
      The Secretary has general superintendence over the merchant
    marine of the United States and of merchant marine personnel
    insofar as the enforcement of this subtitle is concerned and
    insofar as those vessels and personnel are not subject, under other
    law, to the supervision of another official of the United States
    Government. In the interests of marine safety and seamen's welfare,
    the Secretary shall enforce this subtitle and shall carry out
    correctly and uniformly administer this subtitle. The Secretary may
    prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.

                       HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES                   
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
              Revised section               Source section (U.S. Code)  
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    2103                                  46:2                          
                                          46:372                        
                                          46:689                        
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
      Section 2103 provides the Secretary with the authority to
    superintend the merchant marine and those involved personnel
    insofar as the vessels and personnel are not subject, under other
    laws, to the supervision of another official. The Secretary has the
    duty to enforce the laws with respect to vessels and seamen and to
    carry out correctly and uniformly these laws and regulations. The
    term "superintendence" is used to indicate the Secretary's broad
    responsibility for overseeing maritime safety and seamen's welfare,
    including employment, shipping, navigation, and protection of the
    marine environment.
                                AMENDMENTS                            
      1986 - Pub. L. 99-307 substituted "subtitle. The Secretary may
    prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle"
    for "subtitle and regulations prescribed under this subtitle".

Last modified: April 20, 2006