§7309. Able seamen-special

The required service for the endorsement of able seaman-special, qualified for special service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 12 months' ¹ service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).

( Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 543 .)

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.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service

Section to be applied by substituting "6 months" for "12 months" for the 3-year period beginning on Dec. 22, 2023, see section 3534(j) of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 7307 of this title.

Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman

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

¹ See Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service note below.