CHAPTER 73 —MERCHANT MARINERS' DOCUMENTS
Historical and Revision Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1984—
§7301. General
(a) In this chapter—
(1) "service on deck" means service in the deck department in work related to the work usually performed on board vessels by able seamen and may include service on fishing, fish processing, fish tender vessels and on public vessels of the United States;
(2) 360 days is equal to one year's service; and
(3) a day is equal to 8 hours of labor or duty.
(b) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out this chapter.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7301 | 46:672(c) |
Section 7301 defines "service on deck", "one year's service" and "day" with respect to the qualifying time for the issuance of various types of endorsements as able seamen. This section also provides the Secretary with the authority to prescribe regulations to carry out this chapter.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1984—Subsec. (a)(1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Merchant Marine Post-Service Career Opportunities
§7302. Issuing merchant mariners' documents and continuous discharge books
(a) The Secretary shall issue a merchant mariner's document to an individual required to have that document under part F of this subtitle if the individual satisfies the requirements of this part. The document serves as a certificate of identification and as a certificate of service, specifying each rating in which the holder is qualified to serve on board vessels on which that document is required under part F.
(b) The Secretary also may issue a continuous discharge book to an individual issued a merchant mariner's document if the individual requests.
(c) The Secretary may not issue a merchant mariner's document under this chapter unless the individual applying for the document makes available to the Secretary, under
(d) The Secretary may review the criminal record of an individual who applies for a merchant mariner's document under this section.
(e) The Secretary shall require the testing of an individual applying for issuance or renewal of a merchant mariner's document under this chapter for the use of a dangerous drug in violation of law or Federal regulation.
(f)
(1)
(2)
(g)(1) The Secretary may, pending receipt and review of information required under subsections (c) and (d), immediately issue an interim merchant mariner's document valid for a period not to exceed 120 days, to—
(A) an individual to be employed as gaming personnel, entertainment personnel, wait staff, or other service personnel on board a passenger vessel not engaged in foreign service, with no duties, including emergency duties, related to the navigation of the vessel or the safety of the vessel, its crew, cargo or passengers; or
(B) an individual seeking renewal of, or qualifying for a supplemental endorsement to, a valid merchant mariner's document issued under this section.
(2) No more than one interim document may be issued to an individual under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7302 | 46:239a(c) 46:643(a) 46:643(c) 46:672(i) |
Section 7302(a) requires the Secretary to issue a merchant mariner's document to qualified individuals required to have that document as a prerequisite to employment on certain vessels of the United States. The purpose of the document is to serve as positive identification and to specify each rating in which the individual is qualified to serve on vessels.
Subsection (b) allows the Secretary to issue a continuous discharge book to an individual who requests a book.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2010—Subsec. (f).
2006—Subsec. (c).
2004—Subsec. (c).
2002—Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (g).
1990—Subsecs. (c) to (e).
Subsec. (f).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by
Military to Mariner
"(a)
"(b)
"(1)
"(A) review and examine—
"(i) the timeframes and impediments for veterans and members of the uniformed services to receive a merchant mariner credential;
"(ii) the classifications of sea service acquired through training and service as a member of the Uniformed Services and level of equivalence such service has with respect to sea service on merchant vessels; and
"(iii) the amount of sea service, including percent of the total time onboard for purposes of equivalent underway service, that will be accepted as required experience for all endorsements for applicants for a merchant mariner credential who are veterans or members of the Uniformed Services; and
"(B) issue new regulations to—
"(i) streamline, ensure the accuracy of, and expedite the transfer, review and acceptance of information pertaining to training and sea time for applicants for a merchant mariner credential who are veterans or members of the Uniformed Services;
"(ii) increase the acceptable percentages of time equivalent to sea service for such applicants pursuant to findings of the review and examination conducted under subparagraph (A); and
"(iii) reduce burdens and create a means of alternative compliance to demonstrate instructor competency for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers courses.
"(2)
"(3)
"(A) the July 2020 report by the Committee on the Marine Transportation System to the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy on the implementation of Executive Order 13860 (84 Fed. Reg. 8407; relating to supporting the transition of active duty servicemembers and military veterans into the Merchant Marine); and
"(B) section 3511 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (
"(c)
[For definitions of terms used in section 11316 of
"(a)
"(b)
"(c)
"(1) take all necessary and appropriate actions to provide for the waiver of fees through the National Maritime Center license evaluation, issuance, and examination for members of the uniformed services on active duty, if a waiver is authorized and appropriate, and, if a waiver is not granted, take all necessary and appropriate actions to provide for the payment of fees for members of the uniformed services on active duty by the applicable service to the fullest extent permitted by law;
"(2) direct the applicable services to take all necessary and appropriate actions to provide for Transportation Worker Identification Credential cards for members of the uniformed services on active duty pursuing or possessing a mariner credential, such as implementation of an equal exchange process for members of the uniformed services on active duty at no or minimal cost;
"(3) ensure that members of the applicable services who are to be discharged or released from active duty and who request certification or verification of sea service be provided such certification or verification no later than one month after discharge or release;
"(4) ensure the applicable services have developed, or continue to operate, as appropriate, the online resource known as Credentialing Opportunities On-Line to support separating members of the uniformed services who are seeking information and assistance on merchant mariner credentialing; and
"(5) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section [Dec. 20, 2019], take all necessary and appropriate actions to review and implement service-related medical certifications to merchant mariner credential requirements.
"(d)
"(1)
"(2)
"(e)
"(1) is retiring or is retired as a member of the uniformed services;
"(2) is voluntarily separating or voluntarily separated from the uniformed services at the end of enlistment or service obligation; or
"(3) is administratively separating or has administratively separated from the uniformed services with an honorable or general discharge characterization."
Radar Refresher Training
Merchant Mariner Credential Expiration Harmonization
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) does not require an individual to renew a merchant mariner credential earlier than the date on which the individual's current credential expires; and
"(2) results in harmonization of expiration dates for merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, and radar observer endorsements for all individuals by not later than 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 8, 2016].
"(c)
"(1) holding a merchant mariner credential with—
"(A) an active Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping endorsement; or
"(B) Federal first-class pilot endorsement; or
"(2) who have been issued a time-restricted medical certificate."
Crediting of United States Armed Forces Service, Training, and Qualifications
"(1)
"(2)
Merchant Mariners' Documents Pilot Program
Termination of Existing Licenses, Certificates, and Documents; Applicability of 1990 Amendment
For provisions that a merchant mariner's document issued before Aug. 18, 1990, terminates on the day it would have expired if the amendment to this section by section 4102(c) of
Definitions
"In this subtitle [subtitle B (§§11511–11515) of title CXV of
"(1)
"(2)
"(3)
§7303. Possession and description of merchant mariners' documents
A merchant mariner's document shall be retained by the individual to whom issued. The document shall contain the signature, notations of nationality, age, and physical description, the photograph, and the home address of the individual. In addition, the document shall specify the rate or ratings in which the individual is qualified to serve.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7303 | 46:643(a) |
Section 7303 requires seamen to retain their merchant mariner's documents. It also specifies the information that is to be contained in the document.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—
2002—
§7304. Citizenship notation on merchant mariners' documents
An individual applying for a merchant mariner's document shall provide satisfactory proof that the individual is a citizen of the United States before that notation is made on the document.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7304 | 46:643(b) |
Section 7304 specifies, that before a merchant mariner's document is noted to specify that the individual is a U.S. citizen, the individual must provide satisfactory proof that he is a citizen. This does not impose a requirement of United States citizenship as a condition for issuance of a document.
§7305. Oaths for holders of merchant mariners' documents
An applicant for a merchant mariner's document shall take, before issuance of the document, an oath that the applicant will perform faithfully and honestly all the duties required by law, and will carry out the lawful orders of superior officers.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7305 | .............................................. |
The requirement for an oath, drawn from a clause which had appeared in
§7306. General requirements and classifications for able seamen
(a) To qualify for an endorsement as able seaman authorized by this section, an applicant must provide satisfactory proof that the applicant—
(1) is at least 18 years of age;
(2) has the service required by the applicable section of this part;
(3) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements; and
(4) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the seaman's duties.
(b) The classifications authorized for endorsement as able seaman are the following:
(1) able seaman—unlimited.
(2) able seaman—limited.
(3) able seaman—special.
(4) able seaman—offshore supply vessels.
(5) able seaman—sail.
(6) able seaman—fishing industry.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7306 | 46:672(b) |
Section 7306(a) establishes the minimum requirements an individual must meet before being issued a merchant mariner's document endorsed for able seamen.
Subsection (b) establishes the classifications of able seamen—unlimited, able seamen—limited, able seamen—special, able seamen—offshore supply vessels, and able seamen—sail.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1984—Subsec. (b)(6).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Provisions of this section (related to able seaman—sail) effective Apr. 15, 1984, see section 2(g)(1) of
Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
"(A) under sections 7307 and 7309 of that title; or
"(B) if the service is on board a vessel of at least 100 gross tons, under section 7308 of that title."
§7307. Able seamen—unlimited
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—unlimited, qualified for unlimited service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 3 years' 1 service on deck on board vessels operating at sea or on the Great Lakes.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7307 | 46:672(b)(1) |
Section 7307 requires individuals to have at least 3 years service on deck on vessels operating at sea or on the Great Lakes before their merchant mariner's documents can be endorsed as able seamen—unlimited.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
"(1)
"(2) section 7308 of such title shall be applied by substituting '12 months' for '18 months'; and
"(3) section 7309 of such title shall be applied by substituting '6 months' for '12 months'."
Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
Service used to qualify for endorsement as able seaman—fishing industry to be accepted as qualifying service toward an endorsement under this section, see section 602(e)(3) of
1 See Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service note below.
§7308. Able seamen—limited
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—limited, qualified for limited service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 18 months' 1 service on deck on board vessels of at least 100 gross tons as measured under
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7308 | 46:672(b)(2) |
Section 7308 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to qualify for an endorsement as able seamen—limited.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
Section to be applied by substituting "12 months" for "18 months" for the 3-year period beginning on Dec. 22, 2023, see section 3534(j) of
Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
Service used to qualify for endorsement as able seaman—fishing industry to be accepted as qualifying service toward an endorsement under this section, see section 602(e)(3) of
1 See Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service note below.
§7309. Able seamen—special
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—special, qualified for special service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 12 months' 1 service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7309 | 46:672(b)(3) |
Section 7309 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to qualify as able seamen—special.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
Section to be applied by substituting "6 months" for "12 months" for the 3-year period beginning on Dec. 22, 2023, see section 3534(j) of
Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
Service used to qualify for endorsement as able seaman—fishing industry to be accepted as qualifying service toward an endorsement under this section, see section 602(e)(3) of
1 See Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service note below.
§7310. Able seamen—offshore supply vessels
For service on a vessel of less than 500 gross tons as measured under
(
| 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—
§7311. Able seamen—sail
For service on a sailing school vessel on any waters, an individual may be rated as able seaman—sail if the individual has at least 6 months' service on deck on sailing school vessels, oceanographic research vessels powered primarily by sail, or equivalent sailing vessels operating on the oceans or navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7311 | 46:672(b)(4) |
Section 7311 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to qualify as able seamen—sail on board sailing vessels.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective Apr. 15, 1984, see section 2(g)(1) of
§7311a. Able seamen—fishing industry
For service on a fish processing vessel, an individual may be rated as able seaman—fishing industry 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).
(Added
§7312. Scale of employment
(a) Individuals qualified as able seamen—unlimited under
(b) Individuals qualified as able seamen—limited under
(c) Individuals qualified as able seamen—special under
(1) all of the able seamen required on a vessel of not more than 500 gross tons as measured under
(2) not more than 50 percent of the number of able seamen required on board other vessels.
(d) Individuals qualified as able seamen—offshore. supply vessel under
(e) When the service of able seamen—limited or able seamen—special is authorized for only a part of the required number of able seamen on board a vessel, the combined percentage of those individuals so qualified may not be greater than 50 percent of the required number.
(f) Individuals qualified as able seamen—fishing industry under
(1) all of the able seamen required on a fish processing vessel entered into service before January 1, 1988, and of more than 1,600 gross tons but not more than 5,000 gross tons as measured under
(2) all of the able seamen required on a fish processing vessel entered into service after December 31, 1987, and having more than 16 individuals on board primarily employed in the preparation of fish or fish products but of not more than 5,000 gross tons as measured under
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7312 | 46:672(f) |
Section 7312(a) provides that able seamen—unlimited may constitute all of the able seamen required on a vessel.
Subsection (b) provides that able seamen—limited may constitute 100 percent of the able seamen required on board vessels of less than 600 gross tons operating on the Great Lakes and 50 percent of the number of able seamen required on the larger vessels.
Subsection (c) provides that able seamen—special may constitute 100 percent of the able seamen required on vessels not more than 500 gross tons, or a seagoing barge or towing vessel. Able seamen—special may only constitute up to 50 percent of the number of able seamen required on other vessels.
Subsection (d) provides that able seamen—offshore supply vessels may constitute 100 percent of the number of able seamen required on vessels of less than 500 gross tons engaged in support of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy facilities. They may not serve on board other vessels as an able seaman until they have the appropriate required document.
Subsection (e) provides that the total number of able seamen—limited or able seamen—special may not be greater than 50 percent of the required number of able seamen on a vessel.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2010—Subsec. (d).
1996—Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (f)(1).
Subsec. (f)(2).
1986—Subsec. (e).
1984—Subsec. (f).
§7313. General requirements for members of engine departments
(a) Classes of endorsement as qualified members of the engine department on vessels of at least 100 gross tons as measured under
(b) The ratings of wiper and coal passer are entry ratings and are not ratings as qualified members of the engine department.
(c) An applicant for an endorsement as qualified member of the engine department must provide satisfactory proof that the applicant—
(1) has the service required by
(2) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination; and
(3) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the member's duties.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7313 | 46:672(g) |
Section 7313(a) authorizes the Secretary to establish classes of endorsement for qualified members of the engine department on vessels of 100 gross tons or more (except on vessels operating on rivers and lakes (except the Great Lakes)).
Subsection (b) establishes the entry ratings of wiper and coal passer, but specifically excludes them as qualified members of the engine department.
Subsection (c) establishes the minimum qualifications individuals must meet in order to have their documents endorsed as a qualified member of engine department.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (a).
§7314. Service requirements for qualified members of engine departments
To qualify for an endorsement as qualified member of the engine department, an applicant must provide proof that the applicant has 6 months' service in the related entry rating as described in
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7314 | 46:672(g) |
Section 7314 requires individuals who wish to have their documents endorsed as a qualified member of the engine department must have at least 6 months service as a wiper or coal passer.
§7315. Training
(a) Graduation from a nautical school vessel approved under law and regulation may be substituted for the service requirements under
(b) The satisfactory completion of other courses of instruction approved by the Secretary may be substituted for not more than one-third of the required service on deck at sea under
(c) The satisfactory completion of other courses of instruction approved by the Secretary may be substituted for not more than one-half of the required service at sea under
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7315 | 46:672(c) |
Section 7315 specifies the training or course work that may be substituted for service requirements for an endorsement as an able seaman or a qualified member of the engine department.
§7316. Lifeboatmen
To qualify for an endorsement as lifeboatman, an applicant must provide satisfactory proof that the applicant—
(1) has the service or training required by regulation;
(2) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by examination; and
(3) is qualified professionally by actual demonstration.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7316 | 46:643(l) |
Section 7316 establishes the minimum standards an individual must meet in order to qualify for an endorsement as lifeboatman.
§7317. Tankermen
(a) The Secretary shall prescribe procedures, standards, and qualifications for the issuance of certificates or endorsements as tankerman, stating the types of oil or hazardous material that can be handled with safety to the vessel and the marine environment.
(b) An endorsement as tankerman shall indicate the grades or types of cargo the holder is qualified and authorized to handle with safety on board vessels.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7317(a) | 46:391a(10)(C) |
Section 7317(a) establishes the minimum standards an individual must meet in order to qualify for an endorsement as tankerman for various types of oil or hazardous substances.
Subsection (b) specifies that the tankerman's endorsement must specify the grades or types of cargo the holder is qualified and allowed to handle.
§7318. Radiotelegraph operators on Great Lakes
(a) A radiotelegraph operator on the Great Lakes only shall have a first-class or second-class radiotelegraph operator's license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.
(b) An endorsement as radiotelegraph operator on the Great Lakes only ends if the holder ceases to hold the license issued by the Commission.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7318 | 46:229c 46:229g 46:643(a) |
Section 7318 specifies that radiotelegraph operators on the Great Lakes shall have a first-class or second-class radiotelegraph operator's license issued by the FCC and need not be licensed as a radio operator by the Coast Guard. However, an endorsement as radio telegraph operator has to be noted on his merchant mariners' document. If the holder ceases to have a valid FCC license, then the endorsement is terminated automatically without recourse to suspension and revocation proceedings.
§7319. Records of merchant mariners' documents
The Secretary shall maintain records on each merchant mariner's document issued, including the name and address of the individual to whom issued and the next of kin of the individual.
(
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
|---|---|
| 7319 | 46:643(f) |
Section 7319 requires the Secretary to maintain records on each merchant mariner's document issued and the seaman's next of kin. However, these records are not open for general or public inspection.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—
2004—