46 U.S.C. § 56301: General authority

46 U.S.C. 56301: General authorityText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).

From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 563-EMERGENCY ACQUISITION OF VESSELS

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§56301. General authority

During a national emergency declared by Presidential proclamation, or a period for which the President has proclaimed that the security of the national defense makes it advisable, the Secretary of Transportation may requisition or purchase, or requisition or charter the use of, a vessel owned by citizens of the United States, a documented vessel, or a vessel under construction in the United States.

( Pub. L. 109–304, § 8(c) , Oct. 6, 2006 , 120 Stat. 1654 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
56301	46 App.:1242(a) (1st, 2d sentences).	June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title IX, § 902(a) (1st, 2d sentences), 49 Stat. 2015; Pub. L. 97–31, § 12(131), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 165; Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 104(c), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4750.

56301

46 App.:1242(a) (1st, 2d sentences).

June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title IX, § 902(a) (1st, 2d sentences), 49 Stat. 2015; Pub. L. 97–31, § 12(131), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 165; Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 104(c), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4750.

The words “or other watercraft” are omitted because of the definition of “vessel” in chapter 1 of the revised title. The words “The termination of any emergency so declared shall be announced by a further proclamation by the President” are omitted as superseded by the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).