Command of documented vessels

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Title 46—SHIPPING > Subtitle II—Vessels and Seamen > Part H—Identification of Vessels > CHAPTER 121—DOCUMENTATION OF VESSELS > SUBCHAPTER III—MISCELLANEOUS

This text was captured on Mar 26, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

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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.

( 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 .)

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