In the construction of this Title [R. S., 4501-4613], every person having the command of any vessel belonging to any citizen of the United States shall be deemed to be the "master" thereof; and every person (apprentices excepted) who shall be employed or engaged to serve in any capacity on board the same shall be deemed and taken to be a "seaman;" and the term "vessel" shall be understood to comprehend every description of vessel navigating on any sea or channel, lake or river, to which the provisions of this Title may be applicable, and the term "owner" shall be taken and understood to comprehend all the several persons, if more than one, to whom the vessel shall belong. (R. S., 4612.) Exemption for militia duty. Pilots, mariners actually employed in the sea service of any citizen or merchant within the United States, and all persons who are exempted by the laws of the respective States or Territories shall be exempted from militia duty, without regard to age. (Jan. 26, 1903; sec. 2.) Form of articles of agreement. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Date and place of first signature of agreement, including name of shipping-office.) It is agreed between the master and seamen or mariners of the ———— ————, of which ———— ———— is at present master, or whoever shall go for master, now bound from the port of ————, ————, to ————, ————, (here the voyage is to be described, and the places named at which the vessel is to touch, or if that cannot be done, the general nature and probable length of the voyage is to be stated.)