§ 883a. Reports required of United States vessels rebuilt abroad; penalty for failure to report; mitigation of penalty

If any vessel of more than five hundred gross tons as measured under section 14502 of title 46, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of that title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of that title documented under the laws of the United States, or last documented under such laws, is rebuilt, and any part of the rebuilding, including the construction of major components of the hull and superstructure of the vessel, is not effected within the United States, its Territories (not including trust territories) or its possessions, a report of the circumstances of such rebuilding shall be made to the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the first arrival of the vessel thereafter at a port within the customs territory of the United States, if rebuilt outside the United States, its Territories (not including trust territories), or its possessions, or, in any other case, upon completion of the rebuilding, in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. If the required report is not made, the vessel, together with its tackle, apparel, equipment, and furniture, shall be forfeited, and the master and owner shall each be liable to a penalty of $200. Any penalty or forfeiture incurred under this Act may be remitted or mitigated by the Secretary under the provisions of section 2107 (b) of title 46.