Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§70002 Special Powers
Title 46 › Subtitle VII — Security and Drug Enforcement › CHAPTER 700 — PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY › SUBCHAPTER I — VESSEL OPERATIONS › § 70002
Summary
The Secretary may order any vessel in U.S. ports or waters to move or stay at anchor as directed if there is reasonable cause to believe it violates rules under section 70034 or other laws or treaties, if it fails the port-entry conditions in sections 70021 or 70022, or if weather, visibility, sea or port conditions, congestion, other hazards, or the vessel’s condition make the order necessary for safety.
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
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102