[§271G-6]  Exemptions, generally.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, its contents shall not apply to:

     (1)  Persons transporting their own property where the transportation is in furtherance of a primary business purpose or enterprise of that person except where the transportation is undertaken by a water carrier to evade the regulatory purposes of this chapter;

     (2)  Nonprofit agricultural cooperative associations to the extent that they engage in the transportation of their own property or the property of their members;

     (3)  Persons engaged in the transportation over water of passengers or property for compensation, other than transportation referred to in section 271G-5(7) under continuing contracts with one person or a limited number of persons either (A) for the furnishing of transportation services through the assignment of vessels for a continuing period of time to the exclusive use of each person served, or (B) for the furnishing of transportation services designed to meet the distinct need of each individual customer;

     (4)  Persons transporting their own property or employees where the transportation is in furtherance of a business or enterprise of fishing or taking of fish for profit or gain as a means of livelihood;

     (5)  Persons engaged in business of transporting persons for sightseeing and other recreational activities. [L 1974, c 94, pt of §1]