2014 US Code
Title 46 - Shipping (Sections 101 - 80509)
Subtitle II - Vessels and Seamen (Sections 2101 - 14702)
Part A - General Provisions (Sections 2101 - 2307)
Chapter 23 - Operation of Vessels Generally (Sections 2301 - 2307)
Sec. 2304 - Duty to provide assistance at sea

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Metadata
Publication TitleUnited States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 2, Title 46 - SHIPPING
CategoryBills and Statutes
CollectionUnited States Code
SuDoc Class NumberY 1.2/5:
Contained WithinTitle 46 - SHIPPING
Subtitle II - Vessels and Seamen
Part A - General Provisions
CHAPTER 23 - OPERATION OF VESSELS GENERALLY
Sec. 2304 - Duty to provide assistance at sea
Containssection 2304
Date2014
Laws In Effect As Of DateJanuary 5, 2015
Positive LawYes
Dispositionstandard
Source CreditPub. L. 98-89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 509; Pub. L. 109-304, §15(8), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1703.
Statutes at Large References97 Stat. 509
120 Stat. 1703
Public and Private LawsPublic Law 98-89, Public Law 109-304

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46 U.S.C. § 2304 (2014)
§2304. Duty to provide assistance at sea

(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.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 509; Pub. L. 109–304, §15(8), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1703.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code)
2304 46:728

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.

AMENDMENTS

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

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