Notice: The uscode.house.gov website is currently operating in a temporary format. While the United States Code remains available from its authoritative source, some website features and functionality are temporarily unavailable.
The United States Code Online is current through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
Search & Browse Currency and Updating Classification Tables Popular Name Tool Positive Law Codification Editorial Reclassification Downloads
46 U.S.C. 51705: Training for use of force against piracyText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 46-SHIPPINGCHAPTER 517-OTHER SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT MARINE TRAINING
Jump To: Source CreditStatutory Notes and Related SubsidiariesMiscellaneous

§51705. Training for use of force against piracy

The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall certify a training curriculum for United States mariners on the use of force against pirates. The curriculum shall include⁠—

(1)  information on waters designated as high-risk waters by the Commandant of the Coast Guard;

(2)  information on current threats and patterns of attack by pirates;

(3)  tactics for defense of a vessel, including instruction on the types, use, and limitations of security equipment;

(4)  standard rules for the use of force for self-defense as developed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating under section 912(c) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–281; 46 U.S.C. 8107 note), including instruction on firearm safety for crewmembers of vessels carrying cargo under section 55305 of this title; and

(5)  procedures to follow to improve crewmember survivability if captured and taken hostage by pirates.

(Added Pub. L. 112–213, title V, § 502(a) , Dec. 20, 2012 , 126 Stat. 1574 .)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Deadline

Pub. L. 112–213, title V, § 502(b), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1575, provided that:

“The Secretary of Transportation shall certify the curriculum required under the amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section] not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2012].”