46 U.S.C. § 7307

Able seamen—unlimited

The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—unlimited, qualified for unlimited service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 18 months service on deck on board vessels operating at sea or on the Great Lakes.

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 543 ; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(2) , Dec. 18, 2025 , 139 Stat. 1753 .)