Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§11506 Carrying Sheath Knives
Title 46 › Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen › Part G — Merchant Seamen Protection and Relief › CHAPTER 115 — OFFENSES AND PENALTIES › § 11506
Summary
Seamen cannot wear sheath knives on U.S. vessels unless the master agrees; the master must tell seamen before hiring or face a $50 penalty.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §11506
Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
A seaman in the merchant marine may not wear a sheath knife on board a vessel without the consent of the master. The master of a vessel of the United States shall inform each seaman of this prohibition before engagement. A master failing to advise a seaman is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of $50.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 1150646:710 section 11506 prohibits a merchant seaman from carrying a sheath knife without permission of the master, and penalizes a master who does not advise a seaman of this provision.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 11506
Title 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102