46 USC 3702 - Application

U.S Code last checked for updates: Apr 10, 2026

§ 3702.

Application

(a)

Subject to subsections (b)–(e) of this section, this chapter applies to a tank vessel.

(b)

This chapter does not apply to a documented vessel that would be subject to this chapter only because of the transfer of fuel from the fuel supply tanks of the vessel to exploration, development, or production of offshore drilling or production facilities in the oil industry and non-mineral energy production if the vessel is—

(1)

not a tanker; and

(2)

in the service of exploration, development, or production of offshore energy resources.

(c)

This chapter does not apply to a fishing or fish tender vessel of not more than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title when engaged only in the fishing industry.

(d)

This chapter does not apply to a fish processing vessel of not more than 5,000 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title. However, the vessel is subject to regulation by the Secretary when carrying flammable or combustible liquid cargo in bulk.

(e)

This chapter does not apply to a foreign vessel on innocent passage on the navigable waters of the United States.

(f)

This chapter does not apply to an oil spill response vessel if—

(1)

the vessel is used only in response-related activities; or

(2)

the vessel is—

(A)

not more than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title;

(B)

designated in its certificate of inspection as an oil spill response vessel; and

(C)

engaged in response-related activities.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 521; Pub. L. 98–364, title IV, § 402(6), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 446; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 714, title XI, § 1104(b), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3936, 3966; Pub. L. 111–281, title VI, § 617(a)(2), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2973; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7348(a), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1781.)

cite as: 46 USC 3702