§12131. Command of documented vessels

(a) In General.-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.

(b) Exceptions.-Subsection (a) does not apply to-

(1) a vessel with only a recreational endorsement; or

(2) an unmanned barge operating outside of the territorial waters 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 .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2025-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 119–60 inserted "or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))" after "citizen".

2008-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–181 substituted "command" for "commmand".