§55334. Restrictions on operations

(a) Prohibitions.-Except as provided in subsection (b), an American Great Lakes vessel may not be used to-

(1) engage in trade-

(A) from a port in the United States that is not located on the Great Lakes; or

(B) between ports in the United States;

(2) transport bulk cargo (as defined in section 40102 of this title) that is subject to section 55305 or 55314 of this title or section 2631 of title 10; or

(3) provide a service (except ocean freight service) as-

(A) a contract carrier; or

(B) a common carrier on a fixed advertised schedule offering frequent sailings at regular intervals in the foreign trade of the United States.

(b) Off-Season Exception.-An American Great Lakes vessel may be used for not more than 90 days during any 12-month period to engage in trade prohibited by subsection (a)(1)(A), except during the Great Lakes shipping season.

( Pub. L. 109–304, §8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1649 .)