Federal · Title 46 — Shipping

46 U.S.C. § 2304: Duty to provide assistance at sea

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A vessel master or operator must render assistance to individuals in danger at sea when feasible without serious risk. Violation carries a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 2 years, or both.

Read the full statutory text

A master or individual in charge of a vessel shall render assistance to any individual found at sea in danger of being lost, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the master’s or individual’s vessel or individuals on board. Paragraph (1) does not apply to a vessel of war or a vessel owned by the United States Government appropriated only to a public service. A master or individual violating this section shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.

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.