§7309. Able seamen—special
As of today
View this section as of a date
Notable points in this section's history
Latest NOW As last amended Dec 18, 2025 — Pub. L. 119–6046 U.S.C. § 7309
The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—special, qualified for special service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 6 months1 service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).
Footnotes
- 1 So in original. Probably should be “6 months’ ”.
Notes, amendments, and revision 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.)
| Historical and Revision Notes | |
|---|---|
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 7309 | 46:672(b)(3) |
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.