Qualifications of bidders
46 U.S.C. § 57514
in effect(a) Considerations.—In deciding whether to award a charter to a bidder, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider—(1) the bidder’s financial resources, credit standing, and practical experience in operating vessels; and (2) other factors a prudent business person would consider in entering into a transaction involving a large capital investment.
(b) Disqualifications.—The Secretary may not charter a vessel to a person appearing to lack sufficient capital, credit, and experience to operate the vessel successfully over the period covered by the charter.
Source: OLRC USLMURL: https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/95/xml_usc46@119-95.zipFetched: 6/7/2026
