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46 U.S.C. 12131: Command of documented vesselsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 121-DOCUMENTATION OF VESSELS
Jump To: Source CreditHistorical and Revision NotesEditorial NotesAmendments

§12131. Command of documented vessels

(a)  In General.⁠—Except as provided in subsection (b), a documented vessel may be placed under the command only of a citizen or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408)) of the United States.

(b)  Exceptions.⁠—Subsection (a) does not apply to⁠—

(1)  a vessel with only a recreational endorsement; or

(2)  an unmanned barge operating outside of the territorial waters of the United States.

( Pub. L. 109–304, § 5 , Oct. 6, 2006 , 120 Stat. 1505 ; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, § 3529(a)(3) , Jan. 28, 2008 , 122 Stat. 603 ; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(b)(2)(C) , Dec. 18, 2025 , 139 Stat. 1752 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

12131

46:12110(d).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2025⁠—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 119–60 inserted “or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))” after “citizen”.

2008⁠—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–181 substituted “command” for “commmand”.