Section 7315 specifies the training or course work that may be substituted for service requirements for an endorsement as an able seaman or a qualified member of the engine department.

2025—Pub. L. 119–60 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

“(a) Graduation from a nautical school vessel approved under law and regulation may be substituted for the service requirements under section 7307 or 7314 of this title.

“(b) The satisfactory completion of other courses of instruction approved by the Secretary may be substituted for not more than one-third of the required service on deck at sea under sections 7307–7311 of this title.

“(c) The satisfactory completion of other courses of instruction approved by the Secretary may be substituted for not more than one-half of the required service at sea under section 7314 of this title.”

Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(e)(2), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1755, provided that: “The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the requirements of section 7315 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this subsection, without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (5 U.S.C. 601 note) and 14094 (88 Fed. Reg. 21879) [former 5 U.S.C. 601 note].”