US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

46 U.S.C. § 12131

Command of documented vessels

(a)

In General .—

8 U.S.C. 1408Except as provided in subsection (b), a documented vessel may be placed under the command only of a citizen or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ()) of the United States.
(b)

Exceptions .—

Subsection (a) does not apply to—
(1)
a vessel with only a recreational endorsement; or
(2)
an unmanned barge operating outside of the territorial waters of the United States.

Pub. L. 109–304, § 5120 Stat. 1505Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, § 3529(a)(3)122 Stat. 603Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(b)(2)(C)139 Stat. 1752(, , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

12131

46:12110(d).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 119–608 U.S.C. 14082025—Subsec. (a). inserted “or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ())” after “citizen”.

Pub. L. 110–1812008—Subsec. (a). substituted “command” for “commmand”.