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. 7102: Citizenship or noncitizen nationalityText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 71-LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRY
Jump To: Source CreditHistorical and Revision NotesEditorial NotesAmendments

§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 .)

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.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

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.