Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 2282A: Devices or dangerous substances in waters of the United States likely to destroy or damage ships or to interfere with maritime commerce

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A person who knowingly places a device or dangerous substance in U.S. navigable waters intending to damage vessels, interfere with navigation, or disrupt maritime commerce commits a federal offense punishable by imprisonment for years or life, or death if someone dies.

Read the full statutory text
A person who knowingly places, or causes to be placed, in navigable waters of the United States, by any means, a device or dangerous substance which is likely to destroy or cause damage to a vessel or its cargo, cause interference with the safe navigation of vessels, or interference with maritime commerce (such as by damaging or destroying marine terminals, facilities, or any other marine structure or entity used in maritime commerce) with the intent of causing such destruction or damage, interference with the safe navigation of vessels, or interference with maritime commerce shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years, or for life; or both. A person who causes the death of any person by engaging in conduct prohibited under subsection (a) may be punished by death. Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to otherwise lawfully authorized and conducted activities of the United States Government. The term “dangerous substance” means any solid, liquid, or gaseous material that has the capacity to cause damage to a vessel or its cargo, or cause interference with the safe navigation of a vessel. The term “device” means any object that, because of its physical, mechanical, structural, or chemical properties, has the capacity to cause damage to a vessel or its cargo, or cause interference with the safe navigation of a vessel.

Verify at the official source: Federal 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.