A bill to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to charter the nuclear ship Savannah to Patriots Point Development Authority, an agency of the State of South Carolina.

(Reported to House from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, H. Rept. 96-1220)

Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to charter the nuclear ship Savannah to the Patriots Point Development Authority, an agency of the State of South Carolina, for a specified period as a museum ship.

Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for inspection and maintenance of the hull below the waterline. Makes the Development Authority responsible for all other maintenance.

Sets forth other conditions to be included in the charter.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting for the United States Government as owner of the vessel, and the Development Authority to apply to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a license to possess the nuclear utilization facility. Directs that the sole liability of the Secretary shall be the financial responsibility for the disposal of the reactor and other nuclear systems and radioactive contaminated components in the vessel.

Makes the Authority responsible for the monitoring and security of the reactor and all nuclear systems and radioactive components in the vessel and for filing all reports that may be required.

Authorizes the use of specified appropriated funds for preservation work on such ship.

Authorizes appropriations to tow the Savannah to a site at Patriots Point at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and for hull inspection and maintenance purposes.