US Code

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

46 U.S.C. § 7309

Able seamen—special

1

1 So in original. Probably should be “6 months’ ”.
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—special, qualified for special service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 6 months  service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 543 Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(4)139 Stat. 1754 (, , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7309

46:672(b)(3)

Section 7309 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to qualify as able seamen—special.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 119–602025—, which directed amendment of this section by substituting “6 months” for “12 months”, was executed by making the substitution for “12 months’ ” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

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 “6 months” for “12 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 .