Establishes crimes for altering, removing, or affixing unauthorized vessel identification numbers and trafficking in certain vessels.

The Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026 amends title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for altering, removing, or affixing unauthorized vessel identification numbers. It also creates a crime for trafficking in certain vessels with altered or missing identification numbers. The act specifies that these provisions do not apply if the removal or alteration is caused by collision, allision, or fire, or if it does not violate section 507A of title 18. Violations of these provisions can result in fines and imprisonment.

Establishes crimes for altering, removing, or affixing unauthorized vessel identification numbers and trafficking in certain vessels.

The Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026 amends title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for altering, removing, or affixing unauthorized vessel identification numbers. It also creates a crime for trafficking in certain vessels with altered or missing identification numbers. The act specifies that these provisions do not apply if the removal or alteration is caused by collision, allision, or fire, or if it does not violate section 507A of title 18. Violations of these provisions can result in fines and imprisonment.