United States v. Blue Water Marine Industries, Inc.

FARRIS, Circuit Judge;

The United States Coast Guard District Commander assessed five civil penalties totaling $1,150.00 against Blue Water Marine Industries, Inc. 1 The Coast Guard Commandant affirmed. The matter was submitted to the district court on a motion for summary judgment upon stipulated facts. 2 The court granted summary judgment for the United States, holding that two oceanographic research vessels chartered by Blue Water were subject to the merchant vessel manning statutes, 46 U.S.C. §§ 672(a), 672(i), 673 (1976). We affirm.

The primary issue is whether the oceanographic research…