§10309. Engaging seamen to replace those lost by desertion or casualty

(a) If a desertion or casualty results in the loss of at least one seaman, the master shall engage, if obtainable, a number equal to the number of seamen of whose services the master has been deprived. The new seaman must have at least the same grade or rating as the seaman whose place the new seaman fills. The master shall report the loss and replacement to a consular officer at the first port at which the master arrives.

(b) This section does not apply to a fishing or whaling vessel or a yacht.

( Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 564 ; Pub. L. 103–206, title IV, §407, Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2436 .)

Section 10309 provides for the replacement of seamen lost by desertion or casualty. It does not apply to fishing vessels, whaling vessels, or yachts.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1993-Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 103–206 redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "The master is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of $200 for each report not made. The vessel also is liable in rem for the penalty."