---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 14702"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "14702"
heading: "False statements"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/14702"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part J — Measurement of Vessels"
  - "Chapter 147 — Penalties"
---

# §14702. False statements


A [person](/usc/46/3701.md?p=3) knowingly making a false statement or representation in a matter in which a statement or representation is required by this part or a regulation prescribed under this part is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $20,000 for each false statement or representation. The vessel also is liable in rem for the penalty.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(3), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1925.)

## Notes

### Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section 14702

Source: Section (U.S. Code) 46 App. U.S.C. 83i.

Section 14702 provides that a person knowingly making a false statement or representation in a matter in which a statement or representation is required by this part or a regulation prescribed under this part is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $20,000 for each false statement or representation. It further provides that the vessel is liable in rem for the penalty. This penalty is increased from $1,000 in existing law and conforms with the level of similar penalties throughout the subtitle.