46 U.S. Code § 7309 - special

The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—special, qualified for special service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 6 months [1] service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 543; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(4), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1754.)

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[1]  So in original. Probably should be “6 months’ ”.

Historical and Revision Notes
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.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2025—Pub. L. 119–60, which directed amendment of this section by substituting “6 months” for “12 months”, was executed by making the substitution for “12 months’ ” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

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 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.