---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 2303"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "2303"
heading: "Duties related to marine casualty assistance and information"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/2303"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part A — General Provisions"
  - "Chapter 23 — Operation of Vessels Generally"
---

# §2303. Duties related to marine casualty assistance and information

- (a) The [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1) or individual in charge of a vessel involved in a marine casualty shall—
  - (1) render necessary assistance to each individual affected to save that affected individual from danger caused by the marine casualty, so far as the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1) or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1)’s or individual’s vessel or to individuals on board; and
  - (2) give the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1)’s or individual’s name and address and identification of the vessel to the [master](/usc/46/10101.md?p=1) or individual in charge of any other vessel involved in the casualty, to any individual injured, and to the [owner](/usc/46/10101.md?p=2) of any property damaged.
- (b) An individual violating this section or a regulation prescribed under this section shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years. The vessel also is liable in rem to the United States Government for the fine.
- (c) An individual complying with [subsection (a)](#a) of this section or gratuitously and in good faith rendering assistance at the scene of a marine casualty without objection by an individual assisted, is not liable for damages as a result of rendering assistance or for an act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance when the individual acts as an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent individual would have acted under the circumstances.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 509.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |
| --- | --- |
| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| 2303(a) | 33:367<br>46:1465(a) |
| 2303(b) | 33:368 |
| 2303(c) | 46:1465(b) |

Section 2303 requires a master or anyone in charge of a vessel to provide assistance and render aid to those involved in a marine casualty and to exchange information in a manner similar to automobile accident cases. It also includes a “Good Samaritan” clause that exonerates anyone from liability when rendering assistance in an ordinary, reasonable, or prudent manner.