- CHAPTER 31—GENERAL (§§ 3101 – 3106)
- CHAPTER 32—MANAGEMENT OF VESSELS (§§ 3201 – 3205)
- CHAPTER 33—INSPECTION GENERALLY (§§ 3301 – 3318)
- CHAPTER 35—CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS (§§ 3501 – 3510)
- CHAPTER 37—CARRIAGE OF LIQUID BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES (§§ 3701 – 3719)
- [CHAPTER 39—REPEALED] (§ 3901)
- CHAPTER 41—UNINSPECTED VESSELS GENERALLY (§§ 4101 – 4106)
- CHAPTER 43—RECREATIONAL VESSELS (§§ 4301 – 4312)
- CHAPTER 45—UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS (§§ 4501 – 4508)
- CHAPTER 47—ABANDONMENT OF BARGES (§§ 4701 – 4705)
- CHAPTER 49—OCEANGOING NON-PASSENGER COMMERCIAL VESSELS (§ 4901)
46 U.S. Code Part B - Inspection and Regulation of Vessels
Part B provides authority and responsibility for the inspection and regulation of vessels by the Coast Guard. This part specifies those vessels subject to inspection, those that are specifically exempt from inspection, and related inspection requirements and procedures. Due to the need for special requirements for the inspection and regulation of passenger vessels and those vessels carrying liquid bulk dangerous cargoes separate chapters have been developed. Additional chapters provide for recreational vessels and those other vessels that are regulated but are not subject to inspection and certification by the Coast Guard. It should also be noted that the United States is signatory to a number of international treaties on maritime safety and seamen’s welfare, such as the various Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaties, and that their provisions and requirements are part of United States maritime law and in many cases are quite extensive.