### Question
What does qualified merchant marine plan mean?


### Answer
**Qualified merchant marine plan** has the following meaning in *26 U.S.C. § 415*:

> a plan in existence on January 1, 1986, the participants in which are merchant marine officers holding licenses issued by the Secretary of Transportation under title 46, United States Code

#### Citation:
  - *26 U.S.C. § 415*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-Income Taxes > CHAPTER 1-NORMAL TAXES AND SURTAXES > Subchapter D-Deferred Compensation, Etc. > PART I-PENSION, PROFIT-SHARING, STOCK BONUS PLANS, ETC. > Subpart B-Special Rules**

