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Title 46 — ShippingRelease 119-73not60

§2303 Duties Related to Marine Casualty Assistance and Information

Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— Vessels and Seamen › Part A— General Provisions › Chapter 23— OPERATION OF VESSELS GENERALLY › § 2303

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The person in charge of a vessel must help anyone in danger after a marine accident, as long as helping does not put the vessel or people on board in serious danger. They must also give their name, address, and the vessel’s identity to other vessel leaders involved, to anyone hurt, and to owners of damaged property. Breaking these rules can lead to a fine up to $1,000 or up to 2 years in prison, and the vessel itself can be held responsible for the fine. A person who freely and in good faith helps at the scene, without objection, is not liable for damages if they acted like a reasonable, careful person.

Full Legal Text

Title 46, §2303

Shipping — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The master or individual in charge of a vessel involved in a marine casualty shall—
(1)render necessary assistance to each individual affected to save that affected individual from danger caused by the marine casualty, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the master’s or individual’s vessel or to individuals on board; and
(2)give the master’s or individual’s name and address and identification of the vessel to the master or individual in charge of any other vessel involved in the casualty, to any individual injured, and to the owner of any property damaged.
(b)An individual violating this section or a regulation prescribed under this section shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years. The vessel also is liable in rem to the United States Government for the fine.
(c)An individual complying with subsection (a) of this section or gratuitously and in good faith rendering assistance at the scene of a marine casualty without objection by an individual assisted, is not liable for damages as a result of rendering assistance or for an act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance when the individual acts as an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent individual would have acted under the circumstances.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 2303(a)33:36746:1465(a) 2303(b)33:368 2303(c)46:1465(b) section 2303 requires a master or anyone in charge of a vessel to provide assistance and render aid to those involved in a marine casualty and to exchange information in a manner similar to automobile accident cases. It also includes a “Good Samaritan” clause that exonerates anyone from liability when rendering assistance in an ordinary, reasonable, or prudent manner.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

46 U.S.C. § 2303

Title 46 — Shipping

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60