Us Code § 1971 - "Vessel of the United States" defined

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1971 — "Vessel of the United States" defined, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1971. "Vessel of the United States" defined

For the purposes of this chapter the term "vessel of the United States" shall mean any private vessel documented or certificated under the laws of the United States. Notwithstanding any other law, the documentation or certification of any such vessel shall not be considered to be affected, for the purposes of this chapter, in any manner or to any extent if at any time during any voyage for the purpose of fishing beyond the fishery conservation zone (as defined in section 1802(8) 1 of title 16), the vessel is commanded by other than a citizen of the United States.

(Aug. 27, 1954, ch. 1018, §1, 68 Stat. 883; Pub. L. 95–541, §14(a), Oct. 28, 1978, 92 Stat. 2057; Pub. L. 96–561, title II, §238(b), Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3300; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title II, §211(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009–41.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1802(8) of title 16, referred to in text, which defined "fishery conservation zone", was repealed and section 1802(6) of Title 16, Conservation, defining the term "exclusive economic zone", was added by Pub. L. 99–659, title I, §101(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3706. Section 1802 was subsequently amended and the term "exclusive economic zone" is defined elsewhere in that section.

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–208 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1802(8) of title 16.

1980—Pub. L. 96–561 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1802(8) of title 16.

1978—Pub. L. 95–541 provided that the documentation or certification of a vessel of the United States not be affected if at any time during the voyage for the purpose of fishing beyond the fishery conservation zone, the vessel is commanded by other than a citizen of the United States.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title II, §211(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009–41, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective 15 days after Oct. 11, 1996.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–561, title II, §238(b), Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3300, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective 15 days after Dec. 22, 1980.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–541, §14(b), Oct. 28, 1978, 92 Stat. 2057, provided that the amendment made by section 14(a) of Pub. L. 95–541, amending this section, was to take effect Jan. 1, 1978, prior to the general amendment by Pub. L. 104–227, title I, §107, Oct. 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 3042.

Short Title of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–450, title I, §101, Nov. 7, 2000, 114 Stat. 1941, provided that: "This title [amending section 1977 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fishermen's Protective Act Amendments of 2000'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 90–482, §4, Aug. 12, 1968, 82 Stat. 730, provided that: "The Act of August 27, 1954 (68 Stat. 883; 22 U.S.C. 1971–1976), as amended by this Act [this chapter], may be cited as the 'Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967'."

1 See References in Text note below.

About This Section

22 U.S.C. § 1971 is part of Title 22 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 22 U.S.C. § 1971. 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

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1971

What does United States Code § 1971 cover?

Section 1971 (""Vessel of the United States" defined") 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 § 1971?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1971" (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 § 1971 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.