Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) The Secretary may require a pilot licensed under section 7101 of this title on a self-propelled vessel when a pilot is not required by State law and the vessel is--
(1) engaged in foreign commerce; and
(2) operating--
(A) in internal waters of the United States; or
(B) within 3 nautical miles from the baselines from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured.
(b) A requirement prescribed under subsection (a) of this section is terminated when the State having jurisdiction over the area involved--
(1) establishes a requirement for a State licensed pilot; and
(2) notifies the Secretary of that fact.
(c) For the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Secretary may not delegate the authority under this section to an agency except the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.
(d) A person violating this section or a regulation prescribed under this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation. The vessel also is liable in rem for the penalty.
(e) A person that knowingly violates this section or a regulation prescribed under this section commits a class D felony.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - 46 U.S.C. § 8503 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 46. Shipping § 8503. Federal pilots authorized - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-46-shipping/46-usc-sect-8503/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)