Retention and examination of mortgages of vessels covered by preferred mortgages

On request, the owner, master, or individual in charge of a vessel covered by a preferred mortgage shall permit a person to examine the mortgage if the person has business with the vessel that may give rise to a maritime lien or the sale, conveyance, mortgage, or assignment of a mortgage of the vessel. A mortgagor of a preferred mortgage covering a self-propelled vessel shall use diligence in keeping a certified copy of the mortgage on the vessel. (Source: (Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 102(c), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4744.))