Part 8 - Shipping and Navigation

subpart i - operation of canal

22 USC 3811 - Operating regulations

The Commission may prescribe, and from time to time amend, regulations governing

(1) the operation of the Panama Canal;

(2) the navigation of the harbors and other waters of the Panama Canal and areas adjacent thereto, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal;

(3) the passage and control of vessels through the Panama Canal or any part thereof, including the locks and approaches thereto;

(4) pilotage in the Panama Canal or the approaches thereto through the adjacent waters; and

(5) the licensing of officers or other operators of vessels navigating the waters of the Panama Canal and areas adjacent thereto, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.

subpart ii - inspection of vessels

22 USC 3821 - Vessels subject to inspection

With the exception of private vessels merely transiting the Panama Canal, and of public vessels of all nations, vessels navigating the waters of the Panama Canal shall be subject to an annual inspection of hulls, boilers, machinery, equipment, and passenger accommodations.

22 USC 3822 - Foreign vessels

With respect to a foreign vessel of a country which has inspection laws approximating those of the United States, any such vessel having an unexpired certificate of inspection duly issued by the authorities of such country shall not be subject to an inspection other than that necessary to determine whether the vessel, its boilers, and its lifesaving equipment are as stated in the certificate of inspection. A certificate of inspection may not be accepted as evidence of lawful inspection under this section unless similar privileges are granted to vessels of the United States under the laws of the country to which the vessel belongs.

22 USC 3823 - Regulations governing inspection

The Commission shall prescribe, and from time to time may amend, regulations concerning the inspection of vessels conforming as nearly as practicable to the laws and regulations governing marine inspection by the United States Coast Guard.