Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-73
§381 Vessels transporting more than six passengers for hire required to be equipped with radiotelephone
Title 47 › Chapter CHAPTER 5— - WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER III— - SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RADIO › Part Part III— - Radio Installations on Vessels Carrying Passengers for Hire › § 381
Summary
U.S. vessels carrying more than six paying passengers must have a working radiotelephone when operating at sea or in nearby tidewaters, unless section 382 allows otherwise.
Full Legal Text
Title 47, §381
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Except as provided in section 382 of this title, it shall be unlawful for any vessel of the United States, transporting more than six passengers for hire, to be navigated in the open sea or any tidewater within the jurisdiction of the United States adjacent or contiguous to the open sea, unless such vessel is equipped with an efficient radiotelephone installation in operating condition.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline. Statutory Notes
Effective Date
section 4 of act Aug. 6, 1956, provided that: “The
Amendments
made herein [enacting this part and amending section 153 and 504 of this title] shall take effect March 1, 1957.”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
47 U.S.C. § 381
Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73