50 U.S.C. § 192 : US Code - Section 192: Seizure and forfeiture of vessel; fine and imprisonment

Search 50 U.S.C. § 192 : US Code - Section 192: Seizure and forfeiture of vessel; fine and imprisonment

(a) In general
If any owner, agent, master, officer, or person in charge, or any
member of the crew of any such vessel fails to comply with any
regulation or rule issued or order given under the provisions of
this title,(!1) or obstructs or interferes with the exercise of any
power conferred by this title,(!1) the vessel, together with her
tackle, apparel, furniture, and equipment, shall be subject to
seizure and forfeiture to the United States in the same manner as
merchandise is forfeited for violation of the customs revenue laws;
and the person guilty of such failure, obstruction, or interference
shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than ten years and
may, in the discretion of the court, be fined not more than
$10,000.
(b) Application to others
If any other person knowingly fails to comply with any regulation
or rule issued or order given under the provisions of this
title,(!1) or knowingly obstructs or interferes with the exercise
of any power conferred by this title,(!1) he shall be punished by
imprisonment for not more than ten years and may, at the discretion
of the court, be fined not more than $10,000.
(c) Civil penalty
A person violating this title,(!1) or a regulation prescribed
under this title,(!1) shall be liable to the United States
Government for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each
violation. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a
separate violation.
(d) In rem liability
Any vessel that is used in violation of this title,(!1) or of any
regulation issued under this title,(!1) shall be liable in rem for
any civil penalty assessed pursuant to subsection (c) of this
section and may be proceeded against in the United States district
court for any district in which such vessel may be found.
(e) Withholding of clearance
(1) In general
If any owner, agent, master, officer, or person in charge of a
vessel is liable for a penalty or fine under subsection (c) of
this section, or if reasonable cause exists to believe that the
owner, agent, master, officer, or person in charge may be subject
to a penalty or fine under this section, the Secretary may, with
respect to such vessel, refuse or revoke any clearance required
by section 91 of title 46, Appendix.
(2) Clearance upon filing of bond or other surety
The Secretary may require the filing of a bond or other surety
as a condition of granting clearance refused or revoked under
this subsection.