Historical and Revision Notes | |
|---|---|
Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
8302(a)–(d) | 46:242 46:248 |
8302(e), (f) | 46:246(a) |
8302(g) | 46:245(a) |
8302(h) | 46:245(b) |
Section 8302 sets forth the organization and manning requirements of the staff department of a vessel. The staff department has medical and clerical responsibilities.
Subsection (a) applies this section to every United States vessel except a yacht, a fishing, whaling, or certain types of inland waterway vessel, and a ferry carrying passengers or cars on the Great Lakes. A ferry is a vessel that primarily carries passengers, cars, or trains from shore to shore as a means to connect existing points on a transportation route so that the same type of transportation mode may continue to be used upon arrival at either point. Vessels carrying cars as cargo would not be included in this type of vessel.
Subsection (b) establishes the staff department as a separate one consisting of registered individuals (pursers, medical doctors, and professional nurses), clerks, and medical assistants. Subsection (c) divides the department into a medical division and a purser’s division and designates the individual in charge of each division. Subsection (d) prescribes particular requirements of the purser’s division based on size of the vessel or number of individuals employed in the division.
Subsection (e) prohibits the employment or service of an individual who is not registered or of the grade as required under this section and prescribes a penalty for violation of the subsection. This penalty applies to both the employer and the individual employed. If a registered staff officer is unavailable at the time of departure for a voyage, the vessel may proceed on its voyage with either an unregistered staff officer or without a staff officer.
Subsection (f) prohibits including a staff officer on a vessel’s certificate of inspection.
Subsections (g) and (h) prescribe the type and restrictions for the uniform accouterments of a staff officer.
2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted “3 individuals” for “3 persons”.
2006—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted “Navy Reserve” for “Naval Reserve”.
1985—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–36 inserted a comma after “clerks”.