Federal · Title 46 — Shipping

46 U.S.C. § 8503: Federal pilots authorized

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Federal law requires licensed pilots for certain vessels in U.S. waters and foreign commerce. Knowingly violating this requirement is a Class D felony; civil penalties up to $25,000 also apply.

Read the full statutory text

engaged in foreign commerce; and in internal waters of the United States; or within 3 nautical miles from the baselines from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured. establishes a requirement for a State licensed pilot; and notifies the Secretary of that fact. For the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Secretary may not delegate the authority under this section to an agency except the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. A person violating this section or a regulation prescribed under this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation. The vessel also is liable in rem for the penalty. A person that knowingly violates this section or a regulation prescribed under this section commits a class D felony.

Verify at the official source: Federal 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.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

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.