(a) The National Cargo Bureau, Inc., is authorized to assist the Coast Guard in administering this subchapter with respect to the following:

(1) Inspection of vessels for suitability for loading hazardous materials;

(2) Examination of stowage of hazardous materials;

(3) Making recommendations for stowage requirements of hazardous materials cargo; and

(4) Issuance of certificates of loading setting forth that the stowage of hazardous materials is in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter.

(b) A certificate of loading issued by the National Cargo Bureau, Inc., may be accepted by the Coast Guard as prima facie evidence that the cargo is stowed in conformity with the requirements of this subchapter.

[Amdt. 176-1, 41 FR 16110, Apr. 15, 1976, as amended by Amdt. 176-24, 51 FR 5974, Feb. 18, 1986]