§ 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.