§ 354. Deposit of ship's papers with consul

Every master of a vessel, belonging to citizens of the United States, who shall sail from any port of the United States, shall, on his arrival at a foreign port, deposit his register, with the consul or vice consul, if any there be at such port; and it shall be the duty of such consul or vice consul, on such master or commander producing to him a clearance from the proper officer of the port where his vessel may be, to deliver to the master all of his papers, if such master or commander has complied with the provisions of law relating to the discharge of seamen in a foreign country, and to the payment of the fees of consular officers.

(R.S. § 4309; Apr. 5, 1906, ch. 1366, § 3, 34 Stat. 100.)

Codification

R.S. § 4309 derived from act Feb. 28, 1803, ch. 9, § 2, 2 Stat. 203.

Reference to "commercial agent, or vice-commercial agent" was omitted in view of the abolition of the grade of commercial agent by act Apr. 5, 1906.

As originally enacted, this section also required the deposit of sea-letters and Mediterranean passports. The use of such documents was discontinued by Presidential proclamation on Apr. 10, 1815.

Consular fees for services to American vessels or seamen prohibited, see section 4206 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Retention of papers of American vessels by consular officers until payment of demands and wages, see section 4205 of Title 22.

This section is referred to in section 355 of this Appendix.

§ 355. Penalty for failure

Every master of any such vessel who refuses or neglects to deposit the papers as required by section 354 of this Appendix, shall be liable to a penalty of $500, to be recovered by such consul or vice consul, in his own name, for the benefit of the United States, in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(R.S. § 4310; Apr. 5, 1906, ch. 1366, § 3, 34 Stat. 100.)

Codification

R.S. § 4310 derived from act Feb. 28, 1803, ch. 9, § 2, 2 Stat. 203.

Reference to "commercial agent, or vice-commercial agent" was omitted in view of the abolition of the grade of commercial agent by act Apr. 5, 1906.