Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§12134 Evidentiary Uses of Documentation
Title 46 › Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen › Part H — Identification of Vessels › CHAPTER 121 — DOCUMENTATION OF VESSELS › SUBCHAPTER III — MISCELLANEOUS › § 12134
Summary
Treats a certificate of documentation as definite proof that a vessel is a certain nationality for international matters, but not as proof in a U.S. legal case. It also counts as proof that the vessel is allowed to take part in a specific trade. It does not prove who owns the vessel when ownership is being disputed.
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
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102