46 USC 31330 – Penalties
(a)(1) A mortgagor shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both, if the mortgagor—
(A) with intent to defraud, does not disclose an obligation on a vessel as required by section 31323(a) of this title;
(B) with intent to defraud, incurs a contractual obligation in violation of section 31323(b) of this title; or
(C) with intent to hinder or defraud an existing or future creditor of the mortgagor or a lienor of the vessel, files a mortgage with the Secretary.
Terms Used In 46 USC 31330
- individual: shall include every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive at any stage of development. See 1 USC 8
- Mortgage: The written agreement pledging property to a creditor as collateral for a loan.
- Mortgagor: The person who pledges property to a creditor as collateral for a loan and who receives the money.
- Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
- vessel: includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water. See 1 USC 3
(2) A mortgagor is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 if the mortgagor—
(A) does not disclose an obligation on a vessel as required by section 31323(a) of this title;
(B) incurs a contractual obligation in violation of section 31323(b) of this title; or
(C) files with the Secretary a mortgage made not in good faith.
(b)(1) A person that knowingly violates section 31329 of this title shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both.
(2) A person violating section 31329 of this title is liable to the Government for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000.
(3) A vessel involved in a violation under section 31329 of this title and its equipment may be seized by, and forfeited to, the Government.
(c) If a person not an individual violates this section, the president or chief executive of the person also is subject to any penalty provided under this section.