
      (a) The master 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 or individual in charge can do so
      without serious danger to the master's or individual's vessel or
      to individuals on board; and
        (2) give the master's or individual's name and address and
      identification of the vessel to the master or individual in
      charge of any other vessel involved in the casualty, to any
      individual injured, and to the owner 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) 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.

                       HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES                   
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
              Revised section               Source section (U.S. Code)  
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    2303(a)                               33:367                        
                                          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.

Last modified: April 20, 2006