Certificate of inspection required

Except as provided in subsection (b), a vessel subject to inspection under this part may not be operated without having on board a certificate of inspection issued under section 3309 of this title. to have the vessel proceed to mooring and remain there until a certificate of inspection is issued; to take immediate steps necessary for the safety of the vessel, individuals on board the vessel, or the environment; or to have the vessel proceed to a place to make repairs necessary to obtain a certificate of inspection. The Secretary may direct the owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a vessel subject to inspection under this chapter and not having on board a certificate of inspection— (Source: (Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 515; Pub. L. 98–498, title II, § 211(b), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2304.))