law: 45. Striking superior officers.
  Every person subject to naval law who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,
  (a) strikes or attempts to strike his superior officer; or
  (b) draws or lifts up any weapon against such officer; or
  (c) uses or attempts to use any violence against such officer; shall be punished, if the offence is committed on active service with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned; and in any other case, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.