Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§56301 General Authority
Title 46 › Subtitle V — Merchant Marine › Part E — Control of Merchant Marine Capabilities › CHAPTER 563 — EMERGENCY ACQUISITION OF VESSELS › § 56301
Summary
If the President declares an emergency or says it's needed for defense, the Transportation Secretary may take, buy, or lease U.S. vessels.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §56301
Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
During a national emergency declared by Presidential proclamation, or a period for which the President has proclaimed that the security of the national defense makes it advisable, the Secretary of Transportation may requisition or purchase, or requisition or charter the use of, a vessel owned by citizens of the United States, a documented vessel, or a vessel under construction in the United States.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 5630146 App.:1242(a) (1st, 2d sentences).June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title IX, § 902(a) (1st, 2d sentences), 49 Stat. 2015; Pub. L. 97–31, § 12(131), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 165; Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 104(c), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4750. The words “or other watercraft” are omitted because of the definition of “vessel” in chapter 1 of the revised title. The words “The termination of any emergency so declared shall be announced by a further proclamation by the President” are omitted as superseded by the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 56301
Title 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102