Spill Prevention and Cleanup for Energy Transportation Systems Act

Spill Prevention and Cleanup for Energy Transportation Systems Act - Title I: Federal Oil and Toxic Substance Tanker Pollution Liability and Compensation - Prohibits discharges of oil or toxic substances in harmful quantities as determined by the President under applicable provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Imposes civil penalties for violations of such prohibition. Imposes criminal penalties for failures to report discharges of oil or toxic substances.

Authorizes the President to take action to remove discharged oil or toxic materials, or to allow the owner or operator of the discharging vessel to undertake removal activities. Stipulates that all cleanup costs shall be borne by the owner and operator of such vessel.

Imposes strict liability for damages resulting from oil spills upon owners or operators of vessels, within specified limits. Establishes defenses to claims of liability for discharges caused by Act of war or negligence or intentional acts of the damaged party or the Federal Government.

Establishes a Federal Oil and Toxic Substances Tanker Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration in the Department of Transportation. Directs the Administration to (1) establish and maintain a Federal Oil and Toxic Substances Pollution Compensation Fund to pay for cleanup costs and damages not otherwise compensated under this Act; (2) act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment on behalf of the public to recover for damages to such resources; (3) require owners and operators of vessels to maintain evidence of financial responsibility; (4) establish procedures for the fair and expeditious settlement of claims arising under this Act; (5) allow public access to information, and (6) submit an annual report to the President and the Congress.

Imposes a five cent per barrel fee on all transfers of oil or toxic substances between vessels and onshore or offshore facilities, or between vessels and deepwater ports. Stipulates that such fees shall be collected in order to maintain the Fund at a level not to exceed $250,000,000.

Establishes procedures governing administrative hearings and judicial review of claims arising under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to sue on behalf of classes of damaged citizens.

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the administration of this Act.

Title II: Prevention of Tanker Collision and Cargo Loss - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1974 to include vessels in the fishery conservation zone within the scope of Federal regulatory authority over ships and shipping.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish an offshore vessel traffic control system in ports, navigable waters, territorial seas, and fisheries conservation zones of the United States. Lists criteria to be included in regulations to be issued by the Secretary for the control of vessel traffic. Requires the Secretary to direct the National Transportation Safety Board to establish and administer a Vessel Traffic, Safety and Discharge Information System to include vessel traffic records and reports.

Exempts vessels of foreign nations which are not destined for ports in the United States from the requirements of this title. Imposes minimum vessel design, safety, and equipment standards to be applicable after January 1, 1978. Requires installation of specified navigational aids and use of segregated ballast in vessels above a specified tonnage. Requires installation of double bottoms or double hulls in vessels constructed after June 30, 1977.

Prohibits vessels from entering the navigable waters of the United States without having been issued certificates of compliance with applicable safety and equipment standards by the Secretary.

Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards relating to the manning of vessels with adequately trained and qualified personnel.

Authorizes persons designated by the Secretary as marine safety officers to board and inspect vessels subject to the provisions of this Act, and to take necessary enforcement action. Directs the Secretary to establish a national program of inspection to insure compliance with this title.

Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this title.

Title III: Tanker Safety and Marine Pollution Research Program - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish within the Coast Guard an Office of Operational and Environmental Safety Research. Directs the Office, within 18 months of the date of enactment of this title, to report to Congress on various aspects of vessel safety.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Office of National Marine Research and Information to coordinate research activities with respect to marine waters and marine resources. Requires the establishment of an interagency Oceans Research Planning Board to submit to Congress a National Ocean Research Plan for a comprehensive research program to achieve designated objectives.