, prescribed in § 308.544, together with the payment of the premium as required, and such policy shall be issued as soon as possible after the binder form has been presented to the Underwriting Agent. Prior to the issuance of the policy, the Underwriting Agent is authorized to accept the risk on behalf of the Maritime Administrator by signing the binder. The Maritime Administrator will provide each Underwriting Agent with a supply of facultative policies which shall not be valid until countersigned by the Underwriting Agent. The Underwriting Agent shall keep a permanent record of all such policies and the Assured to whom the policy is issued.
(b) Numbering. Each Facultative Cargo Policy supplied to the Underwriting Agent by the Maritime Administrator shall be numbered by MARAD before it is supplied to the Underwriting Agent. No two numbers shall be the same. The Underwriting Agent when issuing the policy shall add at the end of the Policy number the agency number assigned to that Underwriting Agent, and where policies are issued by more than one office of an Underwriting Agent the issuing office shall also be identified in the policy number. For example, the policies issued by an office in New York will be designated “NY” and policies issued in San Francisco will be designated by “SF” prefixed to the Underwriting Agent’s agency number.
§ 308.542 Warranty regarding thirty-day shipments.
If, after an effective binding of war risk insurance on a shipment of cargo, the assured believes that it will be impossible to comply with the warranty requiring the goods to be shipped and in transit within thirty days from the effective date of binding, such an assured may apply to the Maritime Administrator, through the Underwriting Agent, to modify the warranty. If the Maritime Administrator is satisfied that an extension of time within which the goods are warranted to be shipped and in transit should be granted, he will do so, but additional premium may be charged in the discretion of the Maritime Administrator.
§ 308.543 Cancellation.
Facultative war risk insurance is not subject to cancellation by the Assured unless the goods are not shipped within thirty (30) days following the effective date of binding, and then only if the policy is returned for cancellation.
§ 308.544 Facultative binder, Form MA–315.
The standard form of War Risk Facultative Cargo Binder, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent of MARAD, shall be completed by the applicant and submitted, in duplicate, to an Underwriting Agent before the insurance can be bound.
§ 308.545 Facultative cargo policy, Form MA–316.
The standard form of War Risk Facultative Cargo Policy, Form MA–316, may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.546 Standard optional endorsement No. 1–A, Form MA–316–A.
Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1–A limits the amount payable for the loss of goods to the actual bona fide pecuniary loss to the Assured, exclusive of any allowance for anticipated or accrued profit arising out of the insured venture. (Similar provisions for Open Cargo Policies are contained in Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1, Form MA–300–A, prescribed in § 308.518.) Application for Standard Optional Endorsement No. 1–A shall be made to the Underwriting Agent at the time application is made for the policy. The Underwriting Agent is authorized to issue the endorsement without prior approval of the Maritime Administrator. This form may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
An application for the return of premium must be filed in duplicate with the Underwriting Agent on Form MA–317, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
General
§ 308.548 Standard form of underwriting agency agreement for cargo, Form MA–318.
This form, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD, is the standard form of underwriting agency agreement applicable with respect to agreements executed by the Maritime Administrator and domestic insurance companies authorized to do a marine insurance business in any State of the United States, appointing such companies as Underwriting Agents to issue war risk cargo policies in accordance with the provision of the agreement and this subpart.
§ 308.549 Application for appointment of Cargo Underwriting Agent, Form MA–319.
Any domestic insurance company authorized to do a marine insurance business in any State of the United States may apply for appointment as a Cargo Underwriting Agent by submitting to the Maritime Administrator a letter and Form MA–399, which may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.550 Certificate, Form MA–320.
Wherever any provision of this subpart, or any amendment thereto, requires the Assured to make a declaration or certification under the penalties of perjury, and the form of the declaration or certificate is not prescribed, the Assured may execute a certificate on Form MA–320–A for an individual, on Form MA–320–B for a partnership, or on Form MA–320–C for a corporation, which forms may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.551 War risk insurance clearing agency agreement for cargo, Form MA–321.
The standard form of clearing agency agreement, Form MA–321, shall be executed by the Maritime Administrator and domestic insurance companies, or groups of domestic insurance companies authorized to do a marine insurance business in any State of the United States, appointing such companies or groups of companies as clearing agents, which form may be obtained from MARAD’s underwriting agent or MARAD.
§ 308.552 Effective date.
This subpart shall be effective as and when the Maritime Administrator finds that war risk cargo insurance adequate for the needs of the waterborne commerce of the United States cannot be obtained on reasonable terms and conditions from companies authorized to do an insurance business in a State of the United States.
Subpart G—Records Retention
§ 308.600 Records retention requirement.
The records specified in §§ 308.8, 308.517, and 308.548 of this part shall be retained until a release is granted by MARAD, at which time MARAD will take custody of the records.
PART 309—VALUES FOR WAR RISK INSURANCE
§ 309.1 Procedure.
The Ship Valuation Committee, Maritime Administration, shall publish bianually in the notice section of the
§ 309.2 Definitions.
(a) Ship Valuation Committee means the Ship Valuation Committee referred to in Maritime Administrative Order 440–3.
(b) The date a vessel is built is the date the vessel is delivered by the shipbuilder.
(c) The deadweight tonnage of a vessel means her deadweight capacity established in accordance with normal Summer Freeboard as assigned pursuant to the International Load Line Convention, 1966, and shall be her capacity (in tons of 2,240 pounds) for cargo, fuel, fresh water, spare parts, and stores, but exclusive of permanent ballast.
(d) The speed of a vessel means the speed determined in accordance with the formulae provided in part 246 of this chapter.
(e) A passenger vessel is a vessel which carries more than twelve passengers.
§ 309.3 Stated valuation.
A stated valuation represents just compensation for the vessel to which it applies computed by the Ship Valuation Committee in accordance with sections 902(a) and 1209(a)(2) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 1242(a), 1289(a)(2)). The stated valuation of a vessel does not include vessel stores and supplies, which consist of (a) consumable stores, (b) subsistence stores, (c) slop chest, (d) bar stock, and (e) fuel, as defined in Maritime Administration Inventory Book Forms MA–4736, A through K, which will be valued separately.
§ 309.4 Maximum amount insured.
A stated valuation is the maximum amount for which the Maritime Administration will provide war risk hull insurance for damage to or actual or constructive total loss of the vessel to which such valuation applies and for which claims for damage to or actual or constructive total loss of such insured vessel may be adjusted, compromised, settled, adjudged, or paid by the Maritime Administration with respect to insurance attaching during the effective period of such valuation under the standard forms of war risk hull insurance interim binder or policy prescribed by §§ 308.106 and 308.107 of this chapter.
§ 309.5 Condition of vessel.
If the true condition of a vessel is not known, the Ship Valuation Committee, in determining the stated valuation of the vessel, may assume that it is in a condition that would entitle it to the highest classification of the American Bureau of Shipping, or the equivalent if the vessel is a foreign-flag vessel, with all required certificates, including but not limited to, marine inspection certificates of the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service, and the Federal Communications Commission, with all outstanding requirements and recommendations necessary for retention of class accomplished, without regard to any grace period; and, so far as due diligence can make her so, the vessel is tight, staunch, strong, and well and sufficiently tacked, appareled, furnished, and equipped, and in every respect seaworthy and in good running condition and repair, with clean swept holds and in all respects fit for service. The stated valuation of a vessel in substandard condition is subject to downward adjustment as provided in § 309.6(a).
§ 309.6 Adjustments for condition, equipment, and other considerations.
(a) Adjustment for a vessel in substandard condition. If the Maritime Administration determines that a vessel is in substandard condition from that assumed by the Committee as provided in § 309.5, there shall be subtracted from the stated valuation of such vessel an amount estimated by the Maritime Administration as the cost of putting the vessel in the condition assumed by the Committee when determining its stated valuation.
(b) Special equipment. If the depreciated reproduction cost less construction subsidy, if any, of any special equipment of material utility in the handling of cargo or utilization of a vessel, not otherwise taken into account in determining the stated valuation of such vessel, is in excess of $50,000, an amount estimated by the Maritime Administration as the fair and reasonable value of such equipment shall be added to the stated valuation of such vessel.
(c) Government installations. A stated valuation determined pursuant to this part shall not include any allowance for any special installations or equipment to the extent that their cost was borne by the United States.
§ 309.7 Modifications.
The Maritime Administration reserves the right to exempt any vessel from the scope of this part, or to amend, modify, or terminate the provisions hereof.
§ 309.8 Vessel data forms.
(a) To accompany application for insurance. Each application for war risk insurance, submitted in accordance with § 308.3 of this chapter, shall be accompanied by a completed Form MA–828, Vessel Data. Copies of this form may be obtained from either the American War Risk Agency, 14 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10005, or the Director, Office of Marine Insurance (MAR–540) Maritime Administration 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590.
(b) Modification to vessels. Revised vessel data shall be submitted on the appropriate form prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section whenever a vessel undergoes a physical change which increases or decreases its value by five percent or more.
§ 309.101 Amendment of interim binders.
The interim binder for a vessel whose stated valuation is established pursuant to this part shall be deemed to have been amended on the first day of the effective period of such valuation, as provided in the notice publishing such valuation, by inserting in the space provided therefor, or in substitution for any value appearing in such space, the stated valuation of the vessel set forth in such notice. A stated valuation shall apply with respect to insurance attaching during the effective period of such valuation; Provided, however, That if there is a substantial change in market values during such period, the Maritime Administration reserves the right to revise the valuations provided for therein at any time during said period; And provided further, That the assured shall have the right within 60 days after the date of publication of a stated valuation or within 60 days after the attachment of the insurance under the interim binder to which such valuation applies, whichever is later, to reject such valuation and proceed as authorized by section 1209(a)(2), Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 1289(a)(2)).
Stores and Supplies
§ 309.201 Purpose.
It is the purpose of §§ 309.201 through 309.204 to prescribe the method for determining the values of stores and supplies on board a vessel when lost, for which claims for loss will be paid, and to prescribe the procedure for payment of claims for such loss, when stores and supplies are covered under a disbursements clause of a War Risk Hull Insurance Binder or a War Risk Hull Insurance Policy issued by the United States on forms prescribed by §§ 308.106 and 308.107 of this chapter, or when stores and supplies are covered by a War Risk Disbursements Policy issued by the United States pursuant to section 1203(c) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 1283(c)). The vessel values established by §§ 309.1 through 309.8 (General Order 82) do not include any allowance for the loss of stores and supplies, as distinguished from equipment and spare parts which are included in such vessel values.
§ 309.202 Definitions.
Stores and supplies are those articles and commodities used and consumed in the day-to-day operation of a vessel by the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment; the maintenance of clean and sanitary conditions; the feeding of passengers, officers, and crew; and stocked for the use and convenience of passengers, officers, and crew. Vessel stores and supplies include (a) consumable stores, (b) subsistence stores, (c) slop chest, (d) bar stock, and (e) fuel, as defined in Maritime Administration Inventory Books, Forms MA–4736, A through K.
§ 309.203 Value at time of loss.
The value of unused stores and supplies on board a vessel at the time of loss, and for which claims for loss will be paid equals:
(a) The value of such stores and supplies on board at the completion of the previous voyage, plus
(b) The value of stores and supplies purchased and placed on board the vessel before the commencement of the voyage during which the loss occurred, plus
(c) The value of stores and supplies purchased and placed on board the vessel after the commencement of such voyage, less
(d) That portion of the sum of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section which was sold, transferred, used or consumed to, but not including, the date of the loss.
§ 309.204 Proof of loss.
Claims for reimbursement for total loss of stores and supplies may be submitted by the owner to the Chief, Division of Insurance, Maritime Administration, Washington, DC 20590, based on one of two alternative methods of proof, as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. Owners may use either method for each category of stores and supplies.
(a) Formula. In cases where the owner and the Chief, Division of Insurance, Maritime Administration, have agreed, in advance of the loss, upon amounts representing, or the method for determining, the average daily consumption costs of stores and supplies for the owner’s vessel, claims for total loss of such stores and supplies may be submitted by the owner on Affidavit in Proof of Claim for the loss of stores and supplies, Exhibit A. In such cases, the value of the consumable stores at time of loss is determined as follows:
(1) The value of consumable stores on board at the time the vessel was ready to sail, determined by multiplying the number of days for which the vessel is stored by the average daily consumption cost in dollars, plus
(2) The cost of consumable stores, if any, purchased in foreign ports for the homeward voyage, less
(3) The average daily consumption cost times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss, plus the actual amount of consumable stores transferred or sold. The values of slop chest stores, bar stock and fuel, at the time of loss are determined in the same manner by using the applicable daily consumption costs for such stores. The value of subsistence stores at the time of loss is determined as follows:
(i) The value of subsistence stores on board at the time the vessel was ready to sail, determined by multiplying the agreed cost for one man per day by the number of crew signed on and the number of passengers, if any, and multiplying that product by the number of days for which the vessel is stored, plus
(ii) The cost of subsistence stores, if any, purchased in foreign ports for the homeward voyage, less
(iii) The number of crew signed on and the average number of passengers, if any, times the agreed cost of one man per day times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss, plus the actual amount of subsistence stores transferred or sold.
(b) Verified costs. In cases where the owner and the Chief, Division of Insurance, Maritime Administration, have not agreed in advance of the loss upon amounts representing, or the method for determining, the average daily consumption costs of Stores and Supplies for the owner’s vessel, claims for total loss of such Stores and Supplies must be submitted by the owner on Affidavit in Proof of Claims for the Loss of Stores and Supplies, Exhibit B. In such cases, the value of the consumable stores will be determined as follows:
(1) The value of consumable stores on board the vessel at the time the vessel was ready to sail, determined by certified inventories of the owner of amounts on board the vessel at the termination of the preceding voyage or date of last inventory, less actual consumption to date of sailing, plus a certified statement by the owner of actual additional purchases made from date of termination of the preceding voyage or date or last inventory to date vessel was lost, subject to audit by the Maritime Administration, less
(2) The average daily consumption cost determined by dividing the amount determined as in paragraph (b)(1) of this section by the number of days for which the vessel was stored, times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss, plus actual amount of consumable stores transferred or sold.
The values of subsistence stores, slop chest, bar stock, and fuel, at the time of loss are determined in the same manner, supported by certified inventories of the owner and invoices.
I am the ______ of ______, the Owner of the SS ______, which was lost as a result of enemy action on or about the ______ day of ______, ______. I make this affidavit in support of the above-named Owner’s claim for the loss of the actual value of the said vessel’s unused Stores and Supplies. The statements herein contained are based upon the personal knowledge of deponent or upon the books of records of the Owner or its agent which deponent believes are true and accurate.
(A) “Stores and Supplies”, for loss of which claim is being made, are limited to consumable and subsistence stores as defined in Maritime Administration Inventory Manual, Vessel Inventories, Part I, and do not include radio supplies, expendable equipment, scrap, junk and spare parts.
(B) It has been the consistent accounting practice of the Owner to group together Consumable Stores as defined in the Maritime Administration Inventory Manual, Vessel Inventories, Part I, and Expendable Equipment, but the amount herein stated to be the value of consumable stores for the purpose of making this claim does not exceed ______
The period for which the vessel was stored with Stores and Supplies for use on the voyage on which she was lost, beginning with the last day of storing, was ______ days for Consumable Stores, ______ days for Subsistence Stores, ______ days for Slop Chest, ______ days for Bar Stock and ______ days for Fuel. The number of days from the last day of storing to, but not including, the date on which the vessel was lost, was ______ days for Consumable Stores, ______ days for Subsistence Stores, ______ days for Slop Chest, ______ days for Bar Stock and ______ days for Fuel.
I. Consumable (Excluding Subsistence) Stores:
(A) The average daily consumption cost of Consumable Stores for this vessel for the year prior to the voyage on which she was lost was
(B) The figure required for (A) is not readily available, and the average daily cost of Consumable Stores for this vessel for the last calendar year set up on the Owner’s books was
The amount of Consumable Stores on board at the time this vessel was ready to sail (the number of days for which the vessel was stored times the average daily consumption cost, as above) was $______.
To this amount is added the actual cost of Consumable Stores purchased in Foreign Ports for the homeward voyage (as per statement attached)
The average daily consumption cost, as above, times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss, as above, is $______.
To this amount is added the actual amount of Consumable Stores transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Consumable Stores on board at date of sailing, as above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Consumable Stores at the time of the loss, according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
II. Subsistence Stores:
The amount of Subsistence Stores on board, that is the number of the crew signed on ( ) and the average number of passengers, if any ( ), times the number of days for which the vessel was stored as above ( ), times the applicable factor
To this amount is added the actual cost of Subsistence Stores purchased in Foreign Ports for the homeward voyage (as per statement attached)
The amount of Subsistence Stores consumed, that is the number of crew signed on ( ) and the average number of passengers, if any ( ) times the number of days between the last day of storing the vessel and the date on which the vessel was lost ( ) times the applicable factor
To this amount is added the actual amount of Subsistence Stores transferred or sold (as per statement attached), $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Subsistence Stores on board at date of sailing, as above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the unused Subsistence Stores at the time of the loss, according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
III. Slop Chest:
(A) The average daily consumption cost of Slop Chest Stores for this vessel for the year prior to the voyage on which she was lost was
(B) The figure required for (A) is not readily available, and the average daily cost of Slop Chest Stores for this vessel for the last calendar year set up on the Owner’s books was
The amount of Slop Chest Stores on board at the time this vessel was ready to sail (the number of days for which the vessel was stored times the average daily consumption cost, as above) was $______.
To this amount is added the actual cost of Slop Chest Stores purchased in Foreign Ports for the homeward voyage (as per statement attached)
The average daily consumption cost, as above times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss, as above, is $______.
To this is added the actual amount of Slop Chest Stores transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Slop Chest Stores on board at date of sailing, as above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unsold Slop Chest Stores at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
IV. Bar Stock:
(A) The average daily consumption cost of Bar Stock for this vessel for the year prior to the voyage on which she was lost was
(B) The figure required for (A) is not readily available, and the average daily cost of Bar Stock for this vessel for the last calendar year set up on the Owner’s books was
The amount of Bar Stock on board at the time this vessel was ready to sail (the number of days for which the vessel was stored times the average daily consumption cost, as above) was $______.
To this amount is added the actual cost of Bar Stock purchased in Foreign Ports for the homeward voyage (as per statement attached)
The average daily consumption cost, as above, times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss, as above, is $______.
To this amount is added the actual amount of Bar Stock transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Bar Stock on board at the time of sailing, as above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Bar Stock at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
V. Fuel:
(A) The average daily consumption cost of Fuel for this vessel for the year prior to the voyage on which she was lost was
(B) The figure required for (A) is not readily available, and the average daily cost of Fuel for this vessel for the last calendar year set up on the Owner’s books was
The amount of Fuel on board at the time this vessel was ready to sail (the number of days for which the vessel was stored times the average daily consumption cost, as above) was $______.
To this amount is added the actual cost of Fuel purchased in Foreign Ports for homeward voyage (as per statement attached)
The average daily consumption cost, as above, times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss, as above, is $______.
To this amount is added the actual amount of Fuel transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Fuel on board at the time of sailing, as above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Fuel at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
| Unused Consumable Stores, other than— | |
| Subsistence Stores | $______ |
| Subsistence Stores | ______ |
| Slop Chest | ______ |
| Bar Stock | ______ |
| Fuel | ______ |
| Total | $______ |
Sworn to before me this ____________ day of ________________, 19____.
I am the ______ of ______, the Owner of the SS ______, which was lost as a result of enemy action on or about the ______________ day of ______________, ________. I make this affidavit in support of the above-named Owner’s claim for the loss of the actual value of the said vessel’s unused Stores and Supplies. The statements herein contained are based upon the personal knowledge of deponent or upon the books of records of the Owner or its agent which deponent believes are true and accurate.
“Stores and Supplies”, for loss of which claim is being made, are limited to consumable and subsistence stores as defined in Maritime Administration Inventory Manual, Vessel Inventories, Part I, and do not include radio supplies, expendable equipment, scrap, junk and spare parts.
I am familiar with the insurance carried on the Stores and Supplies, on the SS ______; and, from the effective date of War Risk Insurance Binder No. ______ Policy No. ______ issued by the United States of America, which covers the total loss of Stores and Supplies in the amount of $______, to the date of such vessel’s loss on ______, there was no war risk insurance on such Stores and Supplies other than that provided by said Binder or Policy.
The period for which the vessel was stored with Stores and Supplies for use on the voyage on which she was lost, beginning with the last day of storing, was ______ days for Consumable Stores, ______ days for Subsistence Stores, ______ days for Slop Chest, ______ days for Bar Stock and ______ days for Fuel. The number of days from the last day of storing to, but not including, the date on which the vessel was lost, was ______ days for Consumable Stores, ______ days for Subsistence Stores, ______ days for Slop Chest, ______ days for Bar Stock and ______ days for Fuel.
I. Consumable (excluding Subsistence) Stores:
(1) The value of Consumable Stores on board the vessel at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown by the attached certified inventory of amounts on board the vessel at the termination of the preceding voyage or date of last inventory on ______, less actual consumption to date of sailing, amounting to $______, plus the actual additional purchases made for the voyage on which the vessel was lost, as shown by the attached invoices, amounting to $______, was $______.
(2) The average daily consumption factor of $______ (determined by dividing the amount determined as in (1) by the number of days for which the vessel was stored) times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss ( ) is $______.
To this amount is added the actual amount of Consumable Stores transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Consumable Stores on board at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown in (1) above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Consumable Stores at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
II. Subsistence Stores:
(1) The value of Subsistence Stores on board the vessel at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown by the attached certified inventory of amounts on board the vessel at the termination of the preceding voyage or date of last inventory on ______ less actual consumption to date of sailing, amounting to $______, plus the actual additional purchases made for the voyage on which the vessel was lost, as shown by the attached invoices, amounting to $______, was $______.
(2) The average daily consumption factor of $______ (as determined by dividing the amount determined as in (1) by the number of days for which the vessel was stored) times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss ( ) is $______.
To this amount is added to the actual amount of Subsistence Stores transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Subsistence Stores on board at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown in (1) above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Subsistence Stores at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
III. Slop Chest Stores:
(1) The value of Slop Chest Stores on board the vessel at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown by the attached certified inventory of amounts on board the vessel at the termination of the preceding voyage or date of last inventory on ______ less actual consumption to date of sailing, amounting to $______, plus the actual additional purchases made for the voyage on which the vessel was lost, as shown by the attached invoices, amounting to $______, was $______.
(2) The average daily consumption factor of $______ (determined by dividing the amount determined as in (1) by the number of days for which the vessel was stored) times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss ( ) is $______.
To this amount is added the actual amount of Slop Chest Stores transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Slop Chest Stores on board at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown in (1) above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Slop Chest Stores at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
IV. Bar Stock:
(1) The value of Bar Stock on board the vessel at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown by the attached certified inventory of amounts on board the vessel at the termination of the preceding voyage or date of last inventory on ______ less actual consumption to date of sailing, amounting to $______, plus the actual additional purchases made for the voyage on which the vessel was lost, as shown by the attached invoices, amounting to $______, was $______.
(2) The average daily consumption factor of $______ (determined by dividing the amount determined as in (1) by the number of days for which the vessel was stored) times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss ( ) is $______.
To this amount is added the actual amount of Bar Stock transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Bar Stock on board at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown in (1) above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Bar Stock at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
V. Fuel:
(1) The value of Fuel on board the vessel at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown by the attached certified inventory of amounts on board the vessel at the termination of the preceding voyage or date of last inventory on ______ less actual consumption to date of sailing, amounting to $______, plus the actual additional purchase made for the voyage on which the vessel was lost, as shown by the attached invoices, amounting to $______, was $______.
(2) The average daily consumptions factor of $______ (determined by dividing the amount determined as in (1) by the number of days for which the vessel was stored) times the number of days from the date the vessel was ready to sail to, but not including, the date of loss ( ) is $______.
To this amount is added the actual amount of Fuel transferred or sold (as per statement attached) $______, making $______, which, subtracted from the amount of Fuel on board at the time the vessel was ready to sail, as shown in (1) above, is $______, which sum is claimed to be the actual value of the vessel’s unused Fuel at the time of the loss according to the best of deponent’s knowledge, information and belief.
| Claim is hereby made for: | |
| Unused Consumable Stores, other than— | |
| Subsistence Stores | $______ |
| Subsistence Stores | $______ |
| Slop Chest | $______ |
| Bar Stock | $______ |
| Fuel | $______ |
| Total | $______ |
Sworn to before me this ____________ day of ________________, 19____.
SUBCHAPTER H—TRAINING
PART 310—MERCHANT MARINE TRAINING
Subpart A—Regulations and Minimum Standards for State, Territorial or Regional Maritime Academies and Colleges
§ 310.1 Definitions.
For purposes of this subpart A:
(a) The 1958 Act means the Maritime Academy Act of 1958, Pub. L. 85–672.
(b) Act means the Maritime Education and Training Act of 1980, Pub. L. 96–453, as amended.
(c) Administration means the Maritime Administration, United States Department of Transportation.
(d) Agreement means an agreement between a State, or Territorial or Regional maritime academy or college and the Maritime Administrator, Department of Transportation as authorized by the 1958 Act or the Act and set forth in § 310.13 of this part.
(e) Secretary means Secretary of Transportation.
(f) Maritime Administrator means the Maritime Administrator, Department of Transportation.
(g) Cadet means cadet enrolled in the United States Maritime Service and in good standing at a State or Territorial or Regional maritime academy or college meeting the requirements of the 1958 Act.
(h) Commanding Officer means the Commanding Officer of a training ship furnished by the Administration.
(i) Cost of Education Provided means the financial costs incurred by the Federal Government in providing student incentive payments for students at the State maritime academies.
(j) Deputy means the Deputy Maritime Administrator, Department of Transportation.
(k) Maritime Service means the United States Maritime Service.
(l) Midshipman means a student in good standing at a State maritime academy or college who has accepted midshipman status in the United States Naval Reserve (including the Merchant Marine Reserve, United States Naval Reserve) under the Act.
(m) Officers means all officers and faculty employed by a State maritime academy or college.
(n) Region Director means the Director of the Administration’s region office in which a School is located or in which a training ship is located.
(o) School means State or Territorial or regional maritime academy or college meeting the requirements of the Act.
(p) Superintendent means the superintendent or president of a School.
(q) Supervisor means the employee of the Administration designated to supervise the Federal Government’s interest in a School under the provisions of the Act, an agreement, and this subpart.
(r) Training Ship means a vessel used for training by a school and furnished by the Administration to a State or Territory, and includes the ship itself and all its equipment, apparel, appliances, machinery boilers, spare and replacement parts and other property contained in it.
§ 310.2 Federal assistance.
(a) The Maritime Administrator may enter into agreements with the present or later established schools (not more than one such school in each State or Territory) meeting the requirements of the Act to make annual payments, for not in excess of four (4) years in the case of each such agreement, to be used for the maintenance and support of such Schools. The amount of each such annual payment shall be not less than the amount furnished to such School for its maintenance and support by the State or Territory in which such academy is located o