§ 12131. Command of documented vessels

• (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a documented vessel may be placed under the command only of a citizen or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) of the United States.
• (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to—
  • (1) a vessel with only a recreational endorsement; or
  • (2) an unmanned barge operating outside of the territorial waters of the United States.