Us Code § 57101 - Placement of vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 57101 — Placement of vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 57101. Placement of vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet

(a) In General.—Any vessel acquired by the Maritime Administration of 1,500 gross tons or more or such other vessels as the Secretary of Transportation determines are appropriate shall be placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

(b) Removal From Fleet.—A vessel placed in the Fleet under subsection (a) may not be traded out or sold from the Fleet, except as provided in section 57102, 57103, or 57104 or chapter 533, 537, 573, or 575 of this title, or section 308704 of title 54.

(c) Authority of Federal Entities To Transfer Vessels.—All Federal entities are authorized to transfer vessels to the National Defense Reserve Fleet without reimbursement subject to the approval of the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Navy with respect to Ready Reserve Force vessels and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to all other vessels.

(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1658; Pub. L. 112–213, title IV, §§406, 407, Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1571; Pub. L. 115–91, div. C, title XXXV, §3502(b)(7), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1911; Pub. L. 118–31, div. C, title XXXV, §3514(j)(3), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 811.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
57101 46 App.:1160(j). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title V, §510(j), as added Pub. L. 89–254, §2, Oct. 10, 1965, 79 Stat. 980; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(91), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 161.

In subsection (a), the words "vessel acquired by the Maritime Administration" are substituted for "vessel heretofore or hereafter acquired under this section, or otherwise acquired by the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation under any other authority" to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (b), the words "except as provided in section 57102, 57103, or 57104 or chapter 533, 537, 573, or 575 of this title" are substituted for "except as provided for in subsections (g) and (i) of this section. This limitation shall not affect the rights of the Secretary of Transportation to dispose of a vessel as provided in other sections of this subchapter or in subchapters VII or XI of this chapter" because of the restatement.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–31 inserted ", or section 308704 of title 54" before period at end.

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91, which directed striking out "maintained under section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 (50 App. 1744)", was executed by striking out "maintained under section 11 of the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 (50 App. U.S.C. 1744)" before period at end, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–213, §406, inserted "of 1,500 gross tons or more or such other vessels as the Secretary of Transportation determines are appropriate" after "Administration".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–213, §407, added subsec. (c).

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 57101 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. § 57101. 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.

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 57101

What does United States Code § 57101 cover?

Section 57101 ("Placement of vessels in National Defense Reserve Fleet") 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 § 57101?

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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 § 57101 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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