46 USC § 4103 - Exemptions

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t46/s4103"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "46 USC § 4103 - Exemptions"
title_number: 46
title_name: "SHIPPING"
section_number: "4103"
section_name: "Exemptions"
chapter_number: 41
chapter_name: "UNINSPECTED VESSELS GENERALLY"
part_number: "B"
part_name: "Inspection and Regulation of Vessels"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 529; Pub. L. 100–540, § 2, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2719.)"
---


# § 4103. Exemptions

**(a)** The Secretary may exempt a vessel from any part of this chapter if, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary (including regulations on special operating conditions), the Secretary finds that—

**(1)** good cause exists for granting an exemption; and

**(2)** the safety of the vessel and individuals on board will not be adversely affected.

**(b)** Section 4102(a) of this title does not apply to a vessel propelled by outboard motors when competing in a race previously arranged and announced or, if the vessel is designed and intended only for racing, when operated incidental to tuning up the vessel and its engines for the race.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 529; Pub. L. 100–540, § 2, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2719.)

| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| --- | --- |
| 4103 | 46:525h |

Section 4103 contains an exemption from carrying fire extinguishers, for on a vessel competing in an organized race or a vessel designed and intended for racing only.

## Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1988— added subsec. (a) and designated existing provisions as subsec. (b).