A vessel satisfying the requirements of subsection (b) may be issued—
(1) a coastwise endorsement to engage in the coastwise trade of fisheries products between places in Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands; or
(2) a fishery endorsement to engage in fishing in the territorial sea and fishery conservation zone adjacent to Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
An endorsement may be issued under subsection (a) for a vessel that—
(1) satisfies the requirements of section 12103 of this title;
(2) was not built in the United States, except that for an endorsement under subsection (a)(2), the vessel must not have been built or rebuilt in the United States;
(3) is less than 200 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage as measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title; and
(4) otherwise qualifies under the laws of the United States to engage in the coastwise trade or the fisheries, as the case may be.
(Pub. L. 109–304, § 5, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1499.)