Title 46 — ShippingRelease 119-73
§12134 Evidentiary uses of documentation
Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— - Vessels and Seamen › Part Part H— - Identification of Vessels › Chapter CHAPTER 121— - DOCUMENTATION OF VESSELS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER III— - MISCELLANEOUS › § 12134
Summary
A certificate proves nationality for international use but not in U.S. courts; it proves qualification for a specified trade and is not proof of ownership in ownership disputes.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §12134
Shipping — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
A certificate of documentation is—
(1)conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, but not in a proceeding conducted under the laws of the United States;
(2)conclusive evidence of qualification to engage in a specified trade; and
(3)not conclusive evidence of ownership in a proceeding in which ownership is in issue.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 1213446:12104.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 12134
Title 46 — Shipping
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73