§2193 — Title 18 Crimes and Criminal Procedure | U.S. Code

Summary

Taking command of a U.S. ship by force, fraud, or threats is a crime. If a crew member on a U.S. vessel on the high seas or in U.S. maritime waters strips the captain of authority, stops them from doing their duties, or gives command to someone who has no right to it, they commit mutiny and can be fined, jailed for up to ten years, or both.

Title 18, §2193

Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, being of the crew of a vessel of the United States, on the high seas, or on any other waters within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, unlawfully and with force, or by fraud, or intimidation, usurps the command of such vessel from the master or other lawful officer in command thereof, or deprives him of authority and command on board, or resists or prevents him in the free and lawful exercise thereof, or transfers such authority and command to another not lawfully entitled thereto, is guilty of a revolt and mutiny, and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 484 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 293, 35 Stat. 1146). Punishment provision for mandatory fine and imprisonment was rephrased in the alternative so as to vest power in the court to impose either a fine, or imprisonment, or both, in its discretion.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $2,000”.

§2193 Revolt or Mutiny of Seamen