Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-102

§1474 Federal Intervention Actions

Title 33 › CHAPTER 28 — POLLUTION CASUALTIES ON THE HIGH SEAS: UNITED STATES INTERVENTION › § 1474

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

When the Secretary finds a grave, immediate danger to the U.S. coast, he can lead cleanup efforts by government and private groups, carry out or order salvage and other response work, and remove or destroy the ship and cargo causing the danger.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §1474

Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Upon a determination under section 1472 of this title of a grave and imminent danger to the coastline or related interests of the United States, the Secretary may—

(1)coordinate and direct all public and private efforts directed at the removal or elimination of the threatened pollution damage;

(2)directly or indirectly undertake the whole or any part of any salvage or other action he could require or direct under subsection (1) of this section; and

(3)remove, and, if necessary, destroy the ship and cargo which is the source of the danger.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 1474

Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102