[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 46, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2008] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 46CFR12.05-1] [Page 216] TITLE 46--SHIPPING CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PART 12_CERTIFICATION OF SEAMEN--Table of Contents Subpart 12.05_Able Seamen Sec. 12.05-1 Certification required. (a) Every person employed in a rating as able seaman on any United States vessel requiring certificated able seamen, before signing articles of agreement, shall present to the master, his or her certificate as able seaman (issued in the form of a merchant mariner's document). (b) No certificate as able seaman is required of any person employed on any tug or towboat on the bays and sounds connected directly with the seas, or on any unrigged vessel except seagoing barges or tank barges. (c) The following categories of able seaman are established: (1) Able Seaman--Any Waters, Unlimited. (2) Able Seaman--Limited. (3) Able Seaman--Special. (4) Able Seaman--Special (OSV). [CGD 80-131, 45 FR 69240, Oct. 20, 1980]