---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 7113"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "7113"
heading: "Exemption from draft"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/7113"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part E — Merchant Seamen Licenses, Certificates, and Documents"
  - "Chapter 71 — Licenses and Certificates of Registry"
---

# §7113. Exemption from draft


A licensed [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1), mate, pilot, or engineer of a vessel inspected under part B of this subtitle, propelled by machinery or carrying hazardous liquid cargoes in bulk, is not liable to draft in time of war, except for performing duties authorized by the [license](/usc/46/12101.md?p=b-2). When performing those duties in the service of the United States Government, the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1), mate, pilot, or engineer is entitled to the highest rate of wages paid in the merchant marine of the United States for similar services. If killed or wounded when performing those duties, the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1), mate, pilot, or engineer, or the heirs or legal representatives of the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1), mate, pilot, or engineer, are entitled to all the privileges under the pension laws of the United States provided to members of the Armed Forces.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 541.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |
| --- | --- |
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 7113 | 46:225 |

Section 7113 exempts licensed masters, mates, pilots, and engineers of inspected vessels that are propelled by machinery or carrying hazardous liquid cargo from the Selective Service draft in time of war.

This section also provides that, while serving in that capacity during war, they shall be entitled to the highest rate of pay paid in the U.S. merchant marine for similar services.

If a master, mate, pilot, or engineer is killed or wounded when performing those duties during a war, these individuals, their heirs or legal representatives, are entitled to all the privileges provided to members of the Armed Forces under the pension laws of the United States.