46 U.S.C. § 7309

Able seamen—special

The required service for the endorsement of able seaman—special, qualified for special service on a vessel on any waters, is at least 6 months service on deck on board vessels operating on the oceans or the navigable waters of the United States (including the Great Lakes).

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 543 ; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7301(d)(4) , Dec. 18, 2025 , 139 Stat. 1754 .)