---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 U.S.C. § 3822"
title: "33"
title_heading: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
number: "3822"
heading: "Declaration"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/33/3822"
units:
  - "Chapter 51 — Clean Hulls"
  - "Subchapter II — Implementation of the Convention"
---

# §3822. Declaration

- (a) **Requirements—** On entry into force of the [Convention](/usc/33/3801.md?p=3) for the [United States](/usc/33/3801.md?p=14), a [vessel](/usc/33/3801.md?p=12) of at least 24 meters in length, but less than 400 gross tons engaged on an [international voyage](/usc/33/3801.md?p=7) (except fixed or floating platforms, [FSUs](/usc/33/3801.md?p=5), and [FPSOs](/usc/33/3801.md?p=4)) must carry a declaration described in [subsection (b)](#b) that is signed by the owner or owner’s authorized agent. That declaration shall be accompanied by appropriate documentation, such as a paint receipt or a contractor invoice, or contain an appropriate endorsement.
- (b) **Content of declaration—** The declaration must contain a clear statement that the [antifouling system](/usc/33/3801.md?p=2) on the [vessel](/usc/33/3801.md?p=12) complies with the [Convention](/usc/33/3801.md?p=3). The [Secretary](/usc/33/3801.md?p=10) may prescribe the form and other requirements of the declaration.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 111–281, title X, § 1022, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3026.)