PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

Captains or people in charge of a boat must help anyone at sea who is in danger of being lost, as long as helping does not put their vessel or the people on board in serious danger. The rule does not apply to warships or U.S. government ships used only for public service. If a captain or person in charge fails to help, they can be fined up to $1,000, jailed for up to 2 years, or both.

Title 46, §2304

Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)(1)A master or individual in charge of a vessel shall render assistance to any individual found at sea in danger of being lost, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the master’s or individual’s vessel or individuals on board.

(2)Paragraph (1) does not apply to a vessel of war or a vessel owned by the United States Government appropriated only to a public service.

(b)A master or individual violating this section shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 230446:728 section 2304 requires a master or individual in charge of a vessel to render assistance to those in danger at sea if able to do so without seriously endangering the vessel or crew.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–304 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

§2304 Duty to Provide Assistance at Sea