§2609 Penalties

Summary

Breaking the rules in this chapter can lead to civil fines. Most violations can be fined up to $25,000. One specific rule gets a lower maximum fine of $10,000. Each day the bad conduct keeps happening counts as a separate violation. The boat or ship involved can also be held responsible and used to pay the fine. If someone knowingly breaks the law, or knowingly helps, encourages, or orders others to break it, they can be criminally punished. They may be fined under Title 18, jailed for up to 3 years, or both. The court, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Administrator may pay up to one-half of a collected fine to a person who gives information that leads to the penalty.