46 USC § 11502 - Entry of offenses in logbook

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t46/s11502"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "46 USC § 11502 - Entry of offenses in logbook"
title_number: 46
title_name: "SHIPPING"
section_number: "11502"
section_name: "Entry of offenses in logbook"
chapter_number: 115
chapter_name: "OFFENSES AND PENALTIES"
part_number: "G"
part_name: "Merchant Seamen Protection and Relief"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 583.)"
---


# § 11502. Entry of offenses in logbook

**(a)** When an offense listed in section 11501 of this title is committed, an entry shall be made in the vessel’s official logbook—

**(1)** on the day of the offense;

**(2)** stating the details;

**(3)** signed by the master; and

**(4)** signed by the chief mate or another seaman.

**(b)** Before arrival in port if the offense was committed at sea, or before departure if the offense was committed in port and the offender is still on the vessel—

**(1)** the entry shall be read to the offender;

**(2)** the offender shall be given a copy; and

**(3)** the offender shall be given the opportunity to reply.

**(c)** After subsection (b) of this section has been complied with, an entry shall be made in the official logbook—

**(1)** stating that the entry about the offense was read and a copy provided to the offender;

**(2)** stating the offender’s reply;

**(3)** signed by the master; and

**(4)** signed by the chief mate or another seaman.

**(d)** In a subsequent legal proceeding, if the entries required by this section are not produced or proved, the court may refuse to receive evidence of the offense.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 583.)

| Revised section | Source section (U.S. Code) |
| --- | --- |
| 11502 | 46:702 |

Section 11502 describes the manner in which offenses must be recorded in the official logbook, and the use of the records by the court.