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46 U.S.C. 12303: Exemption from numbering requirementsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 123-NUMBERING UNDOCUMENTED VESSELS
Jump To: Source CreditHistorical and Revision Notes

§12303. Exemption from numbering requirements

(a)  When the Secretary is the authority issuing a number under this chapter, the Secretary may exempt a vessel or class of vessels from the numbering requirements of this chapter under conditions the Secretary may prescribe.

(b)  When a State is the issuing authority, it may exempt from the numbering requirements of this chapter a vessel or class of vessels exempted under subsection (a) of this section or otherwise as permitted by the Secretary.

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 591 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

12303

46:1468

Section 12303 permits the Secretary and any State, when it is the issuing authority, to exempt vessels from the numbering requirements.