US Code

Public Law 119-88 (05/04/2026)

46 U.S.C. § 12102

Vessels requiring documentation

(a)

In General .—

Except as otherwise provided, a vessel may engage in a trade only if the vessel has been issued a certificate of documentation with an endorsement for that trade under this chapter.
(b)

Vessels Less Than Net Tons 5.—

A vessel of less than 5 net tons may engage in a trade without being documented if the vessel otherwise satisfies the requirements to engage in the particular trade.
(c)

Barges .—

A barge qualified to engage in the coastwise trade may engage in the coastwise trade, without being documented, on rivers, harbors, lakes (except the Great Lakes), canals, and inland waters.
(d)

Aquaculture Waiver.—

(1)

Permitting of nonqualified vessels to perform certain aquaculture support operations .—

Notwithstanding section 12113 and any other law, the Secretary of Transportation may issue a waiver allowing a documented vessel with a registry endorsement or a foreign flag vessel to be used in operations that treat aquaculture fish for or protect aquaculture fish from disease, parasitic infestation, or other threats to their health if the Secretary finds, after publishing a notice in the Federal Register, that a suitable vessel of the United States is not available that could perform those services.
(2)

Prohibition .—

Vessels operating under a waiver issued under this subsection may not engage in any coastwise transportation.

Pub. L. 109–304, § 5120 Stat. 1492 Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, § 901(c)(1)124 Stat. 3008 (, , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

12102(a)

46:12106(b).

 

46:12108(b).

 

46:12110(a).

12102(b)

46:12102(a) (related to tonnage).

12102(c)

46:12110(b).

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 585 Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5102(b)(6)100 Stat. 1927 Pub. L. 100–239, § 7(a)101 Stat. 1782 Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 104(a)(4)102 Stat. 4750 Pub. L. 101–225, title III, § 301(a)(2)103 Stat. 1920 Pub. L. 104–324, title XI, § 1136(a)110 Stat. 3986 Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title II, § 202(a)112 Stat. 2681–617 Pub. L. 105–383, title IV112 Stat. 3424 Pub. L. 107–20, title II, § 2202(a)115 Stat. 168 Pub. L. 107–206, title I, § 1103116 Stat. 884 Pub. L. 108–136, div. C, title XXXV, § 3534(b)(1)117 Stat. 1818 Pub. L. 109–304A prior section 12102, , , ; , , ; , , ; , (5), , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , §§ 401(a)(1), 421, , , 3439; , , ; , , ; , , , originally derived from section 65b of former Title 46, Shipping, related to vessels eligible for documentation, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by . See this section and sections 12103, 12111, and 12113 of this title.

Amendments

Pub. L. 111–2812010—Subsec. (d). added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations

Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, § 901(c)(2)124 Stat. 3008

section 553 of title 5“The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall, in accordance with , United States Code, and after public notice and comment, promulgate regulations necessary and appropriate to implement this subsection [amending this section]. The Secretary may grant interim permits pending the issuance of such regulations upon receipt of applications containing the required information.”
, , , provided that: