46 U.S. Code § 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 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 operating on the oceans or 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, § 721, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3938.)

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[1]  See Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service note below.

Historical and Revision Notes
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—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 “100 gross tons”.

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 Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 7307 of this title.

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 Pub. L. 101–595, set out as a note under section 7306 of this title.