US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

46 U.S.C. § 31324

Retention and examination of mortgages of vessels covered by preferred mortgages

(a)
On request, the owner, master, or individual in charge of a vessel covered by a preferred mortgage shall permit a person to examine the mortgage if the person has business with the vessel that may give rise to a maritime lien or the sale, conveyance, mortgage, or assignment of a mortgage of the vessel.
(b)
A mortgagor of a preferred mortgage covering a self-propelled vessel shall use diligence in keeping a certified copy of the mortgage on the vessel.

Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 102(c)102 Stat. 4744(, , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source section (U.S. Code)

31324

46:923

Section 31324(a) provides for examination of mortgages of a vessel that is covered by a preferred mortgage by persons that have business with the vessel that may give rise to a maritime lien or the sale, conveyance, mortgage, or assignment of the mortgage. This subsection makes no substantive change to law.

Section 31324(b) requires that a certified copy of the mortgage must be on board a self-propelled vessel. This subsection makes no substantive change to law.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

section 107 of Pub. L. 100–710section 31301 of this titleSection effective , with certain exceptions and qualifications, see , set out as a note under .