Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73

§2609 Penalties

Title 33 › Chapter CHAPTER 39— - SHORE PROTECTION FROM MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - SHORE PROTECTION › § 2609

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

People who break the rules in this chapter must pay civil fines to the United States. For most violations the fine can be up to $25,000. For violations of section 2602 the fine can be up to $10,000. Each day the rule is broken counts as a separate fine. The ship or vessel involved can also be made to pay. Anyone who knowingly breaks these rules, or knowingly helps or encourages someone to break them, can face criminal penalties: a federal criminal fine, up to 3 years in prison, or both. The court, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Administrator may give up to half of a collected fine to a person who provided information that led to the penalty.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §2609

Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person violating this chapter 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. A vessel involved in the violation also is liable in rem for the penalty.

(b)A person violating section 2602 of this title is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation. A vessel involved in the violation also is liable in rem for the penalty.

(c)Any person that knowingly violates, or that knowingly aids, abets, authorizes, or instigates a violation of this chapter, shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both.

(d)The court, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Administrator, as the case may be, may pay up to one-half of a fine or penalty to any person giving information leading to the assessment of the fine or penalty.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 2609

Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73