§2274 — Title 18 Crimes and Criminal Procedure | U.S. Code

Summary

It is a crime for the owner, captain, person in charge, crew member, or anyone else in control of a private boat, U.S. or foreign, in U.S. territorial waters to on purpose destroy or damage the vessel or to knowingly let the boat be used as a hideout by people planning crimes against the United States, breaking U.S. treaties or international law, or trying to cheat the United States. A person who does this can be fined, sent to prison for up to ten years, or both. If the boat is used this way with the owner’s or captain’s knowledge, the United States can seize and keep the boat and its equipment.

Title 18, §2274

Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, being the owner, master or person in charge or command of any private vessel, foreign or domestic, or a member of the crew or other person, within the territorial waters of the United States, willfully causes or permits the destruction or injury of such vessel or knowingly permits said vessel to be used as a place of resort for any person conspiring with another or preparing to commit any offense against the United States, or any offense in violation of the treaties of the United States or of the obligations of the United States under the law of nations, or to defraud the United States; or knowingly permits such vessels to be used in violation of the rights and obligations of the United States under the law of nations, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. In case such vessels are so used, with the knowledge of the owner or master or other person in charge or command thereof, the vessel, together with her tackle, apparel, furniture, and equipment, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States in the same manner as merchandise is forfeited for violation of the customs revenue laws.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on section 193 of title 50, U.S.C., 1940 ed., War and National Defense (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title II, § 3, 40 Stat. 220; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, § 3(b), 54 Stat. 79). Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative. Minor changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000” in first par.

§2274 Destruction or misuse of vessel by person in charge