{"data":{"id":"us/46-u.s.c.-7306","jurisdiction":"us","citation":"46 U.S.C. § 7306","heading":"General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments","body":"(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.","path":["Title 46—SHIPPING","CHAPTER 73—MERCHANT MARINERS’ DOCUMENTS"],"source_url":"https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/103/xml_usc46@119-103.zip","current_through":"Public Law 119-103 (09/02/2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-10T06:00:50Z","sha256":"5ccf0112082fdf60b4f073de27c9300bfd52fc2793decd83b608eec4625b0379","source_id":"us","stale":false,"prev":"us/46-u.s.c.-7305","next":"us/46-u.s.c.-7307"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}