California · Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC

HNC §817: The master of a vessel in case of its capture may engage to pay a ransom for it in money or in part of the cargo, and his engagement will bind the vessel, freightage, and cargo.

What this law says, in plain English

A ship's master may agree to pay ransom in money or cargo if the vessel is captured, and such agreement binds the ship, freight, and cargo.

Read the full statutory text
The master of a vessel in case of its capture may engage to pay a ransom for it in money or in part of the cargo, and his engagement will bind the vessel, freightage, and cargo.

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.