46 U.S.C. § 30705: Seaworthiness

(a) Prohibition.—A carrier may not insert in a bill of lading or shipping document a provision lessening or avoiding its obligation to exercise due diligence to—(1) make the vessel seaworthy; and (2) properly man, equip, and supply the vessel. (b) Voidness.—A provision described in subsection (a) is void.