The Secretary may exempt a vessel from any part of this chapter when—
(1) the vessel is entitled to an exemption under an international agreement to which the United States Government is a party; or
(2) under regulations (including regulations on special operations conditions) prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary finds that good cause exists for granting an exemption.
When the Secretary grants an exemption under this section, the Secretary may issue a certificate of exemption stating the extent of the exemption.
A certificate of exemption issued under subsection (b) of this section shall be maintained as required by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1916.)