TITLE 46 - US CODE - CHAPTER 13 - PASSPORTS AND PAPERS OF VESSELS ENGAGED IN FOREIGN COMMERCE

46 USC Appendix 354 - Deposit of ships 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.

46 USC 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.