46 U.S.C. § 14511
Application
This subchapter applies to a vessel described in section 14501 of this title if—
(1)
the owner requests; or
(2)
the vessel is—
(A)
self-propelled;
(B)
at least 24 meters (79 feet) overall in length; and
(C)
not operated only for pleasure.
( Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(3) , Oct. 21, 1986 , 100 Stat. 1924 .)