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 11 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.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code)
730846:672(b)(2)
Section 7308 establishes the minimum service requirements for an individual to qualify for an endorsement as able seamen—limited.
Editorial Notes
Amendments2025—Pub. L. 119–60, which directed amendment of this section by substituting “12 months” for “18 months”, was executed by making the amendment for “18 months’ ” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
1996—Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “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” after “100 gross tons”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Temporary Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of ServiceSection to be applied by substituting “12 months” for “18 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 SeamanService 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.