2008—Pub. L. 110–407, title I, §102(b), Oct. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 4298, added item 2285.
2006—Pub. L. 109–177, title III, §§304(b)(2), 305(b), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 235, 237, added items 2282B, 2283, and 2284.
Pub. L. 109–177, title III, §304(a)(2), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 235, which directed amendment of table of sections for this chapter by adding item 2282A after item 2282, was executed by adding item 2282A after item 2281 to reflect the probable intent of Congress, because there is no item 2282.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, §60019(b), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1979, added items 2280 and 2281.
1990—Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXV, §3566, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4928, substituted “vessels” for “vessel” in item 2271.
1 So in original. Does not conform to section catchline.
2 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.
Whoever, on the high seas, or within the United States, willfully and corruptly conspires, combines, and confederates with any other person, such other person being either within or without the United States, to cast away or otherwise destroy any vessel, with intent to injure any person that may have underwritten or may thereafter underwrite any policy of insurance thereon or on goods on board thereof, or with intent to injure any person that has lent or advanced, or may lend or advance, any money on such vessel on bottomry or respondentia; or
Whoever, within the United States, builds, or fits out any vessel to be cast away or destroyed, with like intent—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 803; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §487 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §296, 35 Stat. 1146).
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
Reference to a person who “aids in building or fitting out any vessel” was omitted as unnecessary in view of section 2 making all aiders guilty as principal.
Changes in phraseology were made.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000” in last par.
Whoever, upon the high seas or on any other waters within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, willfully and corruptly casts away or otherwise destroys any vessel of which he is owner, in whole or in part, with intent to injure any person that may underwrite any policy of insurance thereon, or any merchant that may have goods thereon, or any other owner of such vessel, shall be imprisoned for life or for any term of years.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 803.)
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §491 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §300, 35 Stat. 1147).
Whoever, not being an owner, upon the high seas or on any other waters within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, willfully and corruptly casts away or otherwise destroys any vessel of the United States to which he belongs, or willfully attempts the destruction thereof, shall be imprisoned not more than ten years.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 804.)
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §492 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §301, 35 Stat. 1147).
Words “with intent to destroy the same, sets fire to any such vessel, or otherwise” following “willfully” and preceding “attempts” were omitted as surplusage.
Whoever, being the owner, master or person in charge or command of any private vessel, foreign or domestic, or a member of the crew or other person, within the territorial waters of the United States, willfully causes or permits the destruction or injury of such vessel or knowingly permits said vessel to be used as a place of resort for any person conspiring with another or preparing to commit any offense against the United States, or any offense in violation of the treaties of the United States or of the obligations of the United States under the law of nations, or to defraud the United States; or knowingly permits such vessels to be used in violation of the rights and obligations of the United States under the law of nations, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
In case such vessels are so used, with the knowledge of the owner or master or other person in charge or command thereof, the vessel, together with her tackle, apparel, furniture, and equipment, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States in the same manner as merchandise is forfeited for violation of the customs revenue laws.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Based on section 193 of title 50, U.S.C., 1940 ed., War and National Defense (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title II, §3, 40 Stat. 220; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, §3(b), 54 Stat. 79).
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
Minor changes were made in phraseology.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000” in first par.
Whoever sets fire to any vessel of foreign registry, or any vessel of American registry entitled to engage in commerce with foreign nations, or to any vessel of the United States, or to the cargo of the same, or tampers with the motive power of instrumentalities of navigation of such vessel, or places bombs or explosives in or upon such vessel, or does any other act to or upon such vessel while within the jurisdiction of the United States, or, if such vessel is of American registry, while she is on the high sea, with intent to injure or endanger the safety of the vessel or of her cargo, or of persons on board, whether the injury or danger is so intended to take place within the jurisdiction of the United States, or after the vessel shall have departed therefrom and whoever attempts to do so shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §502 (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title III, §1, 40 Stat. 221).
Words “as defined in section 501 of this title,” were omitted in view of section 9 of this title, defining vessel of the United States.
Last sentence of said section 502, defining “United States”, was incorporated in section 5 of this title.
Provision prohibiting conspiracy was deleted as adequately covered by the general conspiracy statute, section 371 of this title.
Minor changes were made in phraseology.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000”.
Whoever, upon the high seas or on any other waters within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, and out of the jurisdiction of any particular State, breaks or enters any vessel with intent to commit any felony, or maliciously cuts, spoils, or destroys any cordage, cable, buoys, buoy rope, head fast, or other fast, fixed to the anchor or moorings belonging to any vessel, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §490 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §299, 35 Stat. 1147).
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000”.
(a) Whoever brings, carries, or possesses any dangerous weapon, instrument, or device, or any dynamite, nitroglycerin, or other explosive article or compound on board of any vessel documented under the laws of the United States, or any vessel purchased, requisitioned, chartered, or taken over by the United States pursuant to the provisions of Act June 6, 1941, ch. 174, 55 Stat. 242, as amended, without previously obtaining the permission of the owner or the master of such vessel; or
Whoever brings, carries, or possesses any such weapon or explosive on board of any vessel in the possession and under the control of the United States or which has been seized and forfeited by the United States or upon which a guard has been placed by the United States pursuant to the provisions of section 191 of Title 50, without previously obtaining the permission of the captain of the port in which such vessel is located, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(b) This section shall not apply to the personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States or to officers or employees of the United States or of a State or of a political subdivision thereof, while acting in the performance of their duties, who are authorized by law or by rules or regulations to own or possess any such weapon or explosive.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 109–304, §17(d)(6), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1707.)
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§503, 504 (Dec. 31, 1941, ch. 642, §§1, 2, 55 Stat. 876).
Section consolidates sections 503 and 504 of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed.
Words “This section” were substituted in subsection (b) for the words “The provisions of sections 503, 504 of this title”.
Minor changes were made in phraseology.
Act June 6, 1941, ch. 174, 55 Stat. 242, as amended, referred to in subsec. (a), expired July 1, 1953. For provisions covering the subject matter of that Act, see sections 196 to 198 of Title 50, War and National Defense.
2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted “documented” for “registered, enrolled, or licensed”.
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000” in second par.
Whoever, being the master of a steamship or other vessel referred to in section 151 of Title 46, except as otherwise expressly provided by law, takes, carries, or has on board of any such vessel any nitroglycerin, dynamite, or any other explosive article or compound, or any vitriol or like acids, or gunpowder, except for the ship's use, or any article or number of articles, whether as a cargo or ballast, which, by reason of the nature or quantity or mode of storage thereof, shall, either singly or collectively, be likely to endanger the health or lives of the passengers or the safety of the vessel, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 805; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Based on section 171 of title 46, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Shipping (Aug. 2, 1882, ch. 374, §8, 22 Stat. 189).
Words “except as otherwise expressly provided by law” were inserted to remove obvious inconsistency between sections 831–835 of this title, section 170 of title 46, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Shipping, and this section.
Words “shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and” were omitted because designation of the offense as a misdemeanor is unnecessary in view of definitive section 1 of this title.
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
Minor changes were made in phraseology.
Section 151 of Title 46, referred to in text, which was based on section 1 of act Aug. 2, 1882, ch. 374, 22 Stat. 186, as amended, was repealed by Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, §4(b), 97 Stat. 599.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000”.
Whoever, not being in the United States service, and not being duly authorized by law for the purpose, goes on board any vessel about to arrive at the place of her destination, before her actual arrival, and before she has been completely moored, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
The master of such vessel may take any such person into custody, and deliver him up forthwith to any law enforcement officer, to be by him taken before any committing magistrate, to be dealt with according to law.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 805; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(D), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2146.)
Based on section 708 of title 46, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Shipping (R.S. §4606).
“Law enforcement officer” was substituted for “constable or police officer” and “committing magistrate” for “justice of the peace.” The phraseology used in the statute was archaic. It originated when the government had few law enforcement officers and magistrates of its own.
References to specific sections were made to read: “according to law” to achieve brevity.
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
The words “without permission of the master” were deleted to remove an inconsistency with the provisions of section 163 of title 46, U.S.C., 1940 ed., and customs regulations. Customs regulations, 1943, section 4.1c, prohibit any person “with or without consent of the master” from boarding vessel, with specific enumerated exceptions. Said section 163 prescribes a “penalty of not more than $100 or imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both” for violating regulations. The revised section increases the fine from $100 to $200 for boarding the vessel “with the consent of the master.”
Minor changes were made in phraseology.
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $200” in first par.
(a)
(1)
(A) seizes or exercises control over a ship by force or threat thereof or any other form of intimidation;
(B) performs an act of violence against a person on board a ship if that act is likely to endanger the safe navigation of that ship;
(C) destroys a ship or causes damage to a ship or to its cargo which is likely to endanger the safe navigation of that ship;
(D) places or causes to be placed on a ship, by any means whatsoever, a device or substance which is likely to destroy that ship, or cause damage to that ship or its cargo which endangers or is likely to endanger the safe navigation of that ship;
(E) destroys or seriously damages maritime navigational facilities or seriously interferes with their operation, if such act is likely to endanger the safe navigation of a ship;
(F) communicates information, knowing the information to be false and under circumstances in which such information may reasonably be believed, thereby endangering the safe navigation of a ship;
(G) injures or kills any person in connection with the commission or the attempted commission of any of the offenses set forth in subparagraphs (A) through (F); or
(H) attempts or conspires to do any act prohibited under subparagraphs (A) through (G),
shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both; and if the death of any person results from conduct prohibited by this paragraph, shall be punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life.
(2)
(b)
(1) in the case of a covered ship, if—
(A) such activity is committed—
(i) against or on board a ship flying the flag of the United States at the time the prohibited activity is committed;
(ii) in the United States; or
(iii) by a national of the United States or by a stateless person whose habitual residence is in the United States;
(B) during the commission of such activity, a national of the United States is seized, threatened, injured or killed; or
(C) the offender is later found in the United States after such activity is committed;
(2) in the case of a ship navigating or scheduled to navigate solely within the territorial sea or internal waters of a country other than the United States, if the offender is later found in the United States after such activity is committed; and
(3) in the case of any vessel, if such activity is committed in an attempt to compel the United States to do or abstain from doing any act.
(c)
(d)
(e)
“covered ship” means a ship that is navigating or is scheduled to navigate into, through or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country.
“national of the United States” has the meaning stated in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22)).
“territorial sea of the United States” means all waters extending seaward to 12 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States determined in accordance with international law.
“ship” means a vessel of any type whatsoever not permanently attached to the sea-bed, including dynamically supported craft, submersibles or any other floating craft, but does not include a warship, a ship owned or operated by a government when being used as a naval auxiliary or for customs or police purposes, or a ship which has been withdrawn from navigation or laid up.
“United States”, when used in a geographical sense, includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and all territories and possessions of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, §60019(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1975; amended Pub. L. 104–132, title VII, §§722, 723(a)(1), Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1299, 1300.)
1996—Subsec. (a)(1)(H). Pub. L. 104–132, §723(a)(1), inserted “or conspires” after “attempts”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 104–132, §722(1), struck out “and the activity is not prohibited as a crime by the State in which the activity takes place” after “the United States”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 104–132, §722(2), struck out “the activity takes place on a ship flying the flag of a foreign country or outside the United States,” before “by a national of the United States”.
Section 60019(c) of Pub. L. 103–322 provided that: “This section [enacting this section and section 2281 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the later of—
“(1) the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 13, 1994]; or
“(2)(A) in the case of section 2280 of title 18, United States Code, the date the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation has come into force and the United States has become a party to that Convention; and
“(B) in the case of section 2281 of title 18, United States Code, the date the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf has come into force and the United States has become a party to that Protocol.”
[Convention and Protocol came into force Mar. 1, 1992, and entered into force with respect to the United States Mar. 6, 1995, Treaty Doc. 101–1.]
For extension of territorial sea of United States, see Proc. No. 5928, set out as a note under section 1331 of Title 43, Public Lands.
1 So in original. Probably should be section “13(c)”.
(a)
(1)
(A) seizes or exercises control over a fixed platform by force or threat thereof or any other form of intimidation;
(B) performs an act of violence against a person on board a fixed platform if that act is likely to endanger its safety;
(C) destroys a fixed platform or causes damage to it which is likely to endanger its safety;
(D) places or causes to be placed on a fixed platform, by any means whatsoever, a device or substance which is likely to destroy that fixed platform or likely to endanger its safety;
(E) injures or kills any person in connection with the commission or the attempted commission of any of the offenses set forth in subparagraphs (A) through (D); or
(F) attempts or conspires to do anything prohibited under subparagraphs (A) through (E),
shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both; and if death results to any person from conduct prohibited by this paragraph, shall be punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life.
(2)
(b)
(1) such activity is committed against or on board a fixed platform—
(A) that is located on the continental shelf of the United States;
(B) that is located on the continental shelf of another country, by a national of the United States or by a stateless person whose habitual residence is in the United States; or
(C) in an attempt to compel the United States to do or abstain from doing any act;
(2) during the commission of such activity against or on board a fixed platform located on a continental shelf, a national of the United States is seized, threatened, injured or killed; or
(3) such activity is committed against or on board a fixed platform located outside the United States and beyond the continental shelf of the United States and the offender is later found in the United States.
(c)
(d)
“continental shelf” means the sea-bed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond a country's territorial sea to the limits provided by customary international law as reflected in Article 76 of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“fixed platform” means an artificial island, installation or structure permanently attached to the sea-bed for the purpose of exploration or exploitation of resources or for other economic purposes.
“national of the United States” has the meaning stated in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22)).
“territorial sea of the United States” means all waters extending seaward to 12 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States determined in accordance with international law.
“United States”, when used in a geographical sense, includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and all territories and possessions of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, §60019(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1977; amended Pub. L. 104–132, title VII, §723(a)(1), Apr. 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1300; Pub. L. 104–294, title VI, §607(p), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3513.)
1996—Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 104–132 inserted “or conspires” after “attempts”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–294 inserted before period at end “, and the term ‘State’ means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States”.
Section effective Mar. 6, 1995, see section 60019(c)(1), (2)(B) of Pub. L. 103–322, set out as a note under section 2280 of this title.
For extension of territorial sea of United States, see Proc. No. 5928, set out as a note under section 1331 of Title 43, Public Lands.
1 So in original. Probably should be section “13(c)”.
(a) A person who knowingly places, or causes to be placed, in navigable waters of the United States, by any means, a device or dangerous substance which is likely to destroy or cause damage to a vessel or its cargo, cause interference with the safe navigation of vessels, or interference with maritime commerce (such as by damaging or destroying marine terminals, facilities, or any other marine structure or entity used in maritime commerce) with the intent of causing such destruction or damage, interference with the safe navigation of vessels, or interference with maritime commerce shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years, or for life; or both.
(b) A person who causes the death of any person by engaging in conduct prohibited under subsection (a) may be punished by death.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to otherwise lawfully authorized and conducted activities of the United States Government.
(d) In this section:
(1) The term “dangerous substance” means any solid, liquid, or gaseous material that has the capacity to cause damage to a vessel or its cargo, or cause interference with the safe navigation of a vessel.
(2) The term “device” means any object that, because of its physical, mechanical, structural, or chemical properties, has the capacity to cause damage to a vessel or its cargo, or cause interference with the safe navigation of a vessel.
(Added Pub. L. 109–177, title III, §304(a)(1), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 234.)
1 So in original. No section 2282 has been enacted.
Whoever intentionally destroys, seriously damages, alters, moves, or tampers with any aid to maritime navigation maintained by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation under the authority of section 4 of the Act of May 13, 1954 (33 U.S.C. 984), by the Coast Guard pursuant to section 81 of title 14, United States Code, or lawfully maintained under authority granted by the Coast Guard pursuant to section 83 of title 14, United States Code, if such act endangers or is likely to endanger the safe navigation of a ship, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both.
(Added Pub. L. 109–177, title III, §304(b)(1), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 235.)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(A) source material and special nuclear material, but does not include natural or depleted uranium;
(B) nuclear by-product material;
(C) material made radioactive by bombardment in an accelerator; or
(D) all refined isotopes of radium.
(8) 1
(9)
(Added Pub. L. 109–177, title III, §305(a), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 236.)
1 So in original. No par. (7) has been enacted.
(a)
(b)
(Added Pub. L. 109–177, title III, §305(a), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 237.)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) possession on board the vessel and production of documents evidencing the vessel's nationality as provided in article 5 of the 1958 Convention on the High Seas;
(2) flying its nation's ensign or flag; or
(3) a verbal claim of nationality or registry by the master or individual in charge of the vessel.
(e)
(1)
(A) a vessel of the United States or lawfully registered in a foreign nation as claimed by the master or individual in charge of the vessel when requested to make a claim by an officer of the United States authorized to enforce applicable provisions of United States law;
(B) classed by and designed in accordance with the rules of a classification society;
(C) lawfully operated in government-regulated or licensed activity, including commerce, research, or exploration; or
(D) equipped with and using an operable automatic identification system, vessel monitoring system, or long range identification and tracking system.
(2)
(A) government documents evidencing the vessel's nationality at the time of the offense, as provided in article 5 of the 1958 Convention on the High Seas;
(B) a certificate of classification issued by the vessel's classification society upon completion of relevant classification surveys and valid at the time of the offense; or
(C) government documents evidencing licensure, regulation, or registration for commerce, research, or exploration.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(Added Pub. L. 110–407, title I, §102(a), Oct. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 4296.)
Pub. L. 110–407, title I, §101, Oct. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 4296, provided that: “Congress finds and declares that operating or embarking in a submersible vessel or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and on an international voyage is a serious international problem, facilitates transnational crime, including drug trafficking, and terrorism, and presents a specific threat to the safety of maritime navigation and the security of the United States.”