Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 85.djvu/250

 220

Publication in Federal Register.

"Associated equipment."

Regulations.

PUBLIC LAW 92-75-AUG. 10, 1971

[85 STAT.

which case the Secretary shall afford such manufacturer an opportunity to present his views to establish that there is no failure of compliance or defect relating to safety. Where the Secretary determines it is in the public interest, he may publish notice of such proceeding in the Federal Register and afford interested persons, including the Boating Safety Advisory Council, an opportunity to comment thereon. If after such presentation by the manufacturer the Secretary determines that such boat or associated equipment does not comply with an applicable standard or regulation, or that it contains a defect related to safety, the Secretary may direct the manufacturer to furnish the notification specified in subsection (c) of this section to the persons specified in subsection (b) of this section. (f) For purposes of section 15, the term "associated equipment" includes only such items or classes of associated equipment as the Secretary shall by regulation or order prescribe after determining that the application of the requirements of this section to such items or classes of associated equipment is reasonable, appropriate, and in furtherance of the purposes of this Act. (g) The Secretary is authorized to promulgate regulations defining and establishing procedures and otherwise furthering the purposes of this section. RENDEEING OF ASSISTANCE IN CASUALTIES

Vessel operator, duties.

Liability exemption.

SEC. 16. (a) The operator of a vessel, including one otherwise exempted by subsection 4(c) of this Act, involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, to the extent he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, or persons aboard, shall render all practical and necessary assistance to persons affected by the collision, accident, or casualty to save them from danger caused by the collision, accident, or casualty. He shall also give his name, address, and the identification of his vessel to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged. The duties imposed by this subsection are in addition to any duties otherwise imposed by law. (b) Any person who complies with subsection (a) of this section or who gratuitously and in good faith renders assistance at the scene of a vessel collision, accident, or other casualty without objection of any person assisted, shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of the rendering of assistance or for any act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance where the assisting person acts as an ordinary, reasonably prudent man would have acted under the same or similar circumstances. NUMBERING OF CERTAIN VESSELS VESSELS REQUIRING NUMBERING

SEC. 17. An undocumented vessel equipped with propulsion machinery of any type shall have a number issued by the proper issuing authority in the State in which the vessel is principally used. STANDARD NUMBERING

SEC. 18. (a) The Secretary shall establish by regulation a standard numbering system for vessels. Upon application by a State the Secretary shall approve a State numbering system which is in accord with the standard numbering system and the provisions of this Act relating to numbering and casualty reporting. A State with an approved system is the issuing authority under the Act. The Secretary is the issuing authority in States where a State numbering system has not been approved.

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