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33 U.S.C. § 1908 — Penalties for violations

Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

33 U.S.C. § 1908 — Penalties for violations

**(a) Criminal penalties; payment for information leading to conviction** A person who knowingly violates the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder commits a class D felony. In the discretion of the Court, an amount equal to not more than ½ of such fine may be paid to the person giving information leading to conviction. **(b) Civil penalties; separate violations; assessment notice; considerations affecting amount; payment for information leading to assessment of penalty** A person who is found by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have— (1) violated the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $25,000 for each violation; or (2) made a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any matter in which a statement or representation is required to be made to the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, under the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations thereunder, shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $5,000 for each statement or representation. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. The amount of the civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter or his designee, by written notice. In determining the amount of the penalty, the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited acts

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Source location: Title 33, Chapter 33, § 1908; chapter-033-prevention-of-pollution-from-ships.md

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**(a) Criminal penalties; payment for information leading to conviction** A person who knowingly violates the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder commits a class D felony. In the discretion of the Court, an amount equal to not more than ½ of such fine may be paid to the person giving information leading to conviction. **(b) Civil penalties; separate violations; assessment notice; considerations affecting amount; payment for information leading to assessment of penalty** A person who is found by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have— (1) violated the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $25,000 for each violation; or (2) made a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any matter in which a statement or representation is required to be made to the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, under the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations thereunder, shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $5,000 for each statement or representation. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. The amount of the civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter or his designee, by written notice. In determining the amount of the penalty, the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited acts committed and, with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay, and other matters as justice may require. An amount equal to not more than ½ of such penalties may be paid by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, to the person giving information leading to the assessment of such penalties. **(c) Abatement of civil penalties; collection by Attorney General** The Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, may compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, any civil penalty which is subject to assessment or which has been assessed under this section. If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty after it has become final, the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, may refer the matter to the Attorney General of the United States for collection in any appropriate district court of the United States. **(d) Liability in rem; district court jurisdiction** A ship operated in violation of the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations thereunder is liable in rem for any fine imposed under subsection (a) or civil penalty assessed pursuant to subsection (b), and may be proceeded against in the United States district court of any district in which the ship may be found. **(e) Ship clearance or permits; refusal or revocation; bond or other surety** If any ship subject to the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, or this chapter, its owner, operator, or person in charge is liable for a fine or civil penalty under this section, or if reasonable cause exists to believe that the ship, its owner, operator, or person in charge may be subject to a fine or civil penalty under this section, the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the request of the Secretary, shall refuse or revoke the clearance required by [section 60105 of title 46](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section60105&num=0&edition=prelim). Clearance may be granted upon the filing of a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Secretary. **(f) Referrals for appropriate action by foreign country** Notwithstanding subsection (a), (b), or (d) of this section, if the violation is by a ship registered in or of the nationality of a country party to the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol, or one operated under the authority of a country party to the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol, the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter acting in coordination with the Secretary of State, may refer the matter to the government of the country of the ship’s registry or nationality, or under whose authority the ship is operating for appropriate action, rather than taking the actions required or authorized by this section. **(g) Deposits in Abandoned Seafarers Fund** Any penalty collected under subsection (a) or (b) that is not paid under that subsection to the person giving information leading to the conviction or assessment of such penalties shall be deposited in the Abandoned Seafarers Fund established under [section 11113 of title 46](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section11113&num=0&edition=prelim).

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

33 U.S.C. § 2701 — Definitions

For the purposes of this Act, the term— (1) “act of God” means an unanticipated grave natural disaster or other natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable, and irresistible character the effects of which could not have been prevented or avoided by the exercise of due care or foresight; (2) “barrel” means 42 United States gallons at 60 degrees fahrenheit; (3) “claim” means a request, made in writing for a sum certain, for compensation for damages or removal costs resulting from an incident; (4) “claimant” means any person or government who presents a claim for compensation under this subchapter; (5) “damages” means damages specified in [section 2702(b) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section2702/b&num=0&edition=prelim), and includes the cost of assessing these damages; (6) “deepwater port” is a facility licensed under the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ([33 U.S.C. 1501–152](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section1501–152&num=0&edition=prelim)4); (7) “discharge” means any emission (other than natural seepage), intentional or unintentional, and includes, but is not limited to, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, or dumping; (8) “exclusive economic zone” means the zone established by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030, dated March 10, 1983, including the ocean waters of the areas referred to as “eastern special areas” in Article 3(1) of the Agreement between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Maritime Boundary, signed June 1, 1990; (9) “facility” means any structure, group of structures, equipment, or device (other than a vessel) which is used for one or more of the following purposes: exploring for, drill

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

46 U.S.C. § 60105 — Clearance of vessels

**(a) Vessels of the United States.—** Except as otherwise provided by law, a vessel of the United States shall obtain clearance from the Secretary of Homeland Security before proceeding from a port or place in the United States— (1) for a foreign port or place; (2) for another port or place in the United States if the vessel has on board foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made; or (3) outside the territorial sea to visit a hovering vessel or to receive merchandise while outside the territorial sea. **(b) Other Vessels.—** Except as otherwise provided by law, a vessel that is not a vessel of the United States shall obtain clearance from the Secretary before proceeding from a port or place in the United States— (1) for a foreign port or place; (2) for another port or place in the United States; or (3) outside the territorial sea to visit a hovering vessel or to receive or deliver merchandise while outside the territorial sea. **(c) Regulations.—** The Secretary may by regulation— (1) prescribe the manner in which clearance under this section is to be obtained, including the documents, data, or information which shall be submitted or transmitted, pursuant to an authorized data interchange system, to obtain the clearance; (2) permit clearance to be obtained before all requirements for clearance are complied with, but only if the owner or operator of the vessel files a bond in an amount set by the Secretary conditioned on the compliance by the owner or operator with all specified requirements for clearance within a time period (not exceeding 4 business days) established by the Secretary; and (3) permit clearance to be obtained at a place other than a designated port of entry, under conditions the Secretary may prescribe.

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 46 U.S.C. § 60105

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

46 U.S.C. § 11113 — Treatment of abandoned seafarers

**(a) Abandoned Seafarers Fund.—** (1) **Establishment.—** — There is established in the Treasury a separate account to be known as the Abandoned Seafarers Fund. (2) **Authorized uses.—** — Amounts in the Fund may be appropriated to the Secretary for use— (A) to pay necessary support of a seafarer— (i) who— (I) was paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ([8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1182/d/5&num=0&edition=prelim)), or for whom the Secretary has requested parole under such section; and (II) is involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of law by the Coast Guard; or (ii) who— (I) is physically present in the United States; (II) the Secretary determines was abandoned in the United States; and (III) has not applied for asylum under the Immigration and Nationality Act ([8 U.S.C. 1101](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1101&num=0&edition=prelim) et seq.); and (B) to reimburse a vessel owner or operator for the costs of necessary support of a seafarer who has been paroled into the United States to facilitate an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related to the administration or enforcement of law by the Coast Guard, if— (i) the vessel owner or operator is not convicted of a criminal offense related to such matter; or (ii) the Secretary determines that reimbursement is appropriate. (3) **Crediting of amounts to fund.—** (A) *In general.—* — Except as provided in subparagraph (B), there shall be credited to the Fun

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 46 U.S.C. § 11113

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

33 U.S.C. § 1901 — Definitions

**(a)** Unless the context indicates otherwise, as used in this chapter— (1) “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; (2) “Antarctica” means the area south of 60 degrees south latitude; (3) “Antarctic Protocol” means the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, signed October 4, 1991, in Madrid, and all annexes thereto, and includes any future amendments thereto which have entered into force; (4) “MARPOL Protocol” means the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and includes the Convention; (5) “Convention” means the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, including Protocols I and II and Annexes I, II, V, and VI thereto, including any modification or amendments to the Convention, Protocols, or Annexes which have entered into force for the United States; (6) “discharge”, “emission”, “garbage”, “harmful substance”, and “incident” shall have the meanings provided in the Convention; (7) “navigable waters” includes the territorial sea of the United States (as defined in Presidential Proclamation 5928 of December 27, 1988) and the internal waters of the United States; (8) “owner” means any person holding title to, or in the absence of title, any other indicia of ownership of, a ship or terminal, but does not include a person who, without participating in the management or operation of a ship or terminal, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect a security interest in the ship or terminal; (9) “operator” means— (a) in the case of a ship, a charterer by demise or any other person, except the owner, who is responsible for the operation, manning, victualing, and supplying of the vessel, or (b) in the c

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 33 U.S.C. § 1901

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

33 U.S.C. § 1904 — Certificates

**(a) Issuance by authorized designees; restriction on issuance** Except as provided in [section 1903(b)(1) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section1903/b/1&num=0&edition=prelim), the Secretary shall designate those persons authorized to issue on behalf of the United States the certificates required by the MARPOL Protocol. A certificate required by the MARPOL Protocol shall not be issued to a ship which is registered in or of the nationality of a country which is not a party to the MARPOL Protocol. **(b) Validity of foreign certificates** A certificate issued by a country which is a party to the MARPOL Protocol has the same validity as a certificate issued by the Secretary or the Administrator under the authority of this chapter. **(c) Location onboard vessel; inspection of vessels subject to jurisdiction of the United States** A ship required by the MARPOL Protocol to have a certificate— (1) shall carry a valid certificate onboard in the manner prescribed by the authority issuing the certificate; and (2) is subject to inspection while in a port or terminal under the jurisdiction of the United States. **(d) Onboard inspections; other Federal inspection authority unaffected** An inspection conducted under subsection (c)(2) of this section is limited to verifying whether or not a valid certificate is onboard, unless clear grounds exist which reasonably indicate that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not substantially agree with the particulars of its certificate. This section shall not limit the authority of any official or employee of the United States under any other treaty, law, or regulation to board and inspect a ship or its equipment. **(e) Detention orders; duration of detention; shipyard option

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

33 U.S.C. § 1907 — Violations

**(a) General prohibition; cooperation and enforcement; detection and monitoring measures; reports; evidence** It is unlawful to act in violation of the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder. The Secretary shall cooperate with other parties to the MARPOL Protocol or to the Antarctic Protocol in the detection of violations and in enforcement of the MARPOL Protocol and Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol. The Secretary shall use all appropriate and practical measures of detection and environmental monitoring, and shall establish adequate procedures for reporting violations and accumulating evidence. **(b) Investigations; subpenas: issuance by Secretary, enforcement; action by Secretary; information to party** Upon receipt of evidence that a violation has occurred, the Secretary shall cause the matter to be investigated. In any investigation under this section the Secretary may issue subpenas to require the attendance of any witness and the production of documents and other evidence. In case of refusal to obey a subpena issued to any person, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of the appropriate district court of the United States to compel compliance. Upon completion of the investigation, the Secretary shall take the action required by the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol and whatever further action he considers appropriate under the circumstances. If the initial evidence was provided by a party to the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol, the Secretary, acting through the Secretary of State, shall inform that party of the action taken or proposed. **(c) Ship inspections; reports to Secretary; additional action** (1) This subsection applies to inspections relatin

Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 33 U.S.C. § 1907

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Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities

33 U.S.C. § 1908 — Penalties for violations

Page 674 TITLE 33—NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS § 1908 § 1908. Penalties for violations (a) Criminal penalties; payment for information leading to conviction A person who knowingly violates the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder commits a class D felony. In the dis- cretion of the Court, an amount equal to not more than 1⁄2 of such fine may be paid to the per- son giving information leading to conviction. (b) Civil penalties; separate violations; assess- ment notice; considerations affecting amount; payment for information leading to assessment of penalty A person who is found by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have— (1) violated the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $25,000 for each violation; or (2) made a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any matter in which a statement or representation is re- quired to be made to the Secretary, or the Ad- ministrator as provided for in this chapter, under the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regu- lations thereunder, shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $5,000 for each statement or representation. Each day of a continuing violation shall con- stitute a separate violation. The amount of the civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter or his designee, by written notice. In de- termining the amount of the penalty, the Sec- retary, or the Admin

Source: Supplied 2024 U.S. Code historical extraction · 33 U.S.C. § 1908

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