dreamproit/uscode huggingface dataset:
46 U.S.C. § 4701 (SHIPPING)
§ 4701. Definitions
In this subchapter—
(1) “abandon” means to moor, strand, wreck, sink, or leave a barge of more than 100 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title unattended for longer than forty-five days.
(2) “barge removal contractor” means a person that enters into a contract with the United States to remove an abandoned barge under this subchapter.
(3) “navigable waters of the United States” means waters of the United States, including the territorial sea.
(4) “removal” or “remove” means relocation, sale, scrapping, or other method of disposal.
(Added Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5302, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5081; amended Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 718, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3937; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(c)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1781.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Pub. L. 119–60, § 7347(c)(1)(A), substituted “subchapter” for “chapter” in introductory provisions.
Par. (2). Pub. L. 119–60, § 7347(c)(1)(B), substituted “subchapter” for “chapter”.
1996—Par. (1). Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “100 gross tons”.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Application to Certain Barges
text: Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5303, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5083, provided that: “Chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) [section 5302], does not apply to a barge abandoned before June 11, 1992, if the barge was removed before the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this title [Nov. 4, 1992].”
heading: Executive Documents
heading: Territorial Sea of United States
text: For extension of territorial sea of United States, see Proc. No. 5928, set out as a note under section 1331 of Title 43, Public Lands.
46 U.S.C. § 4703 (SHIPPING)
§ 4703. Penalty for unlawful abandonment of barge
Thirty days after the notification procedures under section 4704(a)(1) are completed, the Secretary may assess a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each day of the violation against an owner or operator that violates section 4702. A vessel with respect to which a penalty is assessed under this subchapter is liable in rem for the penalty.
(Added Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5302, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5082; amended Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(c)(2), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1781.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Pub. L. 119–60 substituted “subchapter” for “chapter”.
46 U.S.C. § 4704 (SHIPPING)
§ 4704. Removal of abandoned barges
(a)
(1) The Secretary may remove a barge that is abandoned after complying with the following procedures:
(A) If the identity of the owner or operator can be determined, the Secretary shall notify the owner or operator by certified mail—
(i) that if the barge is not removed it will be removed at the owner’s or operator’s expense; and
(ii) of the penalty under section 4703.
(B) If the identity of the owner or operator cannot be determined, the Secretary shall publish an announcement in—
(i) a notice to mariners; and
(ii) an official journal of the county in which the barge is located
that if the barge is not removed it will be removed at the owner’s or operator’s expense.
(2) The United States, and any officer or employee of the United States is not liable to an owner or operator for damages resulting from removal of an abandoned barge under this subchapter.
(b) The owner or operator of an abandoned barge is liable, and an abandoned barge is liable in rem, for all expenses that the United States incurs in removing an abandoned barge under this subchapter.
(c)
(1) The Secretary may, after providing notice under subsection (a)(1), solicit by public advertisement sealed bids for the removal of an abandoned barge.
(2) After solicitation under paragraph (1) the Secretary may award a contract. The contract—
(A) may be subject to the condition that the barge and all property on the barge is the property of the barge removal contractor; and
(B) must require the barge removal contractor to submit to the Secretary a plan for the removal.
(3) Removal of an abandoned barge may begin thirty days after the Secretary completes the procedures under subsection (a)(1).
(Added Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5302, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5082; amended Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(c)(3), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1781.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Subsecs. (a)(2), (b). Pub. L. 119–60 substituted “subchapter” for “chapter”.
46 U.S.C. § 4705 (SHIPPING)
§ 4705. Liability of barge removal contractors
(a) A barge removal contractor and its subcontractor are not liable for damages that result from actions taken or omitted to be taken in the course of removing a barge under this subchapter.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply—
(1) with respect to personal injury or wrongful death; or
(2) if the contractor or subcontractor is grossly negligent or engages in willful misconduct.
(Added Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5302, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5083; amended Pub. L. 109–304, § 15(19), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1703; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(c)(4), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1781.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 119–60 substituted “subchapter” for “chapter”.
2006—Pub. L. 109–304 in subsec. (a) struck out par. (1) designation before “A barge removal” and substituted “subcontractor are not” for “subcontractor not”, redesignated par. (2) as subsec. (b) and subpars. (A) and (B) of former par. (2) as pars. (1) and (2) of subsec. (b), respectively, and substituted “Subsection (a)” for “Paragraph (1)”.
46 U.S.C. § 4710 (SHIPPING)
§ 4710. Definitions
In this subchapter:
(1) Abandon.—
The term “abandon” means to moor, strand, wreck, sink, or leave a covered vessel unattended for longer than 45 days.
(2) Covered vessel.—
The term “covered vessel” means a vessel that is not a barge to which subchapter I applies.
(3) Indian tribe.—
The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(4) Native hawaiian organization.—
The term “Native Hawaiian organization” has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
(Added Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(a)(3), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1779.)
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Regulations
text: Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1781, provided that: “The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall issue regulations with respect to the procedures for determining that a vessel is abandoned for the purposes of subchapter II of chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section).”
46 U.S.C. § 4711 (SHIPPING)
§ 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited
(a) In General.—
An owner or operator of a covered vessel may not abandon such vessel on the navigable waters of the United States.
(b) Determination of Abandonment.—
(1) Notification.—
(A) In general.—
With respect to a covered vessel that appears to be abandoned, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall—
(i) attempt to identify the owner using the vessel registration number, hull identification number, or any other information that can be reasonably inferred or gathered; and
(ii) notify such owner—
(I) of the penalty described in subsection (c); and
(II) that the vessel will be removed at the expense of the owner if the Commandant determines that the vessel is abandoned and the owner does not remove or account for the vessel.
(B) Form.—
The Commandant shall provide the notice required under subparagraph (A)—
(i) if the owner can be identified, via certified mail or other appropriate forms determined by the Commandant; or
(ii) if the owner cannot be identified, via an announcement in a local publication and on a website maintained by the Coast Guard.
(2) Determination.—
The Commandant shall make a determination not earlier than 45 days after the date on which the Commandant provides the notification required under paragraph (1) of whether a covered vessel described in such paragraph is abandoned.
(c) Penalty.—
(1) In general.—
The Commandant may assess a civil penalty of not more than $500 against an owner or operator of a covered vessel determined to be abandoned under subsection (b) for a violation of subsection (a).
(2) Liability in rem.—
The owner or operator of a covered vessel shall also be liable in rem for a penalty imposed under paragraph (1).
(3) Limitation.—
The Commandant shall not assess a penalty if the Commandant determines the vessel was abandoned due to major extenuating circumstances of the owner or operator of the vessel, including long term medical incapacitation of the owner or operator.
(d) Vessels Not Abandoned.—
The Commandant may not determine that a covered vessel is abandoned under this section if—
(1) such vessel is located at a federally approved or State approved mooring area;
(2) such vessel is located on private property with the permission of the owner of such property;
(3) the owner or operator of such vessel provides a notification to the Commandant that—
(A) indicates the location of the vessel;
(B) indicates that the vessel is not abandoned; and
(C) contains documentation proving that the vessel is allowed to be in such location; or
(4) the Commandant determines that such an abandonment determination would not be in the public interest.
(Added Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(a)(3), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1779.)
46 U.S.C. § 4712 (SHIPPING)
§ 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels
(a) In General.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and relevant State agencies, shall establish and maintain a national inventory of covered vessels that are abandoned.
(b) Contents.—
The inventory established and maintained under subsection (a) shall include data on each vessel, including geographic information system data related to the location of each such vessel.
(c) Publication.—
The Commandant shall make the inventory established under subsection (a) publicly available on a website of the Coast Guard.
(d) Reporting of Potentially Abandoned Vessels.—
In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall develop a process by which—
(1) a State, Indian Tribe, Native Hawaiian organization, or person may report a covered vessel that may be abandoned to the Commandant for potential inclusion in the inventory established under subsection (a);
(2) the Commandant shall review any such report and add such vessel to the inventory if the Commandant determines that the reported vessel is abandoned pursuant to section 4711.
(e) Clarification.—
Except in a response action carried out under section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321) or in the case of imminent threat to life and safety, the Commandant shall not be responsible for removing any covered vessels listed on the inventory established and maintained under subsection (a).
(Added Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(a)(3), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1780.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: The date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, referred to in subsec. (a), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 119–60, which was approved Dec. 18, 2025.
46 U.S.C. § 7102 (SHIPPING)
§ 7102. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality
Licenses and certificates of registry for individuals on documented vessels may be issued only to citizens or noncitizen nationals (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408)) of the United States.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 540; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(b)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1751.)
text: Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section
Source section (U.S. Code)
7102
46:242
46:1132(a)
Section 7102 requires that any individual issued a license or certificate of registry allowing the individual to be engaged on a documented vessel must be a U.S. citizen.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Pub. L. 119–60 inserted “or noncitizen nationality” after “Citizenship” in section catchline and “or noncitizen nationals (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))” after “citizens” in text.
46 U.S.C. § 7116 (SHIPPING)
§ 7116. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials
(a) Requirement for Sample Exams.—
The Secretary shall develop a sample merchant mariner credential examination and outline of merchant mariner examination topics on an annual basis.
(b) Public Availability.—
Each sample examination and outline of topics developed under subsection (a) shall be readily available to the public.
(Added Pub. L. 114–120, title III, § 315(b)(1), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 62; amended Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(c), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1753.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 119–60 struck out subsec. (c). Text read as follows: “In this section, the term ‘merchant mariner credential’ has the meaning that term has in section 7510.”
46 U.S.C. § 7304 (SHIPPING)
§ 7304. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality notation on merchant mariners’ documents
An individual applying for a merchant mariner’s document shall provide satisfactory proof that the individual is a citizen or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408)) of the United States before that notation is made on the document.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 542; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(b)(2)(A), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1751.)
text: Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section
Source section (U.S. Code)
7304
46:643(b)
Section 7304 specifies, that before a merchant mariner’s document is noted to specify that the individual is a U.S. citizen, the individual must provide satisfactory proof that he is a citizen. This does not impose a requirement of United States citizenship as a condition for issuance of a document.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Pub. L. 119–60 inserted “or noncitizen nationality” after “Citizenship” in section catchline and “or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))” after “citizen” in text.
46 U.S.C. § 7307 (SHIPPING)
§ 7307. Able seamen—unlimited
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—unlimited, qualified for unlimited service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 18 months 1 service on deck on board vessels operating at sea or on the Great Lakes.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 543; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(2), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1753.)
text: Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section
Source section (U.S. Code)
7307
46:672(b)(1)
Section 7307 requires individuals to have at least 3 years service on deck on vessels operating at sea or on the Great Lakes before their merchant mariner’s documents can be endorsed as able seamen—unlimited.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Pub. L. 119–60, which directed amendment of this section by substituting “18 months” for “3 years”, was executed by making the substitution for “3 years’ ” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
text: Pub. L. 118–31, div. C, title XXXV, § 3534(j), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 833, provided that:
“For the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023]—
“(1) section 7307 of title 46, United States Code, shall be applied by substituting ‘18 months’ for ‘3 years’;
“(2) section 7308 of such title shall be applied by substituting ‘12 months’ for ‘18 months’; and
“(3) section 7309 of such title shall be applied by substituting ‘6 months’ for ‘12 months’.”
heading: Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
text: 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.
46 U.S.C. § 7308 (SHIPPING)
§ 7308. Able seamen—limited
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—limited, qualified for limited service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 12 months 1 service on deck on board vessels of at least 100 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title operating on the oceans or navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 543; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 721, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3938; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(3), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1754.)
text: 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.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Pub. L. 119–60, 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.
1996—Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “100 gross tons”.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
text: Section to be applied by substituting “12 months” for “18 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.
heading: Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
text: 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.
46 U.S.C. § 7309 (SHIPPING)
§ 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 6 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; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(4), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1754.)
text: 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.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Pub. L. 119–60, 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.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
text: 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.
heading: Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
text: 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.
46 U.S.C. § 7313 (SHIPPING)
§ 7313. General requirements for members of engine departments
(a) Classes of endorsement as qualified members of the engine department on vessels of at least 100 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title (except vessels operating on rivers or lakes (except the Great Lakes)) may be prescribed by regulation.
(b) The ratings of wiper are entry ratings and are not ratings as qualified members of the engine department.1
(c) Classification of Credentials.—
The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on—
(1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels;
(2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or
(3) other appropriate standards.
(d) Qualifications.—
To qualify for a credential under this section, an applicant shall provide satisfactory proof that the applicant—
(1) is at least 18 years of age;
(2) has a minimum of 6-months service in the related entry rating;
(3) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements; and
(4) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the member’s duties.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 544; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 724, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3939; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(5), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1754.)
text: Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section
Source section (U.S. Code)
7313
46:672(g)
Section 7313(a) authorizes the Secretary to establish classes of endorsement for qualified members of the engine department on vessels of 100 gross tons or more (except on vessels operating on rivers and lakes (except the Great Lakes)).
Subsection (b) establishes the entry ratings of wiper and coal passer, but specifically excludes them as qualified members of the engine department.
Subsection (c) establishes the minimum qualifications individuals must meet in order to have their documents endorsed as a qualified member of engine department.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 119–60, § 7301(d)(5)(A), struck out “and coal passer” after “wiper”.
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 119–60, § 7301(d)(5)(B), added subsecs. (c) and (d) and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: “An applicant for an endorsement as qualified member of the engine department must provide satisfactory proof that the applicant—
“(1) has the service required by section 7314 of this title;
“(2) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination; and
“(3) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the member’s duties.”
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “100 gross tons”.
46 U.S.C. § 7314 (SHIPPING)
[§ 7314. Repealed. Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(f), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1755]
text: Section, Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 544, related to service requirements for qualified members of engine departments.