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46 U.S.C. 7310: Able seamen⁠—offshore supply vesselsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 73-MERCHANT MARINERS’ DOCUMENTS

§7310. Able seamen⁠—offshore supply vessels

For service on a vessel of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title engaged in support of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy resources, an individual may be rated as able seaman⁠—offshore supply vessels if the individual has at least 6 months’ service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 543 ; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 722 , Oct. 19, 1996 , 110 Stat. 3938 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

7310

46:672(b)(3)

Section 7310 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to serve as able seamen⁠—offshore supply vessels on vessels of less than 500 gross tons engaged in the exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy resources.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996⁠—Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “500 gross tons”.