No. 80-404. December 8, 1980. C.A. 5th Cir. Certiorari denied. Reported below: 620 F. 2d 530.
(a) This section applies to a merchant vessel of at least 100 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title except- (1) a vessel operating only on rivers and lakes (except the Great Lakes); (2) a barge (except a seagoing barge or a barge to which chapter 37 of this title applies); (3) a fishing, fish tender, or whaling vessel or a yacht; (4) a sailing school
(a) The Secretary shall issue a merchant mariner's document to an individual required to have that document under part F of this subtitle if the individual satisfies the requirements of this part. The document serves as a certificate of identification and as a certificate of service, specifying each rating in which the holder is qualified to serve on board vessels on which that document is required under part F. (b) The Secretary also may issue a continuous discharge book to an individual issued
A merchant mariner's document shall be retained by the individual to whom issued. The document shall contain the signature, notations of nationality, age, and physical description, the photograph, and the home address of the individual. In addition, the document shall specify the rate or ratings in which the individual is qualified to serve. 46 U.S.C. § 7303 Pub. L. 98-89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 542; Pub. L. 107-295, title IV, §421, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2125; Pub. L. 116-283 title LVXXXV [LXXXV]