Us Code § 963 - Detention of armed vessel
Full text of Us Code United States Code § 963 — Detention of armed vessel, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 963. Detention of armed vessel
(a) During a war in which the United States is a neutral nation, the President, or any person authorized by him, may detain any armed vessel owned wholly or in part by citizens of the United States, or any vessel, domestic or foreign (other than one which has entered the ports of the United States as a public vessel), which is manifestly built for warlike purposes or has been converted or adapted from a private vessel to one suitable for warlike use, until the owner or master, or person having charge of such vessel, shall furnish proof satisfactory to the President, or to the person duly authorized by him, that the vessel will not be employed to cruise against or commit or attempt to commit hostilities upon the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with which the United States is at peace, and that the said vessel will not be sold or delivered to any belligerent nation, or to an agent, officer, or citizen of such nation, by them or any of them, within the jurisdiction of the United States, or upon the high seas.
(b) Whoever, in violation of this section takes, or attempts to take, or authorizes the taking of any such vessel, out of port or from the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
In addition, such vessel, her tackle, apparel, furniture, equipment, and her cargo shall be forfeited to the United States.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 746; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§32, 36 (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title V, §§2, 6, 40 Stat. 221, 222; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, §5, 54 Stat. 79).
Section consolidates said sections of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed.
Words "within the United States" were substituted for "within the jurisdiction" etc., in view of the definition of United States in section 5 of this title.
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
The conspiracy provision of said section 36 was omitted as covered by section 371 of this title. See reviser's note under that section.
Changes in phraseology were also made.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $10,000".
Executive Documents
Delegation of Functions
For delegation to Secretary of Homeland Security of authority vested in President by this section, see section 1(l) of Ex. Ord. No. 10637, Sept. 16, 1955, 20 F.R. 7025, as amended, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.
About This Section
18 U.S.C. § 963 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. § 963. 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
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.