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47 U.S.C. 381: Vessels transporting more than six passengers for hire required to be equipped with radiotelephoneText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 47-TELECOMMUNICATIONSCHAPTER 5-WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION
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§381. Vessels transporting more than six passengers for hire required to be equipped with radiotelephone

Except as provided in section 382 of this title, it shall be unlawful for any vessel of the United States, transporting more than six passengers for hire, to be navigated in the open sea or any tidewater within the jurisdiction of the United States adjacent or contiguous to the open sea, unless such vessel is equipped with an efficient radiotelephone installation in operating condition.

( June 19, 1934, ch. 652 , title III, § 381, as added Aug. 6, 1956, ch. 973, § 1 , 70 Stat. 1047 ; amended Pub. L. 103–414, title III, § 303(a)(20)(A) , Oct. 25, 1994 , 108 Stat. 4295 .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994⁠—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline.

Statutory Notes

Effective Date

Section 4 of act Aug. 6, 1956, provided that:

“The amendments made herein [enacting this part and amending sections 153 and 504 of this title] shall take effect March 1, 1957.”