1. (a) The Secretary may exempt a vessel from any part of this chapter if, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary (including regulations on special operating conditions), the Secretary finds that—

   1. (1) good cause exists for granting an exemption; and
   2. (2) the safety of the vessel and individuals on board will not be adversely affected.
2. (b) Section 4102(a) of this title does not apply to a vessel propelled by outboard motors when competing in a race previously arranged and announced or, if the vessel is designed and intended only for racing, when operated incidental to tuning up the vessel and its engines for the race.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 529; Pub. L. 100–540, § 2, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2719.)

Section 4103 contains an exemption from carrying fire extinguishers, for on a vessel competing in an organized race or a vessel designed and intended for racing only.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–540 added subsec. (a) and designated existing provisions as subsec. (b).