California · Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC

HNC §809: The master of a vessel shall use great care and diligence in the performance of his duties, and he is responsible for all damage occasioned by his negligence.

What this law says, in plain English

A vessel master must exercise great care in duties and is liable for damages caused by negligence.

Read the full statutory text
The master of a vessel shall use great care and diligence in the performance of his duties, and he is responsible for all damage occasioned by his negligence.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.