| Abstract: | In 1987, the government of Kuwait requested permission of the US government to reflag 11 of its tankers to the American flag for the purpose of gaining protection from Iranian attacks. The US government agreed, citing overall strategic and political considerations. As part of the reflagging, waivers were granted to permit the vessels to operate without proper inspections and without licensed radio operators. Furthermore, the vesels employed only one US mariner each, th eecaptain, and though subsequent legislation closed the 'loophole' through which that occurred, anotherr waiver allowed the Kuwaitis to continue without hiring Americans. The maritime policy implications-and the juxtaposition of maritime and foreign policies-were of concern to members of Congress, who held hearings and introduced and passed legislation on the issue. |
