§7101 Issuing and Classifying Licenses and Certificates of Registry

Summary

The Secretary issues and sorts the licenses and certificates people must hold to work on U.S. vessels. The Secretary sets rules and can group licenses by things like a vessel’s tonnage, how it is powered, horsepower, the waters where it will operate, or other fair standards. Licenses can be for masters, mates, and engineers; pilots; operators; and radio officers. For masters, mates, and engineers, the Secretary will try to make useful career paths and service rules. Pilots must be at least 21, be healthy, normally have a yearly physical (unless they will serve only on vessels under 1,600 gross tons as measured under section 14502 or an alternate tonnage under section 14302 as prescribed under section 14104), show needed knowledge and skill, be able to use electronic navigation aids, know the local waters and collision rules, have enough experience the Secretary requires, and meet any other reasonable rules. Certificates of registry can be issued for pursers, medical doctors, and professional nurses. An applicant must give any National Driver Register information about certain offenses (see section 206(b)(7) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (23 U.S.C. 401 note) and offenses in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of that Act). The Secretary may check an applicant’s criminal record and must require drug testing for issuance or renewal. The Secretary may also grant a license to someone with at least 3 months of qualifying service on uniformed‑service vessels of appropriate size within the 7‑year period before applying, if all other requirements are met.