Us Code § 12108 - Authority to extend duration of vessel certificates

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 12108 — Authority to extend duration of vessel certificates, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12108. Authority to extend duration of vessel certificates

(a) Certificates.—Provided a vessel is in compliance with inspection requirements in section 3313, the Secretary of the department in which in the Coast Guard is operating may, if the Secretary makes the determination described in subsection (b), extend, for a period of not more than 1 year, an expiring certificate of documentation issued for a vessel under chapter 121.

(b) Determination.—The determination referred to in subsection (a) is a determination that such extension is required to enable the Coast Guard to—

(1) eliminate a backlog in processing applications for such certificates; or

(2) act in response to a national emergency or natural disaster.


(c) Manner of Extension.—Any extension granted under this section may be granted to individual vessels or to a specifically identified group of vessels.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIII [LXXXIII], §8320(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4701.)

SUBCHAPTER II—ENDORSEMENTS AND SPECIAL DOCUMENTATION

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 12108 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 12108. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 12108

What does United States Code § 12108 cover?

Section 12108 ("Authority to extend duration of vessel certificates") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 12108?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 12108" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 12108 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.