§10508. General penalties
(a) A master who carries a seaman on a voyage without first making the agreement required by section 10502 of this title 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. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 572 ; Pub. L. 103–206, title IV, § 416 , Dec. 20, 1993 , 107 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
1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–206 substituted “not more than $5,000” for “$20”.