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Code · U.S. Code · Title 46 - SHIPPING · CHAPTER 73— MERCHANT MARINERS’ DOCUMENTS · § 7306

§ 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments

502 words·~2 min read·/usc/title-46/section-7306

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(a)In General.— The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes:
(1)Able Seaman-Unlimited.
(2)Able Seaman-Limited.
(3)Able Seaman-Special.
(4)Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels.
(5)Able Seaman-Sail.
(6)Able Seaman-Fishing Industry.
(7)Ordinary Seaman.
(b)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.
(c)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 the service required by the applicable section of this part;
(3)is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements;
(4)is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the seafarer’s duties; and
(5)has satisfied any additional requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged.
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 542; Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(9)(C), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 448; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1753.)
Section 7306(a) establishes the minimum requirements an individual must meet before being issued a merchant mariner’s document endorsed for able seamen.
Subsection
(b)establishes the classifications of able seamen—unlimited, able seamen—limited, able seamen—special, able seamen—offshore supply vessels, and able seamen—sail.
Connections12 cite this · traces to 3
13 references not yet in our index
  • Pub. L. 98–89
  • 97 Stat. 542
  • Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(9)(C)
  • 98 Stat. 448
  • Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(1)
  • 139 Stat. 1753
  • Pub. L. 119–60
  • Pub. L. 98–364
  • section 2(g)(1) of Pub. L. 98–89
  • Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(e)(1)
  • 139 Stat. 1755
  • Pub. L. 101–595, title VI, § 602(e)(3)
  • 104 Stat. 2992
Citation graph
cites case law
§ 7306
General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments
Fed. Reg.×6
U.S.C.×5
Stat.×1
Pub. L.Pub. L. 98–89
Stat.97 Stat. 542
Pub. L.Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(9)(C)
Stat.98 Stat. 448
Pub. L.Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(1)
Cites 16 · showing 8Cited by 12 across 3 sources
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