Us Code § 2277 - Explosives or dangerous weapons aboard vessels

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 2277 — Explosives or dangerous weapons aboard vessels, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2277. Explosives or dangerous weapons aboard vessels

(a) Whoever brings, carries, or possesses any dangerous weapon, instrument, or device, or any dynamite, nitroglycerin, or other explosive article or compound on board of any vessel documented under the laws of the United States, or any vessel purchased, requisitioned, chartered, or taken over by the United States pursuant to the provisions of Act June 6, 1941, ch. 174, 55 Stat. 242, as amended, without previously obtaining the permission of the owner or the master of such vessel; or

Whoever brings, carries, or possesses any such weapon or explosive on board of any vessel in the possession and under the control of the United States or which has been seized and forfeited by the United States or upon which a guard has been placed by the United States pursuant to the provisions of section 191 1 of Title 50, without previously obtaining the permission of the captain of the port in which such vessel is located, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

(b) This section shall not apply to the personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States or to officers or employees of the United States or of a State or of a political subdivision thereof, while acting in the performance of their duties, who are authorized by law or by rules or regulations to own or possess any such weapon or explosive.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 109–304, §17(d)(6), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1707.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§503, 504 (Dec. 31, 1941, ch. 642, §§1, 2, 55 Stat. 876).

Section consolidates sections 503 and 504 of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed.

Words "This section" were substituted in subsection (b) for the words "The provisions of sections 503, 504 of this title".

Minor changes were made in phraseology.


Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act June 6, 1941, ch. 174, 55 Stat. 242, referred to in subsec. (a), expired July 1, 1953.

Section 191 of Title 50, referred to in subsec. (a), was redesignated and transferred to section 70051 of Title 46, Shipping, by Pub. L. 115–282, title IV, §407(b)(1), (5), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4267.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted "documented" for "registered, enrolled, or licensed".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $1,000" in second par.

1 See References in Text note below.

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 2277 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 2277. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 2277

What does United States Code § 2277 cover?

Section 2277 ("Explosives or dangerous weapons aboard vessels") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 2277?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 2277" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 2277 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.