Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-102
§1478 Personal, Flag State, and Foreign State Considerations
Title 33 › CHAPTER 28 — POLLUTION CASUALTIES ON THE HIGH SEAS: UNITED STATES INTERVENTION › § 1478
Summary
The Secretary must try to protect human life, help anyone in distress (including getting ship crews home), and avoid needless interference with others’ rights.
Full Legal Text
Title 33, §1478
Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
In the direction and conduct of measures under this chapter the Secretary shall use his best endeavors to—
(1)assure the avoidance of risk to human life;
(2)render all possible aid to distressed persons, including facilitating repatriation of ships’ crews; and
(3)not unnecessarily interfere with rights and interests of others, including the flag state of any ship involved, other foreign states threatened by damage, and persons otherwise concerned.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
33 U.S.C. § 1478
Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102