Involved in the extensive research that was required by this study included; a research of publications dealing with the engineering and construction of LNG vessels, review of tests conducted by the U.S. Coast guard and the U.S. Bureau of Mines dealing with the possible spill of LNG, establishment of the dangers of LNG, establishment of the U.S. Coast Guard Inland and International Rules of Navigation and how they relate to the safe navigation of LNG vessels, and recommendations for amendments and/or changes to the navigation rules to better ensure the safe navigation of LNG vessels