FEDERAL · 46 U.S.C. · Chapter 73
Able seamen—special
46 U.S.C. § 7309
Title46 — Shipping
Chapter73 — MERCHANT MARINERS' DOCUMENTS
This text of 46 U.S.C. § 7309 (Able seamen—special) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering United States primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.
Bluebook
46 U.S.C. § 7309.
Text
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—special, qualified for special service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 6 months 1 service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).
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Source Credit
History
(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 543; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, §7301(d)(4), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1754.)
Editorial Notes
Section 7309 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to qualify as able seamen—special.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2025—Pub. L. 119–60, which directed amendment of this section by substituting "6 months" for "12 months", was executed by making the substitution for "12 months' " to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
Section to be applied by substituting "6 months" for "12 months" for the 3-year period beginning on Dec. 22, 2023, see section 3534(j) of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 7307 of this title.
Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
Service used to qualify for endorsement as able seaman—fishing industry to be accepted as qualifying service toward an endorsement under this section, see section 602(e)(3) of Pub. L. 101–595, set out as a note under section 7306 of this title.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2025—Pub. L. 119–60, which directed amendment of this section by substituting "6 months" for "12 months", was executed by making the substitution for "12 months' " to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service
Section to be applied by substituting "6 months" for "12 months" for the 3-year period beginning on Dec. 22, 2023, see section 3534(j) of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 7307 of this title.
Acceptance of Certain Services Toward Endorsement as Able Seaman
Service used to qualify for endorsement as able seaman—fishing industry to be accepted as qualifying service toward an endorsement under this section, see section 602(e)(3) of Pub. L. 101–595, set out as a note under section 7306 of this title.
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Bluebook (online)
46 U.S.C. § 7309, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/usc/46/7309.