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46 U.S.C. 30502: ApplicationText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 305-EXONERATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
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§30502. Application

(a)  In General.⁠—Except as otherwise provided, this chapter (except section 30521) applies to seagoing vessels and vessels used on lakes or rivers or in inland navigation, including canal boats, barges, and lighters.

(b)  Exception.⁠—This chapter (except for section 30526) shall not apply to covered small passenger vessels.

( Pub. L. 109–304, § 6(c) , Oct. 6, 2006 , 120 Stat. 1512 ; Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXV, § 11503(c) , Dec. 23, 2022 , 136 Stat. 4130 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

30502

46 App.:188.

R.S. § 4289; Feb. 18, 1875, ch. 80, § 1 (related to R.S. § 4289), 18 Stat. 320; June 19, 1886, ch. 421, § 4, 24 Stat. 80; June 5, 1936, ch. 521, § 4, 49 Stat. 1481.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022⁠—Pub. L. 117–263 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Except as otherwise provided, this chapter (except section 30503) applies to seagoing vessels and vessels used on lakes or rivers or in inland navigation, including canal boats, barges, and lighters.”