Public Law 119-83 (04/13/2026)

46 U.S.C. § 2109

Public vessels

Except as otherwise provided, this subtitle does not apply to a public vessel of the United States. However, this subtitle does apply to a vessel (except a Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation vessel) owned or operated by the Department of Transportation or by any corporation organized or controlled by the Department.

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 507 Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5102(b)(3)100 Stat. 1927 Pub. L. 109–241, title IX, § 902(e)(1)120 Stat. 567 Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, § 903(a)(5)(A)124 Stat. 3010 Pub. L. 116–260, div. AA, title V, § 512(c)(6)(A)134 Stat. 2756 (, , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

2109

46:362

46:363

46:391a(4)

Section 2109 exempts public vessels from the applicability of the maritime safety and seamen’s welfare laws of this subtitle although some public vessels are inspected under interagency voluntary agreements.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 116–2602020— substituted “Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation” for “Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation”.

Pub. L. 111–281Pub. L. 109–241, § 902(e)(1)2010— amended directory language of . See 2006 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 109–241, § 902(e)(1)Pub. L. 111–2812006—, as amended by , struck out “a Coast Guard or” after “(except”.

Pub. L. 99–5091986— substituted “Except as otherwise provided, this” for “This”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–281, title IX, § 903(a)124 Stat. 3010 Pub. L. 109–241, , , provided that the amendment by section 903(a)(5)(A) is effective with enactment of .