[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 146 (Monday, October 25, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13101-S13102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CLELAND:
  S. 1779. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to issue 
a certificate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for 
employment in the coastwise trade for the vessel M/V Sandpiper; to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


       CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION FOR THE VESSEL ``SANDPIPER''

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, I am introducing a bill today to 
direct that the sailing vessel Sandpiper, Official Number 1079439, be 
accorded coastwise trading privileges and be issued a certificate of 
documentation under section 12103 of title 46, U.S. Code.
  The hull and interior of the Sandpiper were constructed in Taiwan in 
1998 by Ta-Yang Yacht Building Company, Ltd. She is a 48 foot Cutter 
Rig presently used as a recreational vessel. Since construction, the 
vessel has been rigged and outfitted in the United States. It is 
estimated that 60% of the cost of the vessel has been spent on the 
mast, rigging, sails, electronics, navigational instruments, safety 
equipment, interior furnishings, and various other deck fittings. These 
items were acquired in Annapolis, Maryland and refitting was completed 
in April, 1999.
  The vessel is owned by Mr. and Mrs. David Maner of Augusta, Georgia. 
The Maners would like to utilize their vessel in the coastwise trade of 
the United States. However, because the vessel's hull was constructed 
in Taiwan, it did not meet the requirements for coastwise license 
endorsement in the United States. Such documentation is mandatory to 
enable the owner to use the vessel for its intended purpose.
  The owners of the Sandpiper are seeking a waiver of the existing law 
because they wish to use the vessel for charters. The desired 
intentions for the vessel's use will not adversely affect the coastwise 
trade in U.S. waters. If the Maners are granted this waiver, it is 
their intention to comply fully with U.S. documentation and safety 
requirements. The purpose of the legislation I am introducing is to 
allow the Sandpiper to engage in the coastwise trade of the United 
States.
  Mr. President, I ask that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  The bill follows:

                                S. 1779

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION.

       Notwithstanding section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 
     (46 U.S.C. App. 883), section 8 of the Act of June 19, 1886 
     (24 Stat. 81, chapter 421; 46 U.S.C. App. 289), and section 
     12106 of title 46, United States Code, the

[[Page S13102]]

     Secretary of Transportation may issue a certificate of 
     documentation with appropriate endorsement for employment in 
     the coastwise trade for the vessel SANDPIPER, United States 
     official number 1079439.

                          ____________________