Federal · Title 46 — Shipping

46 U.S.C. § 31330: Penalties

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A person who knowingly violates vessel mortgage disclosure or filing requirements with intent to defraud may be imprisoned up to 3 years, fined, or both. Vessels involved may be seized and forfeited.

Read the full statutory text

with intent to defraud, does not disclose an obligation on a vessel as required by section 31323(a) of this title ; with intent to defraud, incurs a contractual obligation in violation of section 31323(b) of this title ; or with intent to hinder or defraud an existing or future creditor of the mortgagor or a lienor of the vessel, files a mortgage with the Secretary. does not disclose an obligation on a vessel as required by section 31323(a) of this title ; incurs a contractual obligation in violation of section 31323(b) of this title ; or files with the Secretary a mortgage made not in good faith. A person that knowingly violates section 31329 of this title shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both. A person violating section 31329 of this title is liable to the Government for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000. A vessel involved in a violation under section 31329 of this title and its equipment may be seized by, and forfeited to, the Government. If a person not an individual violates this section, the president or chief executive of the person also is subject to any penalty provided under this section.

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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.