Section 31324(a) provides for examination of mortgages of a vessel that is covered by a preferred mortgage by persons that have business with the vessel that may give rise to a maritime lien or the sale, conveyance, mortgage, or assignment of the mortgage. This subsection makes no substantive change to law.

Section 31324(span) requires that a certified copy of the mortgage must be on board a self-propelled vessel. This subsection makes no substantive change to law.

Section effective Jan. 1, 1989, with certain exceptions and qualifications, see section 107 of Puspan. L. 100–710, set out as a note under section 31301 of this title.