Title 46ShippingRelease 119-73

§10501 Application

Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— - Vessels and Seamen › Part Part G— - Merchant Seamen Protection and Relief › Chapter CHAPTER 105— - COASTWISE VOYAGES › § 10501

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Covers vessels of 50 gross tons or more (or an alternate tonnage under section 14302 set by section 14104) on voyages between ports in different, non-adjoining States, except vessels under chapter 103. It does not apply to vessels whose crew share voyage profits, and, unless stated otherwise, not to foreign vessels.

Full Legal Text

Title 46, §10501

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(a)Except for a vessel to which chapter 103 of this title applies, this chapter applies to a vessel of at least 50 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 on a voyage between a port in one State and a port in another State (except an adjoining State).
(b)This chapter does not apply to a vessel on which the seamen are entitled by custom or agreement to share in the profit or result of a voyage.
(c)Unless otherwise provided, this chapter does not apply to a foreign vessel.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 1050146:574 section 10501 specifies that vessels over 50 gross tons that are not subject to chapter 103 and are engaged on voyages between two states (except for adjoining states) are subject to the provisions of this chapter. Specifically excluded are foreign vessels and vessels on which seamen share the profits.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a). 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 “50 gross tons”.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

46 U.S.C. § 10501

Title 46Shipping

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73