SMALL BOAT INSPECTION LAW
any other vessel of fifteen gross tons or less propelled by machinery, carrying passengers for hire, the Secretary shall make diligent inquiry as to his character, and shall carefully examine the applicant orally as well as the proofs which he presents in support of his claim, and if the Secretary is satisfied that his capacity, experience, habits of living, and character are such to warrant the belief that he can safely be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the station for which he makes application, the Secretary shall grant him a license authorizing him to discharge such duties on any such motorboat, or on any other vessel of fifteen gross tons or less propelled by machinery, carrying passengers for hire, Such license shall be subject to suspension or revocafor the term of five years. tion on the same grounds and in the same manner with like procedure as is provided in the case of suspension or revocation of license of officers under the provisions of section 4450 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (U. S. C. 1952 edition, title 46, sec. 239): Provided, That motorboats and other vessels of fifteen gross tons or less propelled by machinery shall not be required to carry licensed officers except as required in this Act: And provided further, That licenses herein prescribed shall not be required of motorboats or of any other vessels of fifteen gross tons or less propelled by machinery engaged in fishing contests previously arranged and announced."
SEC. 7. Nothing contained in this Act shall be deemed to amend, alter, or otherwise affect the requirements of any International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.
SEC. 8. This Act shall become effective on January 1, 1957, or on the first day of the sixth month following the prescription of rules and regulations by the Secretary under section 3, hereof, whichever is later.
SEC. 9. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 10. If any provisions of this Act, or the application of any provision of this Act to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, and the remainder of this Act, shall not be affected thereby.