40 U.S.C. § 558: Donation of forfeited vessels

A vessel that is forfeited to the Federal Government may be donated, in accordance with procedures under this subtitle, to an eligible institution described in subsection (b). Vessel stability. Firefighting. Shipboard first aid. Marine safety and survival. Seamanship rules of the road. The institution must accept the vessel as is, where it is, and without warranty of any kind and without any representation as to its condition or suitability for use. The institution is responsible for maintaining the vessel. The vessel may be used only for instructing students in a vessel safety education and training program. If the vessel is eligible to be documented, it must be documented by the institution as a vessel of the United States under chapter 121 of title 46. The requirements of paragraph (5) must be noted on the permanent record of the vessel. The institution must obtain prior approval from the Administrator of General Services before disposing of the vessel and any proceeds from disposal shall be payable to the Government. The vessel shall be inspected or regulated in the same manner as a nautical school vessel under chapter 33 of title 46. The Government is not liable in an action arising out of the transfer or use of a vessel transferred under this section.