Public Law 119-83 (04/13/2026)

46 U.S.C. § 10508

General penalties

(a)
section 10502 of this title A master who carries a seaman on a voyage without first making the agreement required by shall pay to the seaman the highest wage that was paid for a similar voyage within the 3 months before the time of engagement at the port or place at which the seaman was engaged. A seaman who has not signed an agreement is not bound by the applicable regulations, penalties, or forfeitures.
(b)
A master engaging a seaman in violation of this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000. The vessel also is liable in rem for the penalty.

Pub. L. 98–8997 Stat. 572 Pub. L. 103–206, title IV, § 416107 Stat. 2438 (, , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

10508

46:575

Section 10508 provides for a fair wage to be paid to a seaman who was engaged without a shipping agreement, and also exempts the seaman under certain conditions from applicable regulations, penalties or forfeitures. It also provides a penalty for violation of its provisions.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 103–2061993—Subsec. (b). substituted “not more than $5,000” for “$20”.