Title 46 › Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen › Part G — Merchant Seamen Protection and Relief › CHAPTER 106 — FISHING VOYAGES › § 10601
Before going on a voyage, the owner, charterer, managing operator, or their representative (including the master) must give every seaman a written fishing agreement when the vessel is at least 20 gross tons (measured under section 14502, or an alternate tonnage under section 14302 as set by the Secretary under section 14104) and the voyage begins at a U.S. port. The agreement must say how long it runs, explain any wages, shares, or other pay rules for that fishery, and include any other agreed terms. If the vessel is a catcher processor or a fish processing vessel with more than 25 crewmembers, the agreement must also require each crewmember be served at least three meals a day totaling at least 3,100 calories and have adequate water and minerals per the United States Recommended Daily Allowances.
Full Legal Text
Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 10601
Title 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102