46 U.S.C. § 12121 — Small passenger vessels and uninspected passenger vessels

(a) Definitions. (1) An "eligible vessel^*" is one that was built in the US, or was not built in the US but is at least 3 years old, or, if rebuilt, was rebuilt in the US or was rebuilt outside the US at least 3 years before the (b) certificate would take effect. (2) "Small passenger vessel," "uninspected passenger vessel," and "passenger for hire" mean whatever section 2101 says they mean.

(b) Issuance of certificate and endorsement. Despite sections 12112, 12113, 12132, 55102, and 55103, the Secretary may issue a documentation certificate with an appropriate endorsement for coastwise use as a small passenger vessel or uninspected passenger vessel — for an eligible vessel carrying no more than 12 paying passengers — if the Secretary of Transportation, after notice and public comment, decides this won't hurt (1) US vessel builders, or (2) the coastwise business of anyone who uses US-built vessels.

(c) Revocation. (1) The Secretary must revoke a certificate or endorsement issued under (b) if the Secretary of Transportation, after notice and a hearing, finds it was obtained by fraud. (2) That revocation power doesn't affect (A) the criminal fraud and false-statement law in 18 U.S.C. § 1001, or (B) any other authority the Secretary has to revoke a certificate or endorsement issued under (b).