A bill to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe manning requirements for certain small vessels carrying freight or passengers for hire, and for other purposes.

Amends provisions of existing law relating to the inspection of ferryboats, canal boats, and small craft to eliminate the exception for open steam launches of ten gross tons and under which permitted one duly qualified person to serve in the double capacity of pilot and engineer.

Subjects specified non-fishing vessels above 15 gross tons to the manning and personnel qualification regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

Expands the scope of the authority of the Secretary for licensing and classifying mates, engineers, pilots, and other employees of specified vessels, and increases from $100 to $500 per offense the civil penalty for employment of unlicensed personnel.

Redefines the term "passenger-carrying vessel" for purposes of such laws.