This part 783 is the official interpretation of the Department of
Labor with respect to the meaning and application of sections 6(b)(2),
13(a)(14), and 13(b)(6) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended,
which govern the application of the minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements of the Act to employees employed as seamen. Prior to the
Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961, which became effective on
September 3, 1961, all employees employed as seamen were exempt from
both the minimum wage and overtime pay provisions of the Act. The 1961
amendments have narrowed this exemption so as to extend the minimum wage
provisions of the Act to employees employed as seamen on American
vessels. Employees employed as seamen on vessels other than American
vessels continue to be exempt from both the minimum wage and the
overtime pay requirements of the Act. It is the purpose of this part to
make available in one place the interpretations of the law relating to
employees employed as seamen which will guide the Secretary of Labor and
the Administrator in the performance of their duties under the Act.
