---
title: "Compare a duty schedule and the work record with 46 USC section 8104"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/compare-a-duty-schedule-and-the-work-and-rest-record-with-the-published/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A37-NE20261022-12-US"
practice_area: "Maritime, Shipping & Transport"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Compare a duty schedule and the work record with 46 USC section 8104

> From the duty schedule and the work record, list the planned hours, the hours the record says were worked, and which vessel facts the papers state that section 8104 uses: tonnage, waters, tanker, towing, or voyage…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/compare-a-duty-schedule-and-the-work-and-rest-record-with-the-published/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Maritime, Shipping & Transport](https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the duty schedule and the work record, list the planned hours, the hours the record says were worked, and which vessel facts the papers state that section 8104 uses: tonnage, waters, tanker, towing, or voyage length. Do not decide which subsection applies and do not calculate a penalty. |
| What the lawyer must review | Section 8104 is not one hours limit. Subsection (a) lets an officer take the deck watch on leaving port, or immediately after, only if the officer has been off duty for at least 6 hours within the 12 hours immediately before leaving. Subsection (b) limits a licensed individual on an oceangoing or coastwise vessel of not more than 100 gross tons, with stated exceptions, to 9 of 24 hours in port and 12 of 24 hours at sea, except in an emergency when life or property are endangered. Subsection (c) is the Great Lakes towing limit of 8 hours in one day, with a permission cap of 15 hours in 24 and 36 hours in 72. Subsection (d) requires at least three watches, and not more than 8 hours in one day, on a merchant vessel of more than 100 gross tons, subject to the exclusions written in that subsection. Subsection (g) allows at least two watches on a stated short voyage. Subsection (h) says an individual licensed to operate a towing vessel on a vessel to which section 8904 applies may not work more than 12 hours in a consecutive 24-hour period except in an emergency. Section 8904 was not opened. Subsection (n) limits a licensed individual or seaman on a tanker to 15 hours in 24 and 36 hours in 72, except an emergency or a drill, and counts administrative duties on board or onshore. You decide which subsection applies. Watchkeeping personnel covered by 46 CFR section 15.1111 remain subject to section 8104 as well. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Compare a duty schedule and the work and rest record with the published design principles](https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/compare-a-duty-schedule-and-the-work-and-rest-record-with-the-published.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the duty schedule and the work record, list the planned hours, the hours the record says were worked, and which vessel facts the papers state that section 8104 uses: tonnage, waters, tanker, towing, or voyage length. Do not decide which subsection applies and do not calculate a penalty.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Do not treat a 12-hour day as the rule for every vessel. Subsection (h) depends on section 8904, which was not opened.
- The rest rule in 46 CFR section 15.1111 is a separate check. It does not replace section 8104.

## Sources

- [46 USC section 8104 (watches and work hours)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/8104) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [46 CFR section 15.1111 (work hours and rest periods)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-15/subpart-K/section-15.1111) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*