§2609 Penalties

Summary

Violators face civil penalties of up to $25,000, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate penalty. The vessel involved can also be held responsible. If someone operates without the permit required under section 2602, the civil penalty is up to $10,000, with each day treated as a separate violation and the vessel also held responsible. If a person knowingly breaks the rules or helps someone else do it, they can be criminally punished: fined under Title 18, jailed for up to 3 years, or both. A court, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Administrator may pay up to half of any fine to someone who provides information that leads to the fine.