46 U.S.C. § 12103

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