Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-110
§4305 Exemptions and Equivalents
Title 46 › Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen › Part B — Inspection and Regulation of Vessels › CHAPTER 43 — RECREATIONAL VESSELS › § 4305
Summary
The Secretary can grant exemptions from these rules if boat safety isn't harmed. The Secretary can accept alternative equipment or standards that provide the same level of safety.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §4305
Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Exemptions.—
If the Secretary considers that recreational vessel safety will not be adversely affected, the Secretary may issue an exemption from this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter.
(b)Equivalents.—
The Secretary may accept a substitution for associated equipment performance or other safety standards for a recreational vessel if the substitution provides an equivalent level of safety.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 430546:1458 section 4305 permits the Secretary to grant appropriate exemptions from the requirements of this chapter when recreational vessel safety will not be adversely affected.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted “Exemptions and equivalents” for “Exemptions” in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 4305
Title 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110