Title 46 — ShippingRelease 119-73
§2305 Injunctions
Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— - Vessels and Seamen › Part Part A— - General Provisions › Chapter CHAPTER 23— - OPERATION OF VESSELS GENERALLY › § 2305
Summary
Federal district courts can stop careless operation of ships that this chapter bans when the Attorney General asks the court to do so. When possible, the Secretary must notify the person, let them respond, and—unless the violation was knowing and willful—give a fair chance to comply; lack of notice does not stop the court from ordering relief.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §2305
Shipping — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)The district courts of the United States have jurisdiction to enjoin the negligent operation of vessels prohibited by this chapter on the petition of the Attorney General for the United States Government.
(b)When practicable, the Secretary shall—
(1)give notice to any person against whom an action for injunctive relief is considered under this section an opportunity to present that person’s views; and
(2)except for a knowing and willful violation, give the person a reasonable opportunity to achieve compliance.
(c)The failure to give notice and opportunity to present views under subsection (b) of this section does not preclude the court from granting appropriate relief.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 230546:1485 section 2305 provides injunctive authority to enjoin the negligent operation of vessels. This authority can also be used to enjoin the operation of foreign or domestic vessels on our waters when they are unsuitable for the voyage intended.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 2305
Title 46 — Shipping
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73