1625-0078 Stat/Authority

§ 6309

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

ber to testify, either orally or upon written questions, on
solely factual matters at a time and place and in a manner acceptable to the Secretary if the information is not
available elsewhere or is not obtainable by other means.”
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–241, § 902(e)(2)(B), added subsec.
(b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–241, § 902(e)(2)(A), (C), formerly
§ 902(e)(2)(A), (3), renumbered § 902(e)(2)(A), (C) and amended Pub. L. 111–281, § 903(a)(5)(B), (C), (6), redesignated
subsec. (b) as (c) and substituted “subsections (a) and
(b)” for “subsection (a)”. Former subsec. (c) redesignated
(d).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–241, § 902(e)(2)(A), (D), formerly
§ 902(e)(2)(A), (4), renumbered § 902(e)(2)(A), (D) and amended Pub. L. 111–281, § 903(a)(5)–(7), redesignated subsec. (c)
as (d) and substituted “subsections (a), (b), and (c)” for
“subsections (a) and (b)”.
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, § 903(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat.
3010, provided that the amendment by section
903(a)(5)(B)–(7), is effective with enactment of Pub. L.
109–241.

§ 6309. Voyage data recorder access
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Coast Guard shall have full, concurrent, and timely access to and ability to use voyage data recorder data and audio held by any Federal agency
in all marine casualty investigations, regardless
of which agency is the investigative lead.
(Added Pub. L. 115–265, title II, § 207(a), Oct. 11,
2018, 132 Stat. 3747.)
Part E—Merchant Seamen Licenses,
Certificates, and Documents
Historical and Revision Notes
Part E establishes the authority for the Coast Guard
to issue, suspend, and revoke licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner’s documents for individuals
who are to be engaged on vessels of the United States.
Amendments
1985—Pub. L. 99–36, § 1(a)(9)(B), May 15, 1985, 99 Stat.
67, substituted “Merchant Seamen Licenses, Certificates,
and” for “Licenses, Certificates, and Merchant Mariners’ ”
in part E heading.

CHAPTER 71—LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
OF REGISTRY
Sec.

7101.
7102.
7103.
7104.
7105.
7106.
7107.
7108.
7109.
7110.
7111.
7112.
7113.
7114.
[7115.
7116.

Issuing and classifying licenses and certificates of registry.
Citizenship.
Licenses for radio officers.
Certificates for medical doctors and nurses.
Oaths.
Duration of licenses.
Duration of certificates of registry.
Termination of licenses and certificates of registry.
Review of criminal records.
Exhibiting licenses.
Oral examinations for licenses.
Licenses of masters or mates as pilots.
Exemption from draft.
Fees.
Repealed.]
Examinations for merchant mariner credentials.
Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title VI, § 601(c)(2), Dec. 4, 2018,
132 Stat. 4289, struck out item 7115 “Merchant Mariner
Medical Advisory Committee”.

Page 568

2016—Pub. L. 114–120, title III, § 315(b)(2), Feb. 8, 2016,
130 Stat. 62, added item 7116.
2010—Pub. L. 111–281, title II, § 210(c), Oct. 15, 2010, 124
Stat. 2914, added item 7115.
1990—Pub. L. 101–380, title IV, § 4102(e)(2), Aug. 18, 1990,
104 Stat. 510, substituted “Review of criminal records”
for “Renewal of licenses” in item 7109.
1984—Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(8)(A), July 17, 1984,
98 Stat. 447, substituted “Oral examinations for licenses”
for “Licenses for fishing vessels not subject to inspection” in item 7111.

§ 7101. Issuing and classifying licenses and certificates of registry
(a) Licenses and certificates of registry are established for individuals who are required to hold
licenses or certificates under this subtitle.
(b) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary—
(1) issues the licenses and certificates of registry; and
(2) may classify the licenses and certificates
of registry as provided in subsections (c) and
(f) of this section, based on—
(A) the tonnage, means of propulsion, and
horsepower of machine-propelled vessels;
(B) the waters on which vessels are to be
operated; or
(C) other reasonable standards.
(c) The Secretary may issue licenses in the following classes to applicants found qualified as to
age, character, habits of life, experience, professional qualifications, and physical fitness:
(1) masters, mates, and engineers.
(2) pilots.
(3) operators.
(4) radio officers.
(d) In classifying individuals under subsection
(c)(1) of this section, the Secretary shall establish, when possible, suitable career patterns and
service and other qualifying requirements appropriate to the particular service or industry in
which the individuals are engaged.
(e) An individual may be issued a license under
subsection (c)(2) of this section only if the
applicant—
(1) is at least 21 years of age;
(2) is of sound health and has no physical limitations that would hinder or prevent the performance of a pilot’s duties;
(3) has a thorough physical examination each
year while holding the license, except that this
requirement does not apply to an individual who
will serve as a pilot only on a vessel of less
than 1,600 gross tons as measured under section
14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of
this title;
(4) demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the
Secretary, that the applicant has the requisite
general knowledge and skill to hold the license;
(5) demonstrates proficiency in the use of electronic aids to navigation;
(6) maintains adequate knowledge of the waters
to be navigated and knowledge of regulations
for the prevention of collisions in those waters;
(7) has sufficient experience, as decided by the
Secretary, to evidence ability to handle any vessel of the type and size which the applicant
may be authorized to pilot; and

Page 569

§ 7103

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

(8) meets any other requirement the Secretary considers reasonable and necessary.
(f) The Secretary may issue certificates of registry in the following classes to applicants found
qualified as to character, knowledge, skill, and
experience:
(1) pursers.
(2) medical doctors.
(3) professional nurses.
(g) The Secretary may not issue a license or
certificate of registry under this section unless
an individual applying for the license or certificate makes available to the Secretary, under section 206(b)(7) of the National Driver Register Act
of 1982 (23 U.S.C. 401 note), any information contained in the National Driver Register related to
an offense described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B)
of that Act committed by the individual.
(h) The Secretary may review the criminal record
of an individual who applies for a license or certificate of registry under this section.
(i) The Secretary shall require the testing of
an individual who applies for issuance or renewal
of a license or certificate of registry under this
chapter for use of a dangerous drug in violation
of law or Federal regulation.
(j) The Secretary may issue a license under this
section in a class under subsection (c) to an applicant that—
(1) has at least 3 months of qualifying service
on vessels of the uniformed services (as that
term is defined in section 101(a) of title 10) of
appropriate tonnage or horsepower within the
7-year period immediately preceding the date
of application; and
(2) satisfies all other requirements for such a
license.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 539; Pub. L.
98–557, § 29(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2873; Pub. L.
101–380, title IV, § 4101(a), Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat.
509; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 720, Oct. 19, 1996,
110 Stat. 3938; Pub. L. 113–281, title III, § 305(a),
Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3043.)

Subsection (d) requires the Secretary to establish, when
possible, suitable career patterns and service for and other
qualifying requirements appropriate to the particular
service or industry for the individuals so engaged.
Subsection (e) sets forth the requirements that pilots
must meet before being issued a license.
Subsection (f) authorizes the Secretary to issue certificates of registry to qualified individuals as pursers, medical doctors, and professional nurses.
References in Text
Sections 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) and 206(b)(7) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982, referred to in subsec. (g),
are sections 205(a)(3)(A), (B) and 206(b)(7) of Pub. L. 97–364,
which are set out as a note under section 401 of Title 23,
Highways.
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 113–281 added subsec. (j).
1996—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title”
after “1,600 gross tons”.
1990—Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 101–380 added subsecs.
(g) to (i).
1984—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 98–557 inserted exemption
for pilots on a vessel of less than 1,600 gross tons.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents
occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L.
101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section
2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.
Plan for Licensing Operators of Fishing Industry
Vessels
Pub. L. 100–424, § 3, Sept. 9, 1988, 102 Stat. 1590, required
the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard
is operating, within two years after Sept. 9, 1988, to prepare and submit to the Congress a plan for the licensing
of operators of documented fishing, fish processing, and
fish tender vessels.

§ 7102. Citizenship
Licenses and certificates of registry for individuals on documented vessels may be issued only to
citizens of the United States.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540.)
Historical and Revision Notes

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7101 ..................................... 46:214
46:224
46:226
46:228
46:229
46:229a
46:229b
46:242
46:243
46:244
46:247

Section 7101(a) provides the authority for the establishment of licenses and certificates of registry for officers
and individuals operating vessels who are required to
hold them under Subtitle II.
Subsection (b) authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses and certificates of registry based on tonnage,
means of propulsion, horsepower, vessel operating area,
and other reasonable standards.
Subsection (c) authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses
to masters, mates, engineers, pilots, operators, and radio
officers when found qualified as to age, character, habits
of life, experience, professional qualifications, and physical fitness. These qualifying standards must by necessity be reasonable and related to the rigors of the profession.

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7102 ..................................... 46:242
46:1132(a)

Section 7102 requires that any individual issued a license or certificate of registry allowing the individual
to be engaged on a documented vessel must be a U.S.
citizen.

§ 7103. Licenses for radio officers
(a) A license as radio officer may be issued only
to an applicant who has a first-class or secondclass radiotelegraph operator license issued by the
Federal Communications Commission.
(b) Except as provided in section 7318 of this
title, this part does not affect the status of radiotelegraph operators serving on board vessels operating only on the Great Lakes.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7103 ..................................... 46:229a
46:229b
46:229g

§ 7104

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

Section 7103 requires an applicant for a license as a
radio officer to have, as a prerequisite, a first-class or
second-class radiotelegraph operator license issued by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It also excepts radiotelegraph operators that are engaged on Great
Lakes vessels from the requirement of having to obtain
a radio officer’s license.

§ 7104. Certificates for medical doctors and nurses
A certificate of registry as a medical doctor or
professional nurse may be issued only to an applicant who has a license as a medical doctor or
registered nurse, respectively, issued by a State.

Page 570

124 Stat. 2970; Pub. L. 115–282, title V, § 510(1), Dec.
4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4274.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Section 7106 sets a 5 year time limit on the validity of
a license. It also requires a licensed radio officer to be in
continuous possession of an FCC license.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7104 ..................................... 46:243

Section 7104 requires
registry as a medical
have, as a prerequisite,
registered nurse issued

an applicant for a certificate of
doctor or professional nurse to
a license as a medical doctor or
by a State.

§ 7105. Oaths
An applicant for a license or certificate of registry shall take, before the issuance of the license or certificate, an oath, without concealment
or reservation, that the applicant will perform
faithfully and honestly, according to the best skill
and judgment of the applicant, all the duties required by law.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540; Pub. L.
111–281, title VI, § 613, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2970.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7105 ..................................... 46:229e
46:231
46:244

Section 7105 requires all individuals who wish to be issued a license or certificate of registry to take an oath
before a government official that they will perform all
the duties required by law according to their best skill
and judgment.
Amendments
2010—Pub. L. 111–281 struck out “before a designated
official” after “an oath”.

§ 7106. Duration of licenses
(a) In General.—A license issued under this
part is valid for a 5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods; except that
the validity of a license issued to a radio officer
is conditioned on the continuous possession by
the holder of a first-class or second-class radiotelegraph operator license issued by the Federal
Communications Commission.
(b) Advance Renewals.—A renewed license issued under this part may be issued up to 8 months
in advance but is not effective until the date that
the previously issued license expires or until the
completion of any active suspension or revocation
of that previously issued license, whichever is later.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540; Pub. L.
101–380, title IV, § 4102(a), Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat.
509; Pub. L. 111–281, title VI, § 614(b), Oct. 15, 2010,

Source section (U.S. Code)

7106 ..................................... 46:214(c)
46:225
46:226
46:228
46:229
46:229c

Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282 substituted “license,
whichever” for “merchant mariner’s document, whichever”.
2010—Pub. L. 111–281 amended section generally. Prior
to amendment, text read as follows: “A license issued under this part is valid for 5 years and may be renewed for
additional 5-year periods. However, the validity of a license issued to a radio officer is conditioned on the continuous possession by the holder of a first-class or second-class radiotelegraph operator license issued by the
Federal Communications Commission.”
1990—Pub. L. 101–380 inserted “and may be renewed for
additional 5-year periods” after “for 5 years”.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents
occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L.
101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section
2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.
Termination of Existing Licenses, Certificates,
and Documents; Applicability of 1990 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–380, title IV, § 4102(d), Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat.
510, provided that: “A license, certificate of registry, or
merchant mariner’s document issued before the date of
the enactment of this section [Aug. 18, 1990] terminates
on the day it would have expired if—
“(1) subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and sections 7107 and 7302 of this title] were in
effect on the date it was issued; and
“(2) it was renewed at the end of each 5-year period
under section 7106, 7107, or 7302 of title 46, United States
Code.”

§ 7107. Duration of certificates of registry
(a) In General.—A certificate of registry issued under this part is valid for a 5-year period
and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods;
except that the validity of a certificate issued to
a medical doctor or professional nurse is conditioned on the continuous possession by the holder
of a license as a medical doctor or registered
nurse, respectively, issued by a State.
(b) Advance Renewals.—A renewed certificate
of registry issued under this part may be issued
up to 8 months in advance but is not effective until the date that the previously issued certificate
of registry expires or until the completion of any
active suspension or revocation of that previously
issued certificate of registry, whichever is later.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540; Pub. L.
101–380, title IV, § 4102(b), Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat.
509; Pub. L. 111–281, title VI, § 614(c), Oct. 15, 2010,
124 Stat. 2971; Pub. L. 115–282, title V, § 510(2), Dec.
4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4274.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7107 ..................................... 46:243

Page 571

§ 7112

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

Section 7107 specifies that there is no time limit on
the validity of a certificate of registry issued to a medical doctor or a professional nurse but is conditioned on
the continuous possession of the appropriate license issued by a State.
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–282 substituted “certificate of registry, whichever” for “merchant mariner’s document, whichever”.
2010—Pub. L. 111–281 amended section generally. Prior
to amendment, text read as follows: “A certificate of
registry issued under this part is valid for 5 years and
may be renewed for additional 5-year periods. However,
the validity of a certificate issued to a medical doctor or
professional nurse is conditioned on the continuous possession by the holder of a license as a medical doctor or
registered nurse, respectively, issued by a State.”
1990—Pub. L. 101–380 substituted “is valid for 5 years
and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods” for “is
not limited in duration”.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents
occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L.
101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section
2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.
Termination of Existing Licenses, Certificates,
and Documents; Applicability of 1990 Amendment
For provisions that a certificate of registry issued before Aug. 18, 1990, terminates on the day it would have
expired if the amendment to this section by Pub. L.
101–380 were in effect on date it was issued and was renewed at the end of each 5-year period under this section, see section 4102(d) of Pub. L. 101–380, set out as a
note under section 7106 of this title.

§ 7108. Termination of licenses and certificates of
registry
When the holder of a license or certificate of
registry, the duration of which is conditioned under section 7106 or 7107 of this title, fails to hold
the license required as a condition, the license or
certificate of registry issued under this part is
terminated.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7108 ..................................... 46:229c
46:243

Section 7108 specifies if any individual issued a license
or certificate of registry fails to have the required FCC
or appropriate State medical license, the license or certificate is automatically terminated. The suspension and
revocation procedures provided in chapter 77 are not applicable in these cases.

§ 7109. Review of criminal records
The Secretary may review the criminal record
of each holder of a license or certificate of registry issued under this part who applies for renewal of that license or certificate of registry.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540; Pub. L.
101–380, title IV, § 4102(e)(1), Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat.
510.)

Section 7109 authorizes the Secretary to renew licenses
and certificates of registry for additional 5 year periods.
Amendments
1990—Pub. L. 101–380 substituted “Review of criminal
records” for “Renewal of licenses” in section catchline
and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text
read as follows: “A license issued under this part may be
renewed for additional 5-year periods.”
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents
occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L.
101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section
2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

§ 7110. Exhibiting licenses
Each holder of a license issued under this part
shall display, within 48 hours after employment
on a vessel for which that license is required, the
license in a conspicuous place on the vessel.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 541.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7109 ..................................... 46:229f
46:232

Section 7110 requires licensed individuals to display
the license in a conspicuous place on the vessel within 48
hours after they are employed.

§ 7111. Oral examinations for licenses
An individual may take an oral examination for
a license to serve on a fishing, fish processing, or
fish tender vessel not required to be inspected under part B of this subtitle.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 541; Pub. L.
98–364, title IV, § 402(8)(B), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat.
447; Pub. L. 99–307, § 1(10), May 19, 1986, 100 Stat.
445.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7109 ..................................... 46:224a(2)

Section 7111 provides for oral tests for licenses for individuals on fishing vessels that are not required to be
inspected under part B.
Amendments
1986—Pub. L. 99–307 substituted “part” for “Part”.
1984—Pub. L. 98–364 substituted in section catchline
“Oral examinations for licenses” for “Licenses for fishing vessels not subject to inspection” and in text “An
individual may take an oral examination for a license to
serve on a fishing, fish processing, or fish tender vessel
not required to be inspected under Part B of this subtitle” for “Examinations for licensing individuals on fishing vessels not required to be inspected under part B of
this subtitle shall be oral”.

§ 7112. Licenses of masters or mates as pilots
A master or mate licensed under this part who
also qualifies as a pilot is not required to hold 2
licenses. Instead, the qualification of the master
or mate as pilot shall be endorsed on the master’s
or mate’s license.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 541.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)
Revised section

7109 ..................................... 46:225
46:233

Source section (U.S. Code)

7112 ..................................... 46:230

§ 7113

TITLE 46—SHIPPING

Section 7112 provides for the endorsement of a master’s
or mate’s license as a pilot if they meet those specifications. These individuals do not have to hold two separate
licenses.

§ 7113. Exemption from draft
A licensed master, mate, pilot, or engineer of a
vessel inspected under part B of this subtitle, propelled by machinery or carrying hazardous liquid
cargoes in bulk, is not liable to draft in time of
war, except for performing duties authorized by
the license. When performing those duties in the
service of the United States Government, the master, mate, pilot, or engineer is entitled to the highest rate of wages paid in the merchant marine of
the United States for similar services. If killed or
wounded when performing those duties, the master, mate, pilot, or engineer, or the heirs or legal
representatives of the master, mate, pilot, or engineer, are entitled to all the privileges under the
pension laws of the United States provided to members of the Armed Forces.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 541.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7113 ..................................... 46:225

Section 7113 exempts licensed masters, mates, pilots,
and engineers of inspected vessels that are propelled by
machinery or carrying hazardous liquid cargo from the
Selective Service draft in time of war.
This section also provides that, while serving in that
capacity during war, they shall be entitled to the highest
rate of pay paid in the U.S. merchant marine for similar
services.
If a master, mate, pilot, or engineer is killed or wounded when performing those duties during a war, these individuals, their heirs or legal representatives, are entitled to all the privileges provided to members of the
Armed Forces under the pension laws of the United States.

§ 7114. Fees
The Secretary may prescribe by regulation reasonable fees for the inspection of and the issuance
of a certificate, license, or permit related to small
passenger vessels and sailing school vessels.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 541.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7114 ..................................... 46:390a(b)

Section 7114 allows the Secretary to prescribe reasonable fees for the issuance of a certificate of inspection,
license, or registry, or permits related to small passenger vessels and sailing school vessels.

[§ 7115. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–282, title VI,
§ 601(c)(2), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4289]
Section, added Pub. L. 111–281, title II, § 210(a), Oct. 15,
2010, 124 Stat. 2913, established the Merchant Mariner
Medical Advisory Committee. See section 15104 of this
title.

§ 7116. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials
(a) Requirement for Sample Exams.—The Secretary shall develop a sample merchant mariner
credential examination and outline of merchant
mariner examination topics on an annual basis.

Page 572

(b) Public Availability.—Each sample examination and outline of topics developed under subsection (a) shall be readily available to the public.
(c) Merchant Mariner Credential Defined.—
In this section, the term “merchant mariner credential” has the meaning that term has in section 7510.
(Added Pub. L. 114–120, title III, § 315(b)(1), Feb. 8,
2016, 130 Stat. 62.)
CHAPTER 73—MERCHANT MARINERS’
DOCUMENTS
Sec.

7301.
7302.
7303.
7304.
7305.
7306.
7307.
7308.
7309.
7310.
7311.
7311a.
7312.
7313.
7314.
7315.
7316.
7317.
7318.
7319.

General.
Issuing merchant mariners’ documents and
continuous discharge books.
Possession and description of merchant mariners’ documents.
Citizenship notation on merchant mariners’
documents.
Oaths for holders of merchant mariners’ documents.
General requirements and classifications for
able seamen.
Able seamen—unlimited.
Able seamen—limited.
Able seamen—special.
Able seamen—offshore supply vessels.
Able seamen—sail.
Able seamen—fishing industry.
Scale of employment.
General requirements for members of engine
departments.
Service requirements for qualified members of
engine departments.
Training.
Lifeboatmen.
Tankermen.
Radiotelegraph operators on Great Lakes.
Records of merchant mariners’ documents.
Historical and Revision Notes

Chapter 73 establishes the general requirements for the
issuance of a merchant mariners’ document to those individuals who are required to have a document prior to
engagement or employment on certain vessels of the United
States.
Amendments
1984—Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(9)(A), July 17, 1984,
98 Stat. 448, added item 7311a.

§ 7301. General
(a) In this chapter—
(1) “service on deck” means service in the
deck department in work related to the work
usually performed on board vessels by able seamen and may include service on fishing, fish
processing, fish tender vessels and on public vessels of the United States;
(2) 360 days is equal to one year’s service; and
(3) a day is equal to 8 hours of labor or duty.
(b) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to
carry out this chapter.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 541; Pub. L.
98–364, title IV, § 402(9)(B), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat.
448.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7301 ..................................... 46:672(c)