Title 46 — ShippingRelease 119-73
§70002 Special powers
Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle VII— - Security and Drug Enforcement › Chapter CHAPTER 700— - PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - VESSEL OPERATIONS › § 70002
Summary
The Secretary can order any vessel in U.S. ports or navigable waters to operate or anchor as directed. That can happen if the Secretary believes the ship breaks rules under section 70034 or other law, fails entry rules in sections 70021 or 70022, or if safety requires it.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §70002
Shipping — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The Secretary may order any vessel, in a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or in the navigable waters of the United States, to operate or anchor in a manner the Secretary directs if—
(1)the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe such vessel does not comply with any regulation issued under section 70034 or any other applicable law or treaty;
(2)the Secretary determines such vessel does not satisfy the conditions for port entry set forth in section 70021 or 70022 of this title; or
(3)by reason of weather, visibility, sea conditions, port congestion, other hazardous circumstances, or the condition of such vessel, the Secretary is satisfied such direction is justified in the interest of safety.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 70002
Title 46 — Shipping
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73