46 U.S.C. § 10319

Costs of a criminal conviction

In a proceeding about a seaman’s wages, if it is shown that the seaman was convicted during the voyage of an offense by a competent tribunal and sentenced by the tribunal, the court hearing the case may direct that a part of the wages due the seaman, but not more than $15, be applied to reimburse the master for costs properly incurred in procuring the conviction and sentence.

( Pub. L. 98–89 , Aug. 26, 1983 , 97 Stat. 569 .)