[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
INTRODUCTION OF THE OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSEL CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT 
                              ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                        HON. W.J. (Billy) TAUZIN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 1994

  Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Offshore Supply 
Vessel Construction and Development Act of 1994. This bill would grant 
the Secretary of Transportation, through the Coast Guard, specific 
authority to establish regulations to allow domestic shipyards and 
operators to design offshore supply vessels [OSV's] in accordance with 
the International Tonnage Convention measurement system. This bill will 
promote U.S. shipbuilding and operators by encouraging the domestic OSV 
industry to build and operate vessels designed to compete in the world 
market.
  OSV's serve the offshore petroleum industry by delivering supplies, 
material, workers, and fuel to offshore exploration and production 
facilities.
  Currently, U.S.-flag OSV's must be built in accordance with a 
statutory definition that is based on the antiquated U.S. regulatory 
measurement system. The old U.S. tonnage system encourages ship designs 
that have proven to be less competitive in the world market than 
vessels built according to the international system. The international 
system promotes cleaner ship designs, that are more efficient, safer, 
and more easily maintained than vessels built to the present domestic 
standards.
  This bill would offer ship builders the option of designing to U.S. 
regulatory or ITC measurement standards. It empowers the Coast Guard to 
determine the size limitations on the new vessels and any additional 
safety requirements that the agency might deem to be appropriate.
  This issue was the subject of two hearings before the Subcommittee on 
Coast Guard and Navigation during the 103d Congress concerning U.S. 
maritime regulatory reform initiatives. This bill was developed through 
a cooperative effort between the Coast Guard and the OSV industry.
  This bill has the full support of the Coast Guard's Office of Marine 
Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection and the Offshore Marine 
Services Association.
  The following report language is recommended to clarify how certain 
provisions of the bill should be administered by the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Coast Guard:
  First, under the new definition of an OSV, a vessel owner will 
continue to be able to use the optional regulatory measurement system 
under section 14305(a)(1) for the inspection of the vessel since 
chapter 33 is in part B of subtitle II.
  Second, in establishing the upper limit for the size of an OSV, the 
Secretary should consider the established provisions and guidelines of 
the International Maritime Organization.
  Third, in prescribing regulations to implement the amendments made by 
the act, the Secretary, in compliance with the Administrative Procedure 
Act, should consult with representatives of the private sector having 
experience in the operation of OSV's and shall consider the unique 
characteristics, methods of operation, and nature of service of OSV's.
  I ask my colleagues to support the Offshore Supply Vessel 
Construction and Development Act of 1994 and help reestablish our 
domestic shipbuilding industry.

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