46 U.S.C. § 12103

1. (a)Except as otherwise provided, a certificate of documentation for a vessel may be issued under this chapter only if the vessel is—
   1. (1)wholly owned by one or more individuals or entities described in subsection (b);
   2. (2)at least 5 net tons as measured under part J of this subtitle; and
   3. (3)not documented under the laws of a foreign country.
2. (b)For purposes of subsection (a)(1), the following are eligible owners:
   1. (1)An individual who is a citizen of the United States.
   2. (2)An association, trust, joint venture, or other entity if—
      1. (A)each of its members is a citizen of the United States; and
      2. (B)it is capable of holding title to a vessel under the laws of the United States or a State.
   3. (3)A partnership if—
      1. (A)each general partner is a citizen of the United States; and
      2. (B)the controlling interest in the partnership is owned by citizens of the United States.
   4. (4)A corporation if—
      1. (A)it is incorporated under the laws of the United States or a State;
      2. (B)its chief executive officer, by whatever title, and the chairman of its board of directors are citizens of the United States; and
      3. (C)no more of its directors are noncitizens than a minority of the number necessary to constitute a quorum.
   5. (5)The United States Government.
   6. (6)The government of a State.
3. (c)Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), the Secretary may issue a temporary certificate of documentation for a vessel before it is measured.