§ 1221. Statement of policy
The Congress finds and declares—
(a)
that navigation and vessel safety, protection of the marine environment, and safety and security of United States ports and waterways are matters of major national importance;
(b)
that increased vessel traffic in the Nation’s ports and waterways creates substantial hazard to life, property, and the marine environment;
(c)
that increased supervision of vessel and port operations is necessary in order to—
(1)
reduce the possibility of vessel or cargo loss, or damage to life, property, or the marine environment;
(2)
prevent damage to structures in, on, or immediately adjacent to the navigable waters of the United States or the resources within such waters;
(d)
that advance planning is critical in determining proper and adequate protective measures for the Nation’s ports and waterways and the marine environment, with continuing consultation with other Federal agencies, State representatives, affected users, and the general public, in the development and implementation of such measures.