46 U.S.C. § 8702 — Certain crew requirements

(a) This section covers a vessel^* of at least 100 gross tons, measured under section 14502, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 as prescribed under section 14104, except: (1) a vessel operating only on rivers and lakes other than the Great Lakes; (2) a barge^* other than a seagoing barge or one covered by chapter 37; (3) a fishing, fish-tender, or whaling vessel, other than an Aleutian-trade fish tender, and a yacht; (4) a sailing school vessel, as to its instructors and students; (5) an oceanographic research vessel, as to scientific personnel; (6) a fish-processing vessel placed in service before January 1, 1988, that is no more than 1,600 gross tons, or one placed in service after December 31, 1987, with no more than 16 people mainly preparing fish or fish products; and (7) a fish-processing vessel not covered by (6), as to people mainly preparing fish or fish products or supporting work unrelated to navigation.
(b) A vessel may operate only if (1) at least 75 percent of the crew in each department can understand every order spoken by officers; and (2) at least 65 percent of the deck crew, excluding licensed people, hold merchant mariners’ documents endorsed for at least able seaman. The second percentage may be 50 percent on a vessel allowed to use a two-watch system under section 8104 or on an Aleutian-trade fish tender.
(c) A towing vessel operating on bays and sounds directly connected with the sea need not have an able seaman.
(d) A person rated below able seaman may not be at the wheel in ports, harbors, or other congested waters, or during reduced visibility, bad weather, or other dangerous conditions.
(e) The owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or person in charge of a vessel violating this section or a regulation under it owes the United States a $10,000 civil penalty.