[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HOLLINGS:
  S. 1968. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to issue 
a certificate of documentation and coastwise trade endorsement for the 
vessel The Islander; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I am introducing a bill today to direct 
that the vessel The Islander, Official Number SC9279BJ, be accorded 
coastwise trading privileges and be issued a certificate of 
documentation under section 12103 of title 46, of the U.S. Code.
  The Islander is a commuter launch vessel that is intended for 
commercial use. It is 40 feet in length, and 13 feet in breadth, has a 
draw of 3 and one half feet, and is self-propelled.
  The vessel was purchased by Robert ``Scott'' Fales of Charleston, 
South Carolina, who purchased it with the intention of using it for the 
transportation of passengers. However, proof of the origin of this 
vessel is unknown, and 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 
purposes. The ship was bought from a boatyard and was built by the 
Wyman Company. Although records show that the Wyman Companies were 
based in New Haven, CT, Mr. Fales has been unable to provide conclusive 
proof that the vessel was U.S. built. He has invested a considerable 
amount of money in the vessel, and without a Jones Act waiver for the 
ship, he will be forced to sell it.
  Mr. Fales is seeking this waiver because his plans to use the vessel 
for the transportation of passengers. This usage will not adversely 
affect the coastwise trade in the U.S. waters. If he is granted this 
waiver, it is his intention the comply fully with U.S. documentation 
and safety requirements.
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