(a) In General.—
Except as provided in subsection (b), a documented vessel may be placed under the command only of a citizen 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.)