SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SJM 8015

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 25, 1991

Brief Description:  Concerning an international nautical convention.

SPONSORS:Senators Vognild, Patterson, Gaspard, Hayner, Snyder, Newhouse, Anderson and McMullen.

BACKGROUND:

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers was established in l978.  These standards were developed to promote the safety of life and property at sea and to protect the marine environment.

      Seventy-eight nations, including all major maritime nations       in the world, except the United States, have ratified these standards. 

SUMMARY:

This memorial requests the President and Congress to ratify the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. 

Ratification of these standards will provide the United States Coast Guard with the authority to enforce crew standards on foreign flag vessels in United States waters.

Foreign flag vessels carry 95 percent of all waterborne commerce into the United States.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested