2017 US Code
Title 46 - Shipping
Subtitle II - Vessels and Seamen
Part B - Inspection and Regulation of Vessels
Chapter 32 - Management of Vessels
Sec. 3202 - Application

Download PDF
Citation 46 U.S.C. § 3202 (2017)
Section Name §3202. Application
Section Text

(a) Foreign Voyages and Foreign Vessels.—This chapter applies to a vessel that—

(1)(A) is transporting more than 12 passengers described in section 2101(21)(A) of this title; or

(B) is of at least 500 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title and is a tanker, freight vessel, bulk freight vessel, high speed freight vessel, or self-propelled mobile offshore drilling unit; and

(2)(A) is engaged on a foreign voyage; or

(B) is a foreign vessel departing from a place under the jurisdiction of the United States on a voyage, any part of which is on the high seas.


(b) Other Passenger Vessels.—This chapter applies to a vessel that is—

(1) a passenger vessel or small passenger vessel; and

(2) is transporting more passengers than a number prescribed by the Secretary based on the number of individuals on the vessel that could be killed or injured in a marine casualty.


(c) Voluntary Application.—This chapter applies to a vessel not described in subsection (a) of this section if the owner of the vessel requests the Secretary to apply this chapter to the vessel.

(d) Exception.—Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, this chapter does not apply to—

(1) a barge;

(2) a recreational vessel not engaged in commercial service;

(3) a fishing vessel;

(4) a vessel operating on the Great Lakes or its tributary and connecting waters that is not described in subsection (b) of this section; or

(5) a public vessel.

Source Credit

(Added Pub. L. 104–324, title VI, §602(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3928; amended Pub. L. 108–293, title IV, §405(a), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1043; Pub. L. 111–281, title VI, §610(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 2969.)

Editorial Notes AMENDMENTS

2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–281, §610(a)(1), substituted "Foreign Voyages and Foreign Vessels.—" for "Mandatory Application.—" in heading.

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 111–281, §610(a)(2)–(4), added subsec. (b), redesignated former subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively, and, in introductory provisions of subsec. (d), substituted "subsection (c)" for "subsection (b)".

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 111–281, §610(a)(5), inserted "that is not described in subsection (b) of this section" after "connecting waters".

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–293 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "This chapter applies to the following vessels engaged on a foreign voyage:

"(1) Beginning July 1, 1998—

"(A) a vessel transporting more than 12 passengers described in section 2101(21)(A) of this title; and

"(B) a tanker, bulk freight vessel, or high-speed freight vessel, of at least 500 gross tons.

"(2) Beginning July 1, 2002, a freight vessel and a self-propelled mobile offshore drilling unit of at least 500 gross tons."

Publication Title United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 5, Title 46 - SHIPPING
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 46 - SHIPPING
Subtitle II - Vessels and Seamen
Part B - Inspection and Regulation of Vessels
CHAPTER 32 - MANAGEMENT OF VESSELS
Sec. 3202 - Application
Contains section 3202
Date 2017
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 12, 2018
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 110 Stat. 3928
118 Stat. 1043
124 Stat. 2969
Public Law References Public Law 104-324, Public Law 108-293, Public Law 111-281
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.