Cruise vessel chapter organization, application, and definitions

(a) Subchapter organization Chapter 35 is amended— (1) by inserting before section 3501 the following: I General provisions; (2) by inserting before section 3507 the following: II Cruise vessels; and (3) by redesignating sections 3507, 3508, 3509, and 3510 as sections 3523, 3524, 3525, and 3526, respectively. (b) Application Chapter 35, as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by inserting before section 3523 the following: 3521. Application (a) In general This subchapter applies to a passenger vessel that— (1) is authorized to carry 250 or more passengers; (2) has overnight accommodations for 250 or more passengers; and (3) is on a voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States. (b) Federal and State vessels Notwithstanding subsection (a), this subchapter does not apply to— (1) a vessel of the United States operated by the Federal Government; or (2) a vessel owned and operated by a State.. (c) Definitions Chapter 35, as amended by subsections (a) and (b), is further amended by inserting after section 3521, as added by subsection (b), the following: 3522. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Exterior deck The term exterior deck means any exterior weather deck on which a passenger may be present, including passenger stateroom balconies, exterior promenades on passenger decks, muster stations, and similar exterior weather deck areas. (2) Owner The term owner means the owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or other individual in charge of a vessel. (3) Applicable passenger The term applicable passenger means a passenger carried on a passenger vessel who is a citizen of the United States. (4) Physician The term physician means a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine who— (A) has at least 3 years of post-graduate, post-registration experience in general and emergency medicine; or (B) is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, or any other certifying body designated by the Secretary, in emergency medicine, family medicine, or internal medicine. (5) Qualified medical staff member The term qualified medical staff member means a medical professional certified in advanced cardiovascular life support and advanced trauma life support training..