---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 10706"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "10706"
heading: "Seamen dying in the United States"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/10706"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part G — Merchant Seamen Protection and Relief"
  - "Chapter 107 — Effects of Deceased Seamen"
---

# §10706. Seamen dying in the United States


When a [seaman](/usc/46/10101.md?p=3) dies in the United States and is entitled at death to claim money, property, or wages from the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1) or [owner](/usc/46/10101.md?p=2) of a vessel on which the [seaman](/usc/46/10101.md?p=3) served, the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1) or [owner](/usc/46/10101.md?p=2) shall deliver the money, property, and wages to a district court of the United States within one week of the [seaman](/usc/46/10101.md?p=3)’s death. If the [seaman](/usc/46/10101.md?p=3)’s death occurs at sea, such money, property, or wages shall be delivered to a district court or a consular officer within one week of the vessel’s arrival at the first port call after the [seaman](/usc/46/10101.md?p=3)’s death.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 573; Pub. L. 103–206, title IV, § 419, Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2438.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |
| --- | --- |
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 10706 | 46:625 |

Section 10706 provides for the disposal by the master of the property and wages of deceased seamen who have died in the United States.

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1993—Pub. L. 103–206 substituted “to a district court of the United States within one week of the seaman’s death. If the seaman’s death occurs at sea, such money, property, or wages shall be delivered to a district court or a consular officer within one week of the vessel’s arrival at the first port call after the seaman’s death.” for “as provided by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.”.