46 USC § 7306 - General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t46/s7306"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "46 USC § 7306 - General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments"
title_number: 46
title_name: "SHIPPING"
section_number: "7306"
section_name: "General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments"
chapter_number: 73
chapter_name: "MERCHANT MARINERS’ DOCUMENTS"
part_number: "E"
part_name: "Merchant Seamen Licenses, Certificates, and Documents"
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. 542; Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(9)(C), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 448; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1753.)"
---


# § 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments

**(a)** **In General.—** The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes:

**(1)** Able Seaman-Unlimited.

**(2)** Able Seaman-Limited.

**(3)** Able Seaman-Special.

**(4)** Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels.

**(5)** Able Seaman-Sail.

**(6)** Able Seaman-Fishing Industry.

**(7)** Ordinary Seaman.

**(b)** **Classification of Credentials.—** The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on—

**(1)** the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels;

**(2)** the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or

**(3)** other appropriate standards.

**(c)** **Qualifications.—** To qualify for a credential under this section, an applicant shall provide satisfactory proof that the applicant—

**(1)** is at least 18 years of age;

**(2)** has the service required by the applicable section of this part;

**(3)** is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements;

**(4)** is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the seafarer’s duties; and

**(5)** has satisfied any additional requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 542; Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(9)(C), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 448; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1753.)

| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| --- | --- |
| 7306 | 46:672(b) |

Section 7306(a) establishes the minimum requirements an individual must meet before being issued a merchant mariner’s document endorsed for able seamen.

Subsection (b) establishes the classifications of able seamen—unlimited, able seamen—limited, able seamen—special, able seamen—offshore supply vessels, and able seamen—sail.

## Editorial Notes

### Amendments

2025— amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to general requirements and classifications for able seamen.

1984—Subsec. (b)(6).  added par. (6).

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Provisions of this section (related to able seaman—sail) effective , see , set out as a note under .

### Implementation of 2025 Amendment

> “The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the requirements under subsection (c) of
> 
> , United States Code (as amended by this section), without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (
> 
> note).”

, , , provided that:

### Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman

> **“(A)** under sections 7307 and 7309 of that title; or
> 
> **“(B)** if the service is on board a vessel of at least 100 gross tons, under section 7308 of that title.”

, , , provided that: