Search Legislation

Advanced Search

Naval Discipline Act 1957

Status:

This is the original version (as it was originally enacted).

Desertion and absence without leave

15Definition of " desertion "

A person is guilty of desertion within the meaning of this Act if he leaves or fails to attend at his ship or place of duty with the intention of remaining permanently absent from duty without proper authority or if, having left or failed to attend at his ship or place of duty in any circumstances, he does any act with the like intention.

16Offences of desertion

(1)Every person subject to this Act who deserts shall be liable to imprisonment for any term or any less punishment authorised by this Act.

(2)A person convicted of desertion shall, except so far as the court or officer by whom he is tried or the Admiralty may otherwise direct, forfeit all pay, bounty, salvage and allowances earned by him, all annuities, pensions and gratuities granted to him, and all clothes and effects left by him on board his ship or at his place of duty.

(3)Every person subject to this Act who .incites any other person subject thereto to desert shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or any less punishment authorised by this Act.

17Absence without leave, etc.

(1)Every person subject to this Act who, without being guilty of desertion.—

(a)absents himself without leave ; or

(b)improperly leaves his ship or place of duty,

shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or any less punishment authorised by this Act, and to such other punishment by way of forfeiture of pay or other benefits as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Admiralty.

(2)Every person subject to this Act who incites any other person subject thereto to absent himself, or to leave his ship or place of duty, in contravention of this section shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or any less punishment authorised by this Act.

18Failure to report deserters and absentees

Every person subject to this Act who, knowing that any other person subject thereto has deserted, absented himself without leave, or improperly left his ship or place, of duty, or is attempting to desert, to absent himself without leave or improperly to leave his ship or place of duty.—

(a)fails to report the fact without delay; or

(b)fails to take any steps within his power to cause that person to be apprehended,

shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or any less punishment authorised by this Act.

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources