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LegalText 46 U.S.C. § 7306 General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments us united_states_code code_section 46 SHIPPING 73 MERCHANT MARINERS DOCUMENTS 7306 46 U.S.C. § 7306 current 119-100 2026-06-26 official https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc46@119-100.zip /us/usc/t46/s7306 data/legal/raw/us/code/title-46/usc46.xml 9011181b2da85043fc2d1e99c6db4b2f017486116a8a6225c2cb3cc59b86e572 eb1331aa3c08ed87231a3606d86b30d1b5942cdf8542f6a3df8ac1d66e86057f 2a0389634ae993969e4a66de55993c83a654fbe918712f390c97c7d859ab1d29 2026-07-04 official
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46 U.S.C. § 7306 - General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments

Text

(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 seafarers 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. 9889, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 542; Pub. L. 98364, title IV, § 402(9)(C), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 448; Pub. L. 11960, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1753.)

Notes

Historical and Revision Notes Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 730646:672(b) Section 7306(a) establishes the minimum requirements an individual must meet before being issued a merchant mariners 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.

Editorial Notes

Amendments2025—Pub. L. 11960 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to general requirements and classifications for able seamen. 1984—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 98364 added par. (6).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective DateProvisions of this section (related to able seaman—sail) effective Apr. 15, 1984, see section 2(g)(1) of Pub. L. 9889, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

Implementation of 2025 AmendmentPub. L. 11960, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(e)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1755, provided that: “The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the requirements under subsection (c) of section 7306 of title 46, United States Code (as amended by this section), without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (5 U.S.C. 601 note).”

Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able SeamanPub. L. 101595, title VI, § 602(e)(3), Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2992, provided that: “For the purposes of chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation shall accept the service used by an individual to qualify for an endorsement as able seaman—fishing industry as qualifying service toward an endorsement as an able seaman— “(A) under sections 7307 and 7309 of that title; or “(B) if the service is on board a vessel of at least 100 gross tons, under section 7308 of that title.”