Title 46 — ShippingRelease 119-73
§53904 Liability insurance for persons involved in war or defense efforts
Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle V— - Merchant Marine › Part Part C— - Financial Assistance Programs › Chapter CHAPTER 539— - WAR RISK INSURANCE › § 53904
Summary
The Transportation Secretary may insure liability for people serving or supplying a vessel if the Secretary thinks it is needed for war or national defense and approved insurers won't offer reasonable terms. It cannot cover employer liability or workers' compensation.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §53904
Shipping — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)The Secretary of Transportation may provide insurance under this chapter against legal liability that a person may incur in providing services or facilities for a vessel if, in the opinion of the Secretary, the insurance—
(1)is required in prosecuting a war or for national defense; and
(2)cannot be obtained at reasonable rates or on reasonable terms and conditions from approved companies authorized to do insurance business in a State of the United States.
(b)Employer liability insurance and worker compensation insurance against legal liability to employees may not be provided under this section.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 5390446 App.:1286.June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XII, § 1206, as added Sept. 7, 1950, ch. 906, 64 Stat. 774; Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 929, § 5, 70 Stat. 986. In subsection (a), the words “a vessel” are substituted for “any American- or foreign-flag vessel, public or private” to eliminate unnecessary words.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 53904
Title 46 — Shipping
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73