§542 — Title 14 Coast Guard | U.S. Code

Summary

Anyone under U.S. jurisdiction, except the armed forces, must get permission from the Coast Guard under its rules before placing, building, or keeping any navigation aid in or next to U.S. waters, its territories or possessions, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or on the high seas. Breaking this rule is a misdemeanor and can bring a fine of up to $1,500 for each offense; each day the violation continues counts as a new offense.

Title 14, §542

Coast Guard — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

No person, or public body, or instrumentality, excluding the armed services, shall establish, erect, or maintain any aid to maritime navigation in or adjacent to the waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or on the high seas if that person, or public body, or instrumentality is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, without first obtaining authority to do so from the Coast Guard in accordance with applicable regulations. Whoever violates the provisions of this section or any of the regulations issued by the Secretary in accordance herewith shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,500 for each offense. Each day during which such violation continues shall be considered as a new offense.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 33, U.S.C., 1946 ed., § 759 (

June 20, 1906, ch. 3447, § 3, 34 Stat. 324;

June 17, 1910, ch. 301, § 6, 36 Stat. 538; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, § 1, 37 Stat. 736; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, § 2(a), eff.

July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1432). Changes were made in phraseology. 81st Congress,

House Report No. 557

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 542 was renumbered section 2904 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–282 renumbered section 83 of this title as this section. 2014—Pub. L. 113–281 substituted “$1,500” for “$100”. 1974—Pub. L. 93–283 substituted “maritime navigation in or adjacent to the waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or on the high seas if that person, or public body, or instrumentality is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, without first obtaining authority” for “maritime navigation without first obtaining authority”.

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

§542 Unauthorized aids to maritime navigation; penalty