California · Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC

HNC §820: The master of a vessel is liable to third persons for the acts or negligence of persons employed in its navigation, whether appointed by him or not, to the same extent as the owner of the vessel; but

What this law says, in plain English

A vessel's master is legally responsible to third parties for negligent acts of crew members involved in navigation, similar to the owner's liability.

Read the full statutory text

The master of a vessel is liable to third persons for the acts or negligence of persons employed in its navigation, whether appointed by him or not, to the same extent as the owner of the vessel; but neither the owner nor the master of a vessel is responsible for the negligence of a pilot whom he is bound by law to employ, unless an option is allowed between pilots, some of whom are competent, or unless he is required only to pay compensation to the pilot, but is not required to use his services.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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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.