---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 4103"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "4103"
heading: "Exemptions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/4103"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part B — Inspection and Regulation of Vessels"
  - "Chapter 41 — Uninspected Vessels Generally"
---

# §4103. Exemptions

- (a) The [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) may exempt a vessel from any part of this chapter if, under regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) (including regulations on special operating conditions), the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) finds that—
  - (1) good cause exists for granting an exemption; and
  - (2) the safety of the vessel and individuals on board will not be adversely affected.
- (b) [Section 4102(a) of this title](/usc/46/4102.md?p=a) does not apply to a vessel propelled by outboard motors when competing in a race previously arranged and announced or, if the vessel is designed and intended only for racing, when operated incidental to tuning up the vessel and its engines for the race.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 529; Pub. L. 100–540, § 2, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2719.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |
| --- | --- |
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 4103 | 46:525h |

Section 4103 contains an exemption from carrying fire extinguishers, for on a vessel competing in an organized race or a vessel designed and intended for racing only.

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–540 added subsec. (a) and designated existing provisions as subsec. (b).