Notice: The uscode.house.gov website is currently operating in a temporary format. While the United States Code remains available from its authoritative source, some website features and functionality are temporarily unavailable.
The United States Code Online is current through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
Search & Browse Currency and Updating Classification Tables Popular Name Tool Positive Law Codification Editorial Reclassification Downloads
46 U.S.C. 51902: Gallant Ship AwardText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 519-MERCHANT MARINE AWARDS
Jump To: Source CreditHistorical and Revision Notes

§51902. Gallant Ship Award

(a)  Awards to Vessels.⁠—The Secretary of Transportation may award a Gallant Ship Award and a citation to a vessel (including a foreign vessel) participating in outstanding or gallant action in a marine disaster or other emergency to save life or property at sea. The Secretary may award a plaque to the vessel, and a replica of the plaque may be preserved as a permanent historical record.

(b)  Awards to Crews.⁠—The Secretary of Transportation may award an appropriate citation ribbon bar to the master and each individual serving, at the time of the action, on a vessel issued an award under subsection (a).

(c)  Consultation.⁠—The Secretary of Transportation shall consult with the Secretary of State before awarding an award or citation to a foreign vessel or its crew under this section.

( Pub. L. 109–304, § 8(b) , Oct. 6, 2006 , 120 Stat. 1584 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

51902

46 App.:2003.

Pub. L. 100–324, § 4, May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 576.

In subsection (a), the words “a vessel (including a foreign vessel)” are substituted for “a United States vessel or to a foreign-flag vessel” to eliminate unnecessary words.