### Question
How does the law define merchant marine officer?


### Answer
Under *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 1295a*, **merchant marine officer** is defined as:

> any person who holds a license issued by the United States Coast Guard which authorizes service—


(A) as a master, mate, or pilot on board any vessel of 1,000 gross tons or more which is documented under the laws of the United States and which operates on the oceans or on the Great Lakes

#### Citation:
  - *APPENDIX U.S.C. § 1295a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 24A-MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1928 > SUBCHAPTER XIII-MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING**

