U.S Code last checked for updates: Apr 19, 2026
§ 7308.
Able seamen—limited

The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—limited, qualified for limited service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 12 months 1

1
 So in original. Probably should be “12 months’ ”.
service on deck on board vessels of at least 100 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 operating on the oceans or navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 543; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 721, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3938; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(3), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1754.)
cite as: 46 USC 7308