46 U.S.C. § 3202
Section 3202 · Application
Version as of August 9, 2004, with additions and removals from the October 19, 1996 version.
(1) Beginning July 1, 1998—
(2) Beginning July 1, 2002, a freight vessel and a self-propelled mobile offshore drilling unit of at least 500 gross tons.
(2)(A) is engaged on a foreign voyage; or
(B) is a foreign vessel departing from a place under the jurisdiction of the United States on a voyage, any part of which is on the high seas.
(b) Voluntary Application.—This chapter applies to a vessel not described in subsection (a) of this section if the owner of the vessel requests the Secretary to apply this chapter to the vessel.
(b) Voluntary Application.—This chapter applies to a vessel not described in subsection (a) of this section if the owner of the vessel requests the Secretary to apply this chapter to the vessel.
(c) Exception.—Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this chapter does not apply to—
(c) Exception.—Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this chapter does not apply to—
(1) a barge;
(1) a barge;
(2) a recreational vessel not engaged in commercial service;
(2) a recreational vessel not engaged in commercial service;
(3) a fishing vessel;
(3) a fishing vessel;
(4) a vessel operating on the Great Lakes or its tributary and connecting waters; or
(4) a vessel operating on the Great Lakes or its tributary and connecting waters; or
(5) a public vessel.
(5) a public vessel.