The Secretary is directed to enter into negotiations with the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and other interested nations to develop an international agreement which provides for—

(1) the designation of the R.M.S. Titanic as an international maritime memorial; and

(2) research on, exploration of, and if appropriate, salvage of the R.M.S. Titanic consistent with the international guidelines developed pursuant to section 450rr–3 of this title and the purposes of sections 450rr to 450rr–6 of this title.

In carrying out the requirements of subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the Administrator, who shall provide research and technical assistance to the Secretary.

The Secretary and the Administrator shall report semiannually to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the Senate on the progress of the negotiations and consultations.

Upon adoption of an international agreement as described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide notification of the agreement and recommendations for legislation to implement the agreement to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the Senate.

(Pub. L. 99–513, § 6, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 2083.)