((a)) ** .—** Except as provided in subsection (b), a documented vessel may be placed under the command only of a citizen or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ()) of the United States.

((b)) ** .—** Subsection (a) does not apply to—

((1)) a vessel with only a recreational endorsement; or

((2)) an unmanned barge operating outside of the territorial waters of the United States.