Command of documented vessels

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. a vessel with only a recreational endorsement; or an unmanned barge operating outside of the territorial waters of the United States. Subsection (a) does not apply to— (Source: (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.))