§ 1223a. Electronic charts
(a)
System requirements
(1)
Requirements
Subject to paragraph (2), the following vessels, while operating on the navigable waters of the United States, shall be equipped with and operate electronic charts under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating:
(A)
A self-propelled commercial vessel of at least 65 feet overall length.
(B)
A vessel carrying more than a number of passengers for hire determined by the Secretary.
(C)
A towing vessel of more than 26 feet in overall length and 600 horsepower.
(D)
Any other vessel for which the Secretary decides that electronic charts are necessary for the safe navigation of the vessel.
(2)
Exemptions and waivers
The Secretary may—
(A)
exempt a vessel from paragraph (1), if the Secretary finds that electronic charts are not necessary for the safe navigation of the vessel on the waters on which the vessel operates; and
(B)
waive the application of paragraph (1) with respect to operation of vessels on navigable waters of the United States specified by the Secretary, if the Secretary finds that electronic charts are not needed for safe navigation on those waters.
(b)
Regulations
The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall prescribe regulations implementing subsection (a) of this section before January 1, 2007, including requirements for the operation and maintenance of the electronic charts required under subsection (a) of this section.