§ 1203. Financial resources and other factors considered in awarding charters
In the awarding of charters, the Secretary of Transportation shall take in consideration the charterer’s financial resources and credit standing, practical experience in the operation of vessels, and any other factors that would be considered by a prudent businessman in entering into a transaction involving a large investment of his capital; and the Secretary of Transportation is directed to refrain from chartering the Department of Transportation’s vessels to any person appearing to lack sufficient capital, credit, and experience to operate successfully the vessel over the period covered by the charter.