---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 3308"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "3308"
heading: "Examinations"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/3308"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part B — Inspection and Regulation of Vessels"
  - "Chapter 33 — Inspection Generally"
---

# §3308. Examinations


In addition to inspections required by [section 3307 of this title](/usc/46/3307.md), the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) shall examine or have examined—

- (1) each vessel subject to inspection at proper times to ensure compliance with law and regulations; and
- (2) crewmember accommodations on each vessel subject to inspection at least once a month or when the vessel enters United States ports to ensure that the accommodations are—
  - (A) of the size required by law and regulations;
  - (B) properly ventilated and in a clean and sanitary condition; and
  - (C) equipped with proper plumbing and mechanical appliances required by law and regulations, and the appliances are in good working condition.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 514; Pub. L. 104–324, title VI, § 603(c), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3930.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |
| --- | --- |
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 3308 | 46:435<br>46:660a<br>46:660b |

Section 3308 requires the Secretary to carry out additional inspections as might be necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and to ensure that accommodations are maintained in a sanitary condition and that all appliances are in good working order.

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “or have examined” after “examine” in introductory provisions.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective Apr. 15, 1984, see section 2(g)(1) of Pub. L. 98–89, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.