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

46 U.S.C. § 7308

Able seamen—limited

1

1 So in original. Probably should be “12 months’ ”.
section 14502 of this titlesection 14302 of this titlesection 14104 of this titleThe required service for the endorsement of able seaman—limited, qualified for limited service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 12 months  service on deck on board vessels of at least 100 gross tons as measured under , or an alternate tonnage measured under as prescribed by the Secretary under operating on the oceans or navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 543 Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 721110 Stat. 3938 Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(3)139 Stat. 1754 (, , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7308

46:672(b)(2)

Section 7308 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to qualify for an endorsement as able seamen—limited.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 119–602025—, which directed amendment of this section by substituting “12 months” for “18 months”, was executed by making the amendment for “18 months’ ” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 104–324section 14502 of this titlesection 14302 of this titlesection 14104 of this title1996— inserted “as measured under , or an alternate tonnage measured under as prescribed by the Secretary under ” after “100 gross tons”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service

section 3534(j) of Pub. L. 118–31section 7307 of this titleSection to be applied by substituting “12 months” for “18 months” for the 3-year period beginning on , see , set out as a note under .

Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman

section 602(e)(3) of Pub. L. 101–595section 7306 of this titleService used to qualify for endorsement as able seaman—fishing industry to be accepted as qualifying service toward an endorsement under this section, see , set out as a note under .