§ 55334. Restrictions on operations

• (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an American Great Lakes vessel may not be used to—
  • (1) engage in trade—
    • (A) from a port in the United States that is not located on the Great Lakes; or
    • (B) between ports in the United States;
  • (2) transport bulk cargo (as defined in section 40102 of this title ) that is subject to section 55305 or 55314 of this title or section 2631 of title 10 ; or
  • (3) provide a service (except ocean freight service) as—
    • (A) a contract carrier; or
    • (B) a common carrier on a fixed advertised schedule offering frequent sailings at regular intervals in the foreign trade of the United States.
• (b) An American Great Lakes vessel may be used for not more than 90 days during any 12-month period to engage in trade prohibited by subsection (a)(1)(A), except during the Great Lakes shipping season.