2014 US Code
Title 46 - Shipping (Sections 101 - 80509)
Subtitle II - Vessels and Seamen (Sections 2101 - 14702)
Part B - Inspection and Regulation of Vessels (Sections 3101 - 4705)
Chapter 33 - Inspection Generally (Sections 3301 - 3318)
Sec. 3315 - Disclosure of defects and protection of informants

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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 B - Inspection and Regulation of Vessels
CHAPTER 33 - INSPECTION GENERALLY
Sec. 3315 - Disclosure of defects and protection of informants
Containssection 3315
Date2014
Laws In Effect As Of DateJanuary 5, 2015
Positive LawYes
Dispositionstandard
Source CreditPub. L. 98-89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 516.
Statutes at Large Reference97 Stat. 516
Public and Private LawPublic Law 98-89

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46 U.S.C. § 3315 (2014)
§3315. Disclosure of defects and protection of informants

(a) Each individual licensed under part E of this subtitle shall assist in the inspection or examination under this part of the vessel on which the individual is serving, and shall point out defects and imperfections known to the individual in matters subject to regulations and inspection. The individual also shall make known to officials designated to enforce this part, at the earliest opportunity, any marine casualty producing serious injury to the vessel, its equipment, or individuals on the vessel.

(b) An official may not disclose the name of an individual providing information under this section, or the source of the information, to a person except a person authorized by the Secretary. An official violating this subsection is liable to disciplinary action under applicable law.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 516.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code)
3315 46:234

Section 3315 requires an individual holding a license issued by the Coast Guard to assist inspection authorities and to make defects and imperfections known to those authorities. Anyone licensed also has a duty to report any marine casualty producing serious injury to the vessel, its equipment, or individuals on board the vessel. These licensed individuals who have this statutorily imposed duty to disclose are also protected by prohibiting any government official from disclosing the identity or source of the information except as authorized by the Secretary.

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