46 USC § 3101 - Authority to suspend inspection

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t46/s3101"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "46 USC § 3101 - Authority to suspend inspection"
title_number: 46
title_name: "SHIPPING"
section_number: "3101"
section_name: "Authority to suspend inspection"
chapter_number: 31
chapter_name: "GENERAL"
part_number: "B"
part_name: "Inspection and Regulation of Vessels"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 510.)"
---


# § 3101. Authority to suspend inspection

When the President decides that the needs of foreign commerce require, the President may suspend a provision of this part for a foreign-built vessel registered as a vessel of the United States on conditions the President may specify.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 510.)

| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| --- | --- |
| 3101 | 46:82 |

Section 3101 provides the President with the authority to suspend the inspection laws for a foreign-built reflagged U.S. vessel when the needs of foreign commerce require this. For example, if a foreign-flag vessel is reflagged in the U.S. but does not meet the specific Coast Guard inspection requirements, the President could suspend these requirements.

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

> “Part B [chapters 31 to 43] of subtitle II and sections 7306 (related to able seaman sail) and 7311 of title 46 (as enacted by section 1 of this Act) take effect
> 
> , or when regulations for sailing school vessels under part B are effective, whichever is earlier.”

, , , provided that: 
 [Part B of subtitle II and sections 7306 (related to able seaman sail) and 7311 of title 46 effective , in absence of regulations for sailing school vessels under part B on that date.]

## Executive Documents

### Delegation of Functions

For delegation to Secretary of the Treasury of authority vested in President by this section, see Ex. Ord. No. 10289, , 16 F.R. 9499, set out as a note under , The President.