
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 46USC2303]

 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
                     Subtitle II--Vessels and Seamen
 
                       Part A--General Provisions
 
               CHAPTER 23--OPERATION OF VESSELS GENERALLY
 
Sec. 2303. Duties related to marine casualty assistance and 
        information
        
    (a) The master or individual in charge of a vessel involved in a 
marine casualty shall--
        (1) render necessary assistance to each individual affected to 
    save that affected individual from danger caused by the marine 
    casualty, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so 
    without serious danger to the master's or individual's vessel or to 
    individuals on board; and
        (2) give the master's or individual's name and address and 
    identification of the vessel to the master or individual in charge 
    of any other vessel involved in the casualty, to any individual 
    injured, and to the owner of any property damaged.

    (b) An individual violating this section or a regulation prescribed 
under this section shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for 
not more than 2 years. The vessel also is liable in rem to the United 
States Government for the fine.
    (c) An individual complying with subsection (a) of this section or 
gratuitously and in good faith rendering assistance at the scene of a 
marine casualty without objection by an individual assisted, is not 
liable for damages as a result of rendering assistance or for an act or 
omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, 
or other assistance when the individual acts as an ordinary, reasonable, 
and prudent individual would have acted under the circumstances.

(Pub. L. 98-89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 509.)

                      Historical and Revision Notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Revised section                Source section (U.S. Code)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2303(a)...........................  33:367
                                    46:1465(a)
2303(b)...........................  33:368
2303(c)...........................  46:1465(b)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 2303 requires a master or anyone in charge of a vessel to 
provide assistance and render aid to those involved in a marine casualty 
and to exchange information in a manner similar to automobile accident 
cases. It also includes a ``Good Samaritan'' clause that exonerates 
anyone from liability when rendering assistance in an ordinary, 
reasonable, or prudent manner.
