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

46 U.S.C. § 12303

Exemption from numbering requirements

(a)
When the Secretary is the authority issuing a number under this chapter, the Secretary may exempt a vessel or class of vessels from the numbering requirements of this chapter under conditions the Secretary may prescribe.
(b)
When a State is the issuing authority, it may exempt from the numbering requirements of this chapter a vessel or class of vessels exempted under subsection (a) of this section or otherwise as permitted by the Secretary.

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 591(, , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

12303

46:1468

Section 12303 permits the Secretary and any State, when it is the issuing authority, to exempt vessels from the numbering requirements.