IIB
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3618
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 18, 2009
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
AN ACT
To provide for implementation of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the
Clean Hull Act of
2009
.
General Provisions
Definitions
In this Act:
Administrator
The
term Administrator
means the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Antifouling system
The term antifouling system
means a
coating, paint, surface treatment, surface, or device that is used or intended
to be used on a vessel to control or prevent attachment of unwanted
organisms.
Convention
The
term Convention
means the International Convention on the
Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001, including its annexes,
and including any amendments to the Convention or annexes which have entered
into force for the United States.
FPSO
The
term FPSO
means a floating production, storage, or offloading
unit.
FSU
The
term FSU
means a floating storage unit.
Gross tonnage
The term gross tonnage
as defined in
chapter 143 of title 46,
United States Code, means the gross tonnage calculated in accordance with the
tonnage measurement regulations contained in annex 1 to the International
Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969.
International voyage
The term international voyage
means a
voyage by a vessel entitled to fly the flag of one country to or from a port,
shipyard, offshore terminal, or other place under the jurisdiction of another
country.
Organotin
The
term organotin
means any compound or additive of tin bound to an
organic ligand, that is used or intended to be used as biocide in an
antifouling system.
Person
The
term person
means—
any individual, partnership, association, corporation, or organized group of persons whether incorporated or not;
any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, except as provided in section 3(b)(2); or
any other government entity.
Secretary
The
term Secretary
means the Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating.
Sell or distribute
The term sell or distribute
means to
distribute, sell, offer for sale, hold for distribution, hold for sale, hold
for shipment, ship, deliver for shipment, release for shipment, import, export,
hold for import, hold for export, or receive and (having so received) deliver
or offer to deliver.
Vessel
The
term vessel
has the meaning given that term in
section
3 of title 1, United States Code, including hydrofoil boats,
air cushion watercraft, submersibles, floating craft, fixed or floating
platforms, floating storage units, and floating production, storage, and
offloading units.
Territorial sea
The term territorial sea
means the territorial
sea as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 on December 27,
1988.
United States
The term United States
means the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas,
and any other territory or possession over which the United States has
jurisdiction.
Use
The
term use
includes application, reapplication, installation, or
any other employment of an antifouling system.
Covered vessels
Included vessel
Except as provided in subsection (b), after the Convention enters into force for the United States, the following vessels are subject to the requirements of this Act:
A vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, or one operated under the authority of the United States, wherever located.
Any vessel permitted by a Federal agency to operate on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Any other vessel when—
in the internal waters of the United States;
in any port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or other place in the United States;
lightering in the territorial sea; or
to the extent consistent with international law, anchoring in the territorial sea of the United States.
Excluded vessels
In general
The following vessels are not subject to the requirements of this Act:
Any warship, naval auxiliary, or other vessel owned or operated by a foreign state, and used, for the time being, only on government noncommercial service.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), any warship, naval auxiliary, or other vessel owned or operated by the United States and used for the time being only on government noncommercial service.
Application to United States government vessels
In general
The Administrator may apply any requirement of this Act to one or more classes of vessels described in paragraph (1)(B), if the head of the Federal department or agency under which those vessels operate concurs in that application.
Limitation for combat-related vessel
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to combat-related vessels.
Administration and enforcement
In general
Unless otherwise specified in this Act, with respect to a vessel, the Secretary shall administer and enforce the Convention and this Act.
Administrator
Except with respect to section 301 (b) and (c), the Administrator shall administer and enforce title III of this Act.
Regulations
The Administrator and the Secretary may each prescribe and enforce regulations as may be necessary to carry out their respective responsibilities under this Act.
Compliance with international law
Any action taken under this Act shall be taken in accordance with treaties to which the United States is a party and other international obligations of the United States.
Utilization of personnel, facilities or equipment of other Federal departments and agencies
The Secretary and the Administrator may utilize by agreement, with or without reimbursement, personnel, facilities, or equipment of other Federal departments and agencies in administering the Convention, this Act, or any regulations prescribed under this Act.
Implementation of the Convention
Certificates
Certificate required
On entry into force of the Convention for the United States, any vessel of at least 400 gross tons that engages in one or more international voyages (except fixed or floating platforms, FSUs, and FPSOs) shall carry an International Antifouling System Certificate.
Issuance of certificate
On entry into force of the Convention, on a finding that a successful survey required by the Convention has been completed, a vessel of at least 400 gross tons that engages in at least one international voyage (except fixed or floating platforms, FSUs, and FPSOs) shall be issued an International Antifouling System Certificate. The Secretary may issue the Certificate required by this section. The Secretary may delegate this authority to an organization that the Secretary determines is qualified to undertake that responsibility.
Maintenance of certificate
The Certificate required by this section shall be maintained as required by the Secretary.
Certificates issued by other party countries
A Certificate issued by any country that is a party to the Convention has the same validity as a Certificate issued by the Secretary under this section.
Vessels of nonparty countries
Notwithstanding subsection (a), a vessel of at least 400 gross tons, having the nationality of or entitled to fly the flag of a country that is not a party to the Convention, may demonstrate compliance with this Act through other appropriate documentation considered acceptable by the Secretary.
Declaration
Requirements
On entry into force of the Convention for the United States, a vessel of at least 24 meters in length, but less than 400 gross tons engaged on an international voyage (except fixed or floating platforms, FSUs, and FPSOs) must carry a declaration described in subsection (b) that is signed by the owner or owner’s authorized agent. That declaration shall be accompanied by appropriate documentation, such as a paint receipt or a contractor invoice, or contain an appropriate endorsement.
Content of declaration
The declaration must contain a clear statement that the antifouling system on the vessel complies with the Convention. The Secretary may prescribe the form and other requirements of the declaration.
Other compliance documentation
In addition to the requirements under sections 201 and 202, the Secretary may require vessels to hold other documentation considered necessary to verify compliance with this Act.
Process for considering additional controls
Actions by Administrator
The Administrator may—
participate in the technical group described in Article 7 of the Convention, and in any other body convened pursuant to the Convention for the consideration of new or additional controls on antifouling systems;
evaluate any risks of adverse effects on nontarget organisms or human health presented by a given antifouling system such that the amendment of annex 1 of the Convention may be warranted;
undertake an assessment of relevant environmental, technical, and economic considerations necessary to evaluate any proposals for new or additional controls of antifouling systems under the Convention, including benefits in the United States and elsewhere associated with the production and use in the United States and elsewhere, of the subject antifouling system; and
develop recommendations based on that assessment.
Referrals to technical group
Convening of Shipping Coordinating Committee
On referral of any antifouling system to the technical group described in article 7 of the Convention for consideration of new or additional controls, the Secretary of State shall convene a public meeting of the Shipping Coordinating Committee for the purpose of receiving information and comments regarding controls on such antifouling system. The Secretary of State shall publish advance notice of such meeting in the Federal Register and on the State Department’s Web site. The Administrator shall assemble and maintain a public docket containing notices pertaining to that meeting, any comments responding to those notices, the minutes of that meeting, and materials presented at that meeting.
Report by technical group
The Administrator shall promptly make any report by the technical group described in the Convention available to the public through the docket established pursuant to subsection (b) and announce the availability of that report in the Federal Register. The Administrator shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the report for a period of not less than 30 days from the time the availability of the report is announced in the Federal Register.
Consideration of comments
To the extent practicable, the Administrator shall take any comments into consideration in developing recommendations under subsection (a).
Scientific and technical research and monitoring; communication and information
The Secretary, the Administrator, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may each undertake scientific and technical research and monitoring pursuant to article 8 of the Convention and to promote the availability of relevant information concerning—
scientific and technical activities undertaken in accordance with the Convention;
marine scientific and technological programs and their objectives; and
the effects observed from any monitoring and assessment programs relating to antifouling systems.
Communication and exchange of information
In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), with respect to those antifouling systems regulated by the Administrator, the Administrator shall provide to any party to the Convention that requests it, relevant information on which the decision to regulate was based, including information provided for in annex 3 to the Convention, or other information suitable for making an appropriate evaluation of the antifouling system.
Limitation
This section shall not be construed to authorize the provision of information the disclosure of which is otherwise prohibited by law.
Prohibitions and Enforcement Authority
Prohibitions
In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is unlawful for any person—
to act in violation of this Act, or any regulation prescribed under this Act;
to sell or distribute in domestic or international commerce organotin or an antifouling system containing organotin;
to manufacture, process, or use organotin to formulate an antifouling system;
to apply an antifouling system containing organotin on any vessel to which this Act applies; or
after the Convention enters into force for the United States, to apply or otherwise use in a manner inconsistent with the Convention, an antifouling system on any vessel that is subject to this Act.
Vessel hulls
Except as provided in subsection (c), no vessel shall bear on its hull or outer surface any antifouling system containing organotin, regardless of when such system was applied, unless that vessel bears an overcoating which forms a barrier to organotin leaching from the underlying antifouling system.
Limitations
Excepted vessel
Subsection (b) does not apply to fixed or floating platforms, FSUs, or FPSOs that were constructed prior to January 1, 2003, and that have not been in dry dock on or after that date.
Sale, manufacture, etc
This section does not apply to—
the sale, distribution, or use pursuant to any agreement between the Administrator and any person that results in an earlier prohibition or cancellation date than specified in this Act; or
the manufacture, processing, formulation, sale, distribution, or use of organotin or antifouling systems containing organotin used or intended for use only for sonar domes or in conductivity sensors in oceanographic instruments.
Investigations and inspections by Secretary
In general
The Secretary may conduct investigations and inspections regarding a vessel’s compliance with this Act or the Convention.
Violations; subpoenas
In any investigation under this section, the Secretary may issue subpoenas to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and other evidence. In case of refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of the appropriate district court of the United States to compel compliance.
Further action
On completion of an investigation, the Secretary may take whatever further action the Secretary considers appropriate under the Convention or this Act.
Cooperation
The Secretary may cooperate with other parties to the Convention in the detection of violations and in enforcement of the Convention. Nothing in this section affects or alters requirements under any other laws.
EPA enforcement
Inspections, subpoenas
In general
For purposes of enforcing this Act or any regulation prescribed under this Act, officers or employees of the Environmental Protection Agency or of any State designated by the Administrator may enter at reasonable times any location where there is being held or may be held organotin or any other substance or antifouling system regulated under the Convention, for the purpose of inspecting and obtaining samples of any containers or labeling for organotin or other substance or system regulated under the Convention.
Subpoenas
In any investigation under this section the Administrator may issue subpoenas to require the attendance of any witness and the production of documents and other evidence. In case of refusal to obey such a subpoena, the Administrator may request the Attorney General to compel compliance.
Stop manufacture, sale, use, or removal orders
Consistent with section 104, whenever any organotin or other substance or system regulated under the Convention is found by the Administrator and there is reason to believe that a manufacturer, seller, distributor, or user has violated or is in violation of any provision of this Act, or that such organotin or other substance or system regulated under the Convention has been or is intended to be manufactured, distributed, sold, or used in violation of this Act, the Administrator may issue a stop manufacture, sale, use, or removal order to any person that owns, controls, or has custody of such organotin or other substance or system regulated under the Convention. After receipt of that order the person may not manufacture, sell, distribute, use, or remove the organotin or other substance or system regulated under the Convention described in the order except in accordance with the order.
Additional authority of the Administrator
The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, may establish, as necessary, terms and conditions regarding the removal and disposal of antifouling systems prohibited or restricted under this Act.
Action on Violation, Penalties, and Referrals
Criminal enforcement
Any person who knowingly violates paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 301(a) or section 301(b) shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 6 years, or both.
Civil enforcement
Civil penalty
In general
Any person who is found by the Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have—
violated the Convention, this Act, or any regulation prescribed under this Act is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $37,500 for each violation; or
made a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any matter in which a statement or representation is required to be made to the Secretary under the Convention, this Act, or any regulations prescribed under this Act, is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for each such statement or representation.
Relationship to other law
This subsection shall not limit or affect the authority of the Government under section 1001 of title 18, United States Code.
Assessment of penalty
The amount of the civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary or Administrator, as appropriate, by written notice.
Limitation for recreational vessel
A civil penalty imposed under subsection (a) against the owner or operator of a recreational vessel, as that term is defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, for a violation of the Convention, this Act, or any regulation prescribed under this Act involving that recreational vessel, may not exceed $5,000 for each violation.
Determination of penalty
For purposes of penalties under this section, each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation. In determining the amount of the penalty, the Secretary or Administrator shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited acts committed and, with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, the economic impact of the penalty on the violator, the economic benefit to the violator and other matters as justice may require.
Reward
An amount equal to not more than one-half of any civil penalty assessed by the Secretary or Administrator under this section may, subject to the availability of appropriations, be paid by the Secretary or Administrator, respectively, to any person who provided information that led to the assessment or imposition of the penalty.
Referral to attorney general
If any person fails to pay a civil penalty assessed under this section after it has become final, or comply with an order issued under this Act, the Secretary or Administrator, as appropriate, may refer the matter to the Attorney General of the United States for collection in any appropriate district court of the United States.
Compromise, modification, or remission
Before referring any civil penalty that is subject to assessment or has been assessed under this section to the Attorney General, the Secretary, or Administrator, as appropriate, may compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, the civil penalty.
Nonpayment penalty
Any person who fails to pay on a timely basis a civil penalty assessed under this section shall also be liable to the United States for interest on the penalty at an annual rate equal to 11 percent compounded quarterly, attorney fees and costs for collection proceedings, and a quarterly nonpayment penalty for each quarter during which such failure to pay persists. That nonpayment penalty shall be in an amount equal to 20 percent of the aggregate amount of that person’s penalties and nonpayment penalties that are unpaid as of the beginning of that quarter.
Liability in rem
A vessel operated in violation of the Convention, this Act, or any regulation prescribed under this Act, is liable in rem for any fine imposed under section 18, United States Code, or civil penalty assessed pursuant to section 402, and may be proceeded against in the United States district court of any district in which the vessel may be found.
Vessel clearance or permits; refusal or revocation; bond or other surety
If any vessel that is subject to the Convention or this Act, or its owner, operator, or person in charge, is liable for a fine or civil penalty under section 402 or 403, or if reasonable cause exists to believe that the vessel, its owner, operator, or person in charge may be subject to a fine or civil penalty under section 402 or 403, the Secretary may refuse or revoke the clearance required by section 60105 of title 46, United States Code. Clearance may be granted upon the filing of a bond or other surety satisfaction to the Secretary.
Warnings, detentions, dismissals, exclusion
In general
If a vessel is detected to be in violation of the Convention, this Act, or any regulation prescribed under this Act, the Secretary may warn, detain, dismiss, or exclude the vessel from any port or offshore terminal under the jurisdiction of the United States.
Notifications
If action is taken under subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall make the notifications required by the Convention.
Referrals for appropriate action by foreign country
Notwithstanding sections 401, 402, 403, and 405, if a violation of the Convention is committed by a vessel registered in or of the nationality of a country that is a party to the Convention, or by a vessel operated under the authority of a country that is a party to the Convention, the Secretary, acting in coordination with the Secretary of State, may refer the matter to the government of the country of the vessel’s registry or nationality, or under whose authority the vessel is operating, for appropriate action, rather than taking the actions otherwise required or authorized by this title.
Remedies not affected
In general
Nothing in this Act limits, denies, amends, modifies, or repeals any other remedy available to the United States.
Relationship to State and local law
Nothing in this Act limits, denies, amends, modifies, or repeals any rights under existing law, of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or any political subdivision thereof, to regulate any antifouling system. Compliance with the requirements of a State, territory, or possession of the United States, or political subdivision thereof related to antifouling paint or any other antifouling system does not relieve any person of the obligation to comply with this Act.
Repeal
The Organotin Antifouling Paint Control Act of 1988 (33 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.) is repealed.
Passed the House of Representatives November 17, 2009.
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk.