The Secretary of Transportation may provide insurance under this chapter against legal liability that a person may incur in providing services or facilities for a vessel if, in the opinion of the Secretary, the insurance—
(1) is required in prosecuting a war or for national defense; and
(2) cannot be obtained at reasonable rates or on reasonable terms and conditions from approved companies authorized to do insurance business in a State of the United States.
Employer liability insurance and worker compensation insurance against legal liability to employees may not be provided under this section.
(Pub. L. 109–304, § 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1628.)