Section 418 Of Article 1.5. Vessel Repair From California Harbors And Navigation Code >> Division 3. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 1.5.

. (a) This article does not apply to a vessel in distress which is in need of immediate work critical to its preservation and safety, for which consent cannot expeditiously be obtained.
  (b) This section does not include any situation or accident caused to the vessel by the negligence or conduct of the repairperson or the repairperson's agent.