View all text of Subchapter III [§ 12131 - § 12140]
§ 12131. Command of documented vessels
(a)In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), a documented vessel may be placed under the command only of a citizen of the United States.
(b)Exceptions.—Subsection (a) does not apply to—
(1) a vessel with only a recreational endorsement; or
(2) an unmanned barge operating outside of the territorial waters of the United States.
(Pub. L. 109–304, § 5, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1505; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, § 3529(a)(3), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 603.)