§ 1901. Definitions

• (a) Unless the context indicates otherwise, as used in this chapter—
  • (1) “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
  • (2) “Antarctica” means the area south of 60 degrees south latitude;
  • (3) “Antarctic Protocol” means the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, signed October 4, 1991 , in Madrid, and all annexes thereto, and includes any future amendments thereto which have entered into force;
  • (4) “MARPOL Protocol” means the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and includes the Convention;
  • (5) “Convention” means the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, including Protocols I and II and Annexes I, II, V, and VI thereto, including any modification or amendments to the Convention, Protocols, or Annexes which have entered into force for the United States;
  • (6) “discharge”, “emission”, “garbage”, “harmful substance”, and “incident” shall have the meanings provided in the Convention;
  • (7) “navigable waters” includes the territorial sea of the United States (as defined in Presidential Proclamation 5928 of December 27, 1988 ) and the internal waters of the United States;
  • (8) “owner” means any person holding title to, or in the absence of title, any other indicia of ownership of, a ship or terminal, but does not include a person who, without participating in the management or operation of a ship or terminal, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect a security interest in the ship or terminal;
  • (9) “operator” means—
  • (10) “person” means an individual, firm, public or private corporation, partnership, association, State, municipality, commission, political subdivision of a State, or any interstate body;
  • (11) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating;
  • (12) “ship” means a vessel of any type whatsoever, including hydrofoils, air-cushion vehicles, submersibles, floating craft whether self-propelled or not, and fixed or floating platforms;
  • (13) “submersible” means a submarine, or any other vessel designed to operate under water; and
  • (14) “terminal” means an onshore facility or an offshore structure located in the navigable waters of the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and used, or intended to be used, as a port or facility for the transfer or other handling of a harmful substance.
• (b) For purposes of this chapter, the requirements of Annex V shall apply to the navigable waters of the United States, as well as to all other waters and vessels over which the United States has jurisdiction.
• (c) For the purposes of this chapter, the requirements of Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol shall apply in Antarctica to all vessels over which the United States has jurisdiction.

§ 1902. Ships subject to preventive measures

• (a) This chapter shall apply—
  • (1) to a ship of United States registry or nationality, or one operated under the authority of the United States, wherever located;
  • (2) with respect to Annexes I and II to the Convention, to a ship, other than a ship referred to in paragraph (1), while in the navigable waters of the United States;
  • (3) with respect to the requirements of Annex V to the Convention, to a ship, other than a ship referred to in paragraph (1), while in the navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone of the United States;
  • (4) with respect to regulations prescribed under section 1905 of this title , any port or terminal in the United States; and
  • (5) with respect to Annex VI to the Convention, and other than with respect to a ship referred to in paragraph (1)—
    • (A) to a ship that is in a port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or the internal waters of the United States;
    • (B) to a ship that is bound for, or departing from, a port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or the internal waters of the United States, and is in—
      • (i) the navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone of the United States;
      • (ii) an emission control area designated pursuant to section 1903 of this title ; or
      • (iii) any other area that the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary and each State in which any part of the area is located, has designated by order as being an area from which emissions from ships are of concern with respect to protection of public health, welfare, or the environment;
    • (C) to a ship that is entitled to fly the flag of, or operating under the authority of, a party to Annex VI, and is in—
      • (i) the navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone of the United States;
      • (ii) an emission control area designated under section 1903 of this title ; or
      • (iii) any other area that the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary and each State in which any part of the area is located, has designated by order as being an area from which emissions from ships are of concern with respect to protection of public health, welfare, or the environment; and
    • (D) to any other ship, to the extent that, and in the same manner as, such ship may be boarded by the Secretary to implement or enforce any other law of the United States or Annex I, II, or V of the Convention, and is in—
      • (i) the exclusive economic zone of the United States;
      • (ii) the navigable waters of the United States;
      • (iii) an emission control area designated under section 1903 of this title ; or
      • (iv) any other area that the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary and each State in which any part of the area is located, has designated by order as being an area from which emissions from ships are of concern with respect to protection of public health, welfare, or the environment.
• (b)
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), this chapter shall not apply to—
    • (A) a ship of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (2); or
    • (B) any other ship specifically excluded by the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol.
  • (2) A ship described in this paragraph is a ship that is owned or operated by the Secretary, with respect to the Coast Guard, or by the Secretary of a military department, and that, as determined by the Secretary concerned—
    • (A) has unique military design, construction, manning, or operating requirements; and
    • (B) cannot fully comply with the discharge requirements of Annex V to the Convention because compliance is not technologically feasible or would impair the operations or operational capability of the ship.
  • (3)
    • (A) Notwithstanding any provision of the MARPOL Protocol, the requirements of Annex V to the Convention shall apply to all ships referred to in subsection (a) other than those described in paragraph (2).
    • (B) A ship that is described in paragraph (2) shall limit the discharge into the sea of garbage as follows:
      • (i) The discharge into the sea of plastics, including synthetic ropes, synthetic fishing nets, plastic garbage bags, and incinerator ashes from plastic products that may contain toxic chemicals or heavy metals, or the residues thereof, is prohibited.
      • (ii) Garbage consisting of the following material may be discharged into the sea, subject to subparagraph (C):
        • (I) A non-floating slurry of seawater, paper, cardboard, or food waste that is capable of passing through a screen with openings no larger than 12 millimeters in diameter.
        • (II) Metal and glass that have been shredded and bagged (in compliance with clause (i)) so as to ensure negative buoyancy.
        • (III) With regard to a submersible, nonplastic garbage that has been compacted and weighted to ensure negative buoyancy.
        • (IV) Ash from incinerators or other thermal destruction systems not containing toxic chemicals, heavy metals, or incompletely burned plastics.
    • (C)
      • (i) Garbage described in subparagraph (B)(ii)(I) may not be discharged within 3 nautical miles of land.
      • (ii) Garbage described in subclauses (II), (III), and (IV) of subparagraph (B)(ii) may not be discharged within 12 nautical miles of land.
    • (D) Notwithstanding subparagraph (C), a ship described in paragraph (2) that is not equipped with garbage-processing equipment sufficient to meet the requirements of subparagraph (B)(ii) may discharge garbage that has not been processed in accordance with subparagraph (B)(ii) if such discharge occurs as far as practicable from the nearest land, but in any case not less than—
      • (i) 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, in the case of food wastes and non-floating garbage, including paper products, cloth, glass, metal, bottles, crockery, and similar refuse; and
      • (ii) 25 nautical miles from the nearest land, in the case of all other garbage.
    • (E) This paragraph shall not apply when discharge of any garbage is necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of the ship, the health of the ship’s personnel, or saving life at sea. In the event that there is such a discharge, the discharge shall be reported to the Secretary, with respect to the Coast Guard, or the Secretary concerned.
    • (F) This paragraph shall not apply during time of war or a national emergency declared by the President or Congress.
• (c) This chapter shall apply to all persons to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with Annex VI to the Convention.
• (d)
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), not later than December 31, 2000 , all surface ships owned or operated by the Department of the Navy, and not later than December 31, 2008 , all submersibles owned or operated by the Department of the Navy, shall comply with the special area requirements of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the Convention.
  • (2)
    • (A) Subject to subparagraph (B), any ship described in subparagraph (C) may discharge, without regard to the special area requirements of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the Convention, the following non-plastic, non-floating garbage:
      • (i) A slurry of seawater, paper, cardboard, or food waste that is capable of passing through a screen with openings no larger than 12 millimeters in diameter.
      • (ii) Metal and glass that have been shredded and bagged so as to ensure negative buoyancy.
      • (iii) With regard to a submersible, nonplastic garbage that has been compacted and weighted to ensure negative buoyancy.
    • (B)
      • (i) Garbage described in subparagraph (A)(i) may not be discharged within 3 nautical miles of land.
      • (ii) Garbage described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) may not be discharged within 12 nautical miles of land.
    • (C) This paragraph applies to any ship that is owned or operated by the Department of the Navy that, as determined by the Secretary of the Navy—
      • (i) has unique military design, construction, manning, or operating requirements; and
      • (ii) cannot fully comply with the special area requirements of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the Convention because compliance is not technologically feasible or would impair the operations or operational capability of the ship.
  • (3)
    • (A) Not later than December 31, 2000 , the Secretary of the Navy shall prescribe and publish in the Federal Register standards to ensure that each ship described in subparagraph (B) is, to the maximum extent practicable without impairing the operations or operational capabilities of the ship, operated in a manner that is consistent with the special area requirements of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the Convention.
    • (B) Subparagraph (A) applies to surface ships that are owned or operated by the Department of the Navy that the Secretary plans to decommission during the period beginning on January 1, 2001 , and ending on December 31, 2005 .
    • (C) At the same time that the Secretary publishes standards under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of the ships covered by subparagraph (B).
• (e) The Secretary or the Administrator, consistent with section 1903 of this title , shall prescribe regulations applicable to the ships of a country not a party to the MARPOL Protocol (or the applicable Annex), including regulations conforming to and giving effect to the requirements of Annex V and Annex VI as they apply under subsection (a) of this section, to ensure that their treatment is not more favorable than that accorded ships to parties to the MARPOL Protocol.
• (f)
  • (1) The Secretary of the Navy shall develop and, as appropriate, support the development of technologies and practices for solid waste management aboard ships owned or operated by the Department of the Navy, including technologies and practices for the reduction of the waste stream generated aboard such ships, that are necessary to ensure the compliance of such ships with subsection (b) of this section.
  • (2) Notwithstanding any effective date of the application of this section to a ship, the provisions of Annex V to the Convention and subsection (b)(3)(B)(i) of this section with respect to the disposal of plastic shall apply to ships equipped with plastic processors required for the long-term collection and storage of plastic aboard ships of the Navy upon the installation of such processors in such ships.
  • (3) Except when necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of the ship, the health of the ship’s personnel, or saving life at sea, it shall be a violation of this chapter for a ship referred to in subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section that is owned or operated by the Department of the Navy:
    • (A) With regard to a submersible, to discharge buoyant garbage or plastic.
    • (B) With regard to a surface ship, to discharge plastic contaminated by food during the last 3 days before the ship enters port.
    • (C) With regard to a surface ship, to discharge plastic, except plastic that is contaminated by food, during the last 20 days before the ship enters port.
  • (4) The Secretary of Defense shall publish in the Federal Register:
    • (A) Each year, the amount and nature of the discharges in special areas, not otherwise authorized under this chapter, during the preceding year from ships referred to in subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section owned or operated by the Department of the Navy.
    • (B) Beginning on October 1, 1996 , and each year thereafter until October 1, 1998 , a list of the names of such ships equipped with plastic processors pursuant to section 1003(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994.
• (g) The President may waive the effective dates of the requirements set forth in subsection (c) 1 1 See References in Text note below. of this section and in subsection 1003(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 if the President determines it to be in the paramount interest of the United States to do so. Any such waiver shall be for a period not in excess of one year. The President shall submit to the Congress each January a report on all waivers from the requirements of this section granted during the preceding calendar year, together with the reasons for granting such waivers.
• (h) The heads of Federal departments and agencies shall prescribe standards applicable to ships excluded from this chapter by subsection (b)(1) of this section and for which they are responsible. Standards prescribed under this subsection shall ensure, so far as is reasonable and practicable without impairing the operations or operational capabilities of such ships, that such ships act in a manner consistent with the MARPOL Protocol.
• (i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict in a manner inconsistent with international law navigational rights and freedoms as defined by United States law, treaty, convention, or customary international law.

§ 1902a. Discharge of agricultural cargo residue

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the discharge from a vessel of any agricultural cargo residue material in the form of hold washings shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships ( 33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) that implement Annex V to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

§ 1903. Administration and enforcement

• (a) Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the Secretary shall administer and enforce the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, and this chapter. In the administration and enforcement of the MARPOL Protocol and this chapter, Annexes I and II of the Convention apply only to seagoing ships.
• (b) In addition to other duties specified in this chapter, the Administrator and the Secretary, respectively, shall have the following duties and authorities:
  • (1) The Administrator shall, and no other person may, issue Engine International Air Pollution Prevention certificates in accordance with Annex VI and the International Maritime Organization’s Technical Code on Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides from Marine Diesel Engines, on behalf of the United States for a vessel of the United States as that term is defined in section 116 of title 46 . The issuance of Engine International Air Pollution Prevention certificates shall be consistent with any applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act [ 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.] or regulations prescribed under that Act.
  • (2) The Administrator shall have authority to administer regulations 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 of Annex VI to the Convention.
  • (3) The Administrator shall, only as specified in section 1907(f) of this title , have authority to enforce Annex VI of the Convention.
• (c)
  • (1) The Secretary shall prescribe any necessary or desired regulations to carry out the provisions of the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, or this chapter.
  • (2) In addition to the authority the Secretary has to prescribe regulations under this chapter, the Administrator shall also prescribe any necessary or desired regulations to carry out the provisions of regulations 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 of Annex VI to the Convention.
  • (3) In prescribing any regulations under this section, the Secretary and the Administrator shall consult with each other, and with respect to regulation 19, with the Secretary of the Interior.
  • (4) The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall—
    • (A) prescribe regulations which—
      • (i) require certain ships described in section 1902(a)(1) of this title to maintain refuse record books and shipboard management plans, and to display placards which notify the crew and passengers of the requirements of Annex V to the Convention and of Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol; and
      • (ii) specify the ships described in section 1902(a)(1) of this title to which the regulations apply;
    • (B) seek an international agreement or international agreements which apply requirements equivalent to those described in subparagraph (A)(i) to all vessels subject to Annex V to the Convention; and
    • (C) within 2 years after the effective date of this paragraph, report to the Congress—
      • (i) regarding activities of the Secretary under subparagraph (B); and
      • (ii) if the Secretary has not obtained agreements pursuant to subparagraph (B) regarding the desirability of applying the requirements described in subparagraph (A)(i) to all vessels described in section 1902(a) of this title which call at United States ports.
  • (5) No standard issued by any person or Federal authority, with respect to emissions from tank vessels subject to regulation 15 of Annex VI to the Convention, shall be effective until 6 months after the required notification to the International Maritime Organization by the Secretary.
• (d) The Secretary may utilize by agreement, with or without reimbursement, personnel, facilities, or equipment of other Federal departments and agencies in administering the MARPOL Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations thereunder.

§ 1904. Certificates

• (a) Except as provided in section 1903(b)(1) of this title , the Secretary shall designate those persons authorized to issue on behalf of the United States the certificates required by the MARPOL Protocol. A certificate required by the MARPOL Protocol shall not be issued to a ship which is registered in or of the nationality of a country which is not a party to the MARPOL Protocol.
• (b) A certificate issued by a country which is a party to the MARPOL Protocol has the same validity as a certificate issued by the Secretary or the Administrator under the authority of this chapter.
• (c) A ship required by the MARPOL Protocol to have a certificate—
  • (1) shall carry a valid certificate onboard in the manner prescribed by the authority issuing the certificate; and
  • (2) is subject to inspection while in a port or terminal under the jurisdiction of the United States.
• (d) An inspection conducted under subsection (c)(2) of this section is limited to verifying whether or not a valid certificate is onboard, unless clear grounds exist which reasonably indicate that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not substantially agree with the particulars of its certificate. This section shall not limit the authority of any official or employee of the United States under any other treaty, law, or regulation to board and inspect a ship or its equipment.
• (e) In addition to the penalties prescribed in section 1908 of this title , a ship required by the MARPOL Protocol to have a certificate—
  • (1) which does not have a valid certificate onboard; or
  • (2) whose condition or whose equipment’s condition does not substantially agree with the particulars of the certificate onboard;
• (f) If a ship is under a detention order under this section, the Secretary may refuse or revoke the clearance required by section 60105 of title 46 .
• (g) A person whose ship is subject to a detention order under this section may petition the Secretary, in the manner prescribed by regulation, to review the detention order. Upon receipt of a petition under this subsection, the Secretary shall affirm, modify, or withdraw the detention order within the time prescribed by regulation.
• (h) A ship unreasonably detained or delayed by the Secretary acting under the authority of this chapter is entitled to compensation for any loss or damage suffered thereby.

§ 1905. Pollution reception facilities

• (a)
  • (1) The Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall establish regulations setting criteria for determining the adequacy of a port’s or terminal’s reception facilities for mixtures containing oil or noxious liquid substances and shall establish procedures whereby a person in charge of a port or terminal may request the Secretary to certify that the port’s or terminal’s facilities for receiving the residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquid substance from seagoing ships are adequate.
  • (2) The Secretary, after consulting with appropriate Federal agencies, shall establish regulations setting criteria for determining the adequacy of reception facilities for garbage at a port or terminal, and stating such additional measures and requirements as are appropriate to ensure such adequacy. Persons in charge of ports and terminals shall provide reception facilities, or ensure that such facilities are available, for receiving garbage in accordance with those regulations.
  • (3) The Secretary and the Administrator, after consulting with appropriate Federal agencies, shall jointly prescribe regulations setting criteria for determining the adequacy of reception facilities for receiving ozone depleting substances, equipment containing such substances, and exhaust gas cleaning residues at a port or terminal, and stating any additional measures and requirements as are appropriate to ensure such adequacy. Persons in charge of ports and terminals shall provide reception facilities, or ensure that reception facilities are available, in accordance with those regulations. The Secretary and the Administrator may jointly prescribe regulations to certify, and may issue certificates to the effect, that a port’s or terminal’s facilities for receiving ozone depleting substances, equipment containing such substances, and exhaust gas cleaning residues from ships are adequate.
• (b) In determining the adequacy of reception facilities required by the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol at a port or terminal, and in establishing regulations under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary or the Administrator may consider, among other things, the number and types of ships or seagoing ships using the port or terminal, including their principal trades.
• (c)
  • (1) If reception facilities of a port or terminal meet the requirements of Annex I and Annex II to the Convention and the regulations prescribed under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, issue a certificate to that effect to the applicant.
  • (2)
    • (A) Subject to subparagraph (B), if reception facilities of a port or terminal meet the requirements of Annex V to the Convention and the regulations prescribed under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary may, after consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, issue a certificate to that effect to the person in charge of the port or terminal.
    • (B) The Secretary may not issue a certificate attesting to the adequacy of reception facilities under this paragraph unless, prior to the issuance of the certificate, the Secretary conducts an inspection of the reception facilities of the port or terminal that is the subject of the certificate.
    • (C) The Secretary may, with respect to certificates issued under this paragraph prior to October 19, 1996 , prescribe by regulation differing periods of validity for such certificates.
  • (3) A certificate issued under this subsection—
    • (A) is valid for the 5-year period beginning on the date of issuance of the certificate, except that if—
      • (i) the charge for operation of the port or terminal is transferred to a person or entity other than the person or entity that is the operator on the date of issuance of the certificate—
        • (I) the certificate shall expire on the date that is 30 days after the date of the transfer; and
        • (II) the new operator shall be required to submit an application for a certificate before a certificate may be issued for the port or terminal; or
      • (ii) the certificate is suspended or revoked by the Secretary, the certificate shall cease to be valid; and
    • (B) shall be available for inspection upon the request of the master, other person in charge, or agent of a ship using or intending to use the port or terminal.
  • (4) The suspension or revocation of a certificate issued under this subsection may be appealed to the Secretary and acted on by the Secretary in the manner prescribed by regulation.
• (d)
  • (1) The Secretary shall maintain a list of ports or terminals with respect to which a certificate issued under this section—
    • (A) is in effect; or
    • (B) has been revoked or suspended.
  • (2) The Secretary shall make the list referred to in paragraph (1) available to the general public.
• (e)
  • (1) Except in the case of force majeure, the Secretary shall deny entry to a seagoing ship required by the Convention or the Antarctic Protocol to retain onboard while at sea, residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquid substances, if—
    • (A) the port or terminal is one required by Annexes I and II of the Convention or Article 9 of Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol or regulations hereunder to have adequate reception facilities; and
    • (B) the port or terminal does not hold a valid certificate issued by the Secretary under this section.
  • (2) The Secretary may deny the entry of a ship to a port or terminal required by the MARPOL Protocol, this chapter, or regulations prescribed under this section relating to the provision of adequate reception facilities for garbage, ozone depleting substances, equipment containing those substances, or exhaust gas cleaning residues, if the port or terminal is not in compliance with the MARPOL Protocol, this chapter, or those regulations.
• (f)
  • (1) The Secretary and the Administrator are authorized to conduct surveys of existing reception facilities in the United States to determine measures needed to comply with the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol.
  • (2) Not later than 18 months after October 19, 1996 , the Secretary shall promulgate regulations that require the operator of each port or terminal that is subject to any requirement of the MARPOL Protocol relating to reception facilities to post a placard in a location that can easily be seen by port and terminal users. The placard shall state, at a minimum, that a user of a reception facility of the port or terminal should report to the Secretary any inadequacy of the reception facility.

§ 1906. Incidents involving ships

• (a) The master, person in charge, owner, charterer, manager, or operator of a ship involved in an incident shall report the incident in the manner prescribed by Article 8 of the Convention in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary for that purpose.
• (b) The master or person in charge of—
  • (1) a ship of United States registry or nationality, or operated under the authority of the United States, wherever located;
  • (2) another ship while in the navigable waters of the United States; or
  • (3) a sea port or oil handling facility subject to the jurisdiction of the United States,

§ 1907. Violations

• (a) It is unlawful to act in violation of the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder. The Secretary shall cooperate with other parties to the MARPOL Protocol or to the Antarctic Protocol in the detection of violations and in enforcement of the MARPOL Protocol and Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol. The Secretary shall use all appropriate and practical measures of detection and environmental monitoring, and shall establish adequate procedures for reporting violations and accumulating evidence.
• (b) Upon receipt of evidence that a violation has occurred, the Secretary shall cause the matter to be investigated. In any investigation under this section the Secretary may issue subpenas to require the attendance of any witness and the production of documents and other evidence. In case of refusal to obey a subpena issued to any person, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of the appropriate district court of the United States to compel compliance. Upon completion of the investigation, the Secretary shall take the action required by the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol and whatever further action he considers appropriate under the circumstances. If the initial evidence was provided by a party to the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol, the Secretary, acting through the Secretary of State, shall inform that party of the action taken or proposed.
• (c)
  • (1) This subsection applies to inspections relating to possible violations of Annex I or Annex II to the Convention, of Article 3 or Article 4 of Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, or of this chapter by any seagoing ship referred to in section 1902(a)(2) of this title .
  • (2) While at a port or terminal subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, a ship to which the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol applies may be inspected by the Secretary—
    • (A) to verify whether or not the ship has discharged a harmful substance in violation of the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, or this chapter; or
    • (B) to comply with a request from a party to the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol for an investigation as to whether the ship may have discharged a harmful substance anywhere in violation of the MARPOL Protocol or Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol. An investigation may be undertaken under this clause only when the requesting party has furnished sufficient evidence to allow the Secretary reasonably to believe that a discharge has occurred.
• (d)
  • (1) The Secretary may inspect a ship referred to in section 1902(a)(3) of this title to verify whether the ship has disposed of garbage in violation of Annex V to the Convention, Article 5 of Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, or this chapter.
  • (2) If an inspection under this subsection indicates that a violation has occurred, the Secretary may undertake enforcement action under section 1908 of this title .
• (e)
  • (1) The Secretary may inspect at any time a ship of United States registry or nationality or operating under the authority of the United States to which the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol applies to verify whether the ship has discharged a harmful substance or disposed of garbage in violation of those Protocols or this chapter.
  • (2) If an inspection under this subsection indicates that a violation of the MARPOL Protocol, of Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, or of this chapter has occurred the Secretary may undertake enforcement action under section 1908 of this title .
• (f)
  • (1) The Secretary may inspect a ship to which this chapter applies as provided under section 1902(a)(5) of this title , to verify whether the ship is in compliance with Annex VI to the Convention and this chapter.
  • (2) If an inspection under this subsection or any other information indicates that a violation has occurred, the Secretary, or the Administrator in a matter referred by the Secretary, may undertake enforcement action under this section.
  • (3) Notwithstanding subsection (b) and paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administrator shall have all of the authorities of the Secretary, as specified in subsection (b) of this section, for the purposes of enforcing regulations 17 and 18 of Annex VI to the Convention to the extent that shoreside violations are the subject of the action and in any other matter referred to the Administrator by the Secretary.

§ 1908. Penalties for violations

• (a) A person who knowingly violates the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder commits a class D felony. In the discretion of the Court, an amount equal to not more than ½ of such fine may be paid to the person giving information leading to conviction.
• (b) A person who is found by the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to have—
  • (1) violated the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations issued thereunder shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $25,000 for each violation; or
  • (2) made a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any matter in which a statement or representation is required to be made to the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, under the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations thereunder, shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, not to exceed $5,000 for each statement or representation.
• (c) The Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, may compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, any civil penalty which is subject to assessment or which has been assessed under this section. If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty after it has become final, the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, may refer the matter to the Attorney General of the United States for collection in any appropriate district court of the United States.
• (d) A ship operated in violation of the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, this chapter, or the regulations thereunder is liable in rem for any fine imposed under subsection (a) or civil penalty assessed pursuant to subsection (b), and may be proceeded against in the United States district court of any district in which the ship may be found.
• (e) If any ship subject to the MARPOL Protocol, Annex IV to the Antarctic Protocol, or this chapter, its owner, operator, or person in charge is liable for a fine or civil penalty under this section, or if reasonable cause exists to believe that the ship, its owner, operator, or person in charge may be subject to a fine or civil penalty under this section, the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the request of the Secretary, shall refuse or revoke the clearance required by section 60105 of title 46 . Clearance may be granted upon the filing of a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Secretary.
• (f) Notwithstanding subsection (a), (b), or (d) of this section, if the violation is by a ship registered in or of the nationality of a country party to the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol, or one operated under the authority of a country party to the MARPOL Protocol or the Antarctic Protocol, the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter acting in coordination with the Secretary of State, may refer the matter to the government of the country of the ship’s registry or nationality, or under whose authority the ship is operating for appropriate action, rather than taking the actions required or authorized by this section.
• (g) Any penalty collected under subsection (a) or (b) that is not paid under that subsection to the person giving information leading to the conviction or assessment of such penalties shall be deposited in the Abandoned Seafarers Fund established under section 11113 of title 46 .

§ 1909. MARPOL Protocol; proposed amendments

• (a) A proposed amendment to the MARPOL Protocol received by the United States from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization pursuant to Article VI of the MARPOL Protocol, may be accepted on behalf of the United States by the President following the advice and consent of the Senate, except as provided for in subsection (b) of this section.
• (b) A proposed amendment to Annex I, II, V, or VI to the Convention, appendices to those Annexes, or Protocol I of the Convention received by the United States from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization pursuant to Article VI of the MARPOL Protocol, may be the subject of appropriate action on behalf of the United States by the Secretary of State following consultation with the Secretary, or the Administrator as provided for in this chapter, who shall inform the Secretary of State as to what action he considers appropriate at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the period specified in Article VI of the MARPOL Protocol during which objection may be made to any amendment received.
• (c) Following consultation with the Secretary, the Secretary of State may make a declaration that the United States does not accept an amendment proposed pursuant to Article VI of the MARPOL Protocol.

§ 1910. Legal actions

• (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any person having an interest which is, or can be, adversely affected, may bring an action on his own behalf—
  • (1) against any person alleged to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter, or regulations issued hereunder;
  • (2) against the Secretary where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this chapter which is not discretionary with the Secretary;
  • (3) against the Administrator where there is alleged a failure of the Administrator to perform any act or duty under this chapter which is not discretionary; or
  • (4) against the Secretary of the Treasury where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary of the Treasury to take action under section 1908(e) of this title .
• (b) No action may be commenced under subsection (a) of this section—
  • (1) prior to 60 days after the plaintiff has given notice, in writing and under oath, to the alleged violator, the Secretary concerned or the Administrator, and the Attorney General; or
  • (2) if the Secretary or the Administrator has commenced enforcement or penalty action with respect to the alleged violation and is conducting such procedures diligently.
• (c) Any suit brought under this section shall be brought—
  • (1) in a case concerning an onshore facility or port, in the United States district court for the judicial district where the onshore facility or port is located;
  • (2) in a case concerning an offshore facility or offshore structure under the jurisdiction of the United States, in the United States district court for the judicial district nearest the offshore facility or offshore structure;
  • (3) in a case concerning a ship, in the United States district court for any judicial district wherein the ship or its owner or operator may be found; or
  • (4) in any case, in the District Court for the District of Columbia.
• (d) The court, in issuing any final order in any action brought pursuant to this section, may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any party including the Federal Government.
• (e) In any action brought under this section, if the Secretary or Attorney General are not parties of record, the United States, through the Attorney General, shall have the right to intervene.

§ 1911. Effect on other laws

Authorities, requirements, and remedies of this chapter supplement and neither amend nor repeal any other authorities, requirements, or remedies conferred by any other provision of law. Nothing in this chapter shall limit, deny, amend, modify, or repeal any other authority, requirement, or remedy available to the United States or any other person, except as expressly provided in this chapter.

§ 1912. International law

Any action taken under this chapter shall be taken in accordance with international law.

§ 1913. Compliance reports

• (a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this section, and triennially thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Commerce, shall report to the Congress regarding compliance with Annex V to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, in United States waters and, not later than 1 year after October 19, 1996 , and annually thereafter, shall publish in the Federal Register a list of the enforcement actions taken against any domestic or foreign ship (including any commercial or recreational ship) pursuant to the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships ( 33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).
• (b) Within 3 years after the effective date of this section, the head of each Federal agency that operates or contracts for the operation of any ship referred to in section 3(b)(1)(A) of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships [ 33 U.S.C. 1902(b)(1)(A) ] that may not be able to comply with the requirements of that section shall report to the Congress describing—
  • (1) the technical and operational impediments to achieving that compliance;
  • (2) an alternative schedule for achieving that compliance as rapidly as is technologically feasible;
  • (3) the ships operated or contracted for operation by the agency for which full compliance with section 3(b)(2)(A) [ 33 U.S.C. 1902(b)(2)(A) ] is not technologically feasible; and
  • (4) any other information which the agency head considers relevant and appropriate.
• (c) Upon receipt of the compliance report under subsection (b), the Congress shall modify the applicability of Annex V to ships referred to in section 3(b)(1)(A) of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships [ 33 U.S.C. 1902(b)(1)(A) ], as may be appropriate with respect to the requirements of Annex V to the Convention.

§ 1951. Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the United States economy, the marine environment, and navigation safety through the identification, determination of sources, assessment, prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris.

§ 1952. NOAA Marine Debris Program

• (a) There is established, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a Marine Debris Program to identify, determine sources of, assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine debris and address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the economy of the United States, the marine environment, and navigation safety.
• (b) The Administrator, acting through the Program and subject to the availability of appropriations, shall—
  • (1) identify, determine sources of, assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine debris, with a focus on marine debris posing a threat to living marine resources and navigation safety;
  • (2) provide national and regional coordination to assist States, Indian tribes, and regional organizations in the identification, determination of sources, assessment, prevention, reduction, and removal of marine debris;
  • (3) undertake efforts to reduce the adverse impacts of lost and discarded fishing gear on living marine resources and navigation safety, including—
    • (A) research and development of alternatives to gear posing threats to the marine environment and methods for marking gear used in certain fisheries to enhance the tracking, recovery, and identification of lost and discarded gear; and
    • (B) the development of effective nonregulatory measures and incentives to cooperatively reduce the volume of lost and discarded fishing gear and to aid in gear recovery;
  • (4) undertake outreach and education activities for the public and other stakeholders on sources of marine debris, threats associated with marine debris, and approaches to identifying, determining sources of, assessing, preventing, reducing, and removing marine debris and its adverse impacts on the United States economy, the marine environment, and navigation safety, including outreach and education activities through public-private initiatives;
  • (5) develop, in consultation with the Interagency Committee, interagency plans for the timely response to events determined by the Administrator to be severe marine debris events, including plans to—
    • (A) coordinate across agencies and with relevant State, tribal, and local governments to ensure adequate, timely, and efficient response;
    • (B) assess the composition, volume, and trajectory of marine debris associated with a severe marine debris event; and
    • (C) estimate the potential impacts of a severe marine debris event, including economic impacts on human health, navigation safety, natural resources, tourism, and livestock, including aquaculture;
  • (6) work to develop outreach and education strategies with other Federal agencies to address sources of marine debris;
  • (7) except for discharges of marine debris from vessels, in consultation with the Department of State and other Federal agencies, promote international action, as appropriate, to reduce the incidence of marine debris, including providing technical assistance to expand waste management systems internationally; and
  • (8) in the case of an event determined to be a severe marine debris event under subsection (c)—
    • (A) assist in the cleanup and response required by the severe marine debris event; or
    • (B) conduct such other activity as the Administrator determines is appropriate in response to the severe marine debris event.
• (c) At the discretion of the Administrator or at the request of the Governor of an affected State, the Administrator shall determine whether there is a severe marine debris event.
• (d)
  • (1) The Administrator, acting through the Program, shall enter into cooperative agreements and contracts and provide financial assistance in the form of grants for projects to accomplish the purpose set forth in section 1951 of this title .
  • (2)
    • (A) Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), Federal funds for any grant under this section may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of such project. For purposes of this subparagraph, the non-Federal share of project costs may be provided by in-kind contributions and other noncash support.
    • (B) The Administrator may waive all or part of the matching requirement under subparagraph (A) if the Administrator determines that no reasonable means are available through which applicants can meet the matching requirement and the probable benefit of such project outweighs the public interest in such matching requirement.
    • (C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under a determination made under subsection (c) shall be—
      • (i) 100 percent of the cost of the activity, for an activity funded wholly by funds made available by a person, including the government of a foreign country, to the Federal Government for the purpose of responding to a severe marine debris event; or
      • (ii) 75 percent of the cost of the activity, for any activity other than an activity funded as described in clause (i).
  • (3)
    • (A) If authorized by the Administrator or the Attorney General, as appropriate, the non-Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this chapter may include money paid pursuant to, or the value of any in-kind service performed under, an administrative order on consent or judicial consent decree that will remove or prevent marine debris.
    • (B) The non-Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this chapter may not include any money paid pursuant to, or the value of any in-kind service performed under, any other administrative order or court order.
  • (4) Any State, local, or tribal government whose activities affect research or regulation of marine debris, and any institution of higher education, nonprofit organization, or commercial organization with expertise in a field related to marine debris, is eligible to submit to the Administrator a marine debris proposal under the grant program.
  • (5) The Administrator shall—
    • (A) review each marine debris project proposal to determine if it meets the grant criteria and supports the goals of this chapter;
    • (B) after considering any written comments and recommendations based on the review, approve or disapprove the proposal; and
    • (C) provide notification of that approval or disapproval to the person who submitted the proposal.
  • (6) Each grantee under this section shall provide periodic reports as required by the Administrator. Each report shall include all information required by the Administrator for evaluating the progress and success in meeting its stated goals, and impact of the grant activities on the marine debris problem.

§ 1953. Coast Guard program

The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Interagency Committee, shall—

• (1) take actions to reduce violations of and improve implementation of MARPOL Annex V and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships ( 33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) with respect to the discard of plastics and other garbage from vessels;
• (2) take actions to cost-effectively monitor and enforce compliance with MARPOL Annex V and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships ( 33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), including through cooperation and coordination with other Federal and State enforcement programs;
• (3) take actions to improve compliance with requirements under MARPOL Annex V and section 6 of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships ( 33 U.S.C. 1905 ) that all United States ports and terminals maintain and monitor the adequacy of receptacles for the disposal of plastics and other garbage, including through promoting voluntary government-industry partnerships;
• (4) develop and implement a plan, in coordination with industry and recreational boaters, to improve ship-board waste management, including recordkeeping, and access to waste reception facilities for ship-board waste;
• (5) take actions to improve international cooperation to reduce marine debris; and
• (6) establish a voluntary reporting program for commercial vessel operators and recreational boaters to report incidents of damage to vessels and disruption of navigation caused by marine debris, and observed violations of laws and regulations relating to the disposal of plastics and other marine debris.

§ 1954. Coordination

• (a) There is established an Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee to coordinate a comprehensive program of marine debris research and activities among Federal agencies, in cooperation and coordination with non-governmental organizations, industry, universities, and research institutions, States, Indian tribes, and other nations, as appropriate.
• (b) The Committee shall include a senior official from—
  • (1) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who shall serve as the Chairperson of the Committee;
  • (2) the Environmental Protection Agency;
  • (3) the United States Coast Guard;
  • (4) the United States Navy;
  • (5) the Department of State;
  • (6) the Department of the Interior; and
  • (7) such other Federal agencies that have an interest in ocean issues or water pollution prevention and control as the Secretary of Commerce determines appropriate.
• (c) The Committee shall meet at least twice a year to provide a public, interagency forum to ensure the coordination of national and international research, monitoring, education, and regulatory actions addressing the persistent marine debris problem.
• (d) The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall utilize the marine debris data derived under title V of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 ( 33 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) to assist—
  • (1) the Committee in ensuring coordination of research, monitoring, education and regulatory actions; and
  • (2) the United States Coast Guard in assessing the effectiveness of the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships [ 33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.] in ensuring compliance under section 2201 of the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 [ 33 U.S.C. 1913 ].
• (e) Biennially, the Committee, through the Chairperson, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that evaluates United States and international progress in meeting the purpose of this chapter. The report shall include—
  • (1) the status of implementation of any recommendations and strategies of the Committee and analysis of their effectiveness;
  • (2) a summary of the marine debris inventory to be maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
  • (3) a review of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program authorized by section 1952 of this title , including projects funded and accomplishments relating to reduction and prevention of marine debris;
  • (4) a review of Coast Guard programs and accomplishments relating to marine debris removal, including enforcement and compliance with MARPOL requirements; and
  • (5) estimated Federal and non-Federal funding provided for marine debris and recommendations for priority funding needs.

§ 1955. Federal information clearinghouse

The Administrator, in coordination with the Interagency Committee, shall—

• (1) maintain a Federal information clearinghouse on marine debris that will be available to researchers and other interested persons to improve marine debris source identification, data sharing, and monitoring efforts through collaborative research and open sharing of data; and
• (2) take the necessary steps to ensure the confidentiality of such information (especially proprietary information), for any information required by the Administrator to be submitted under this section.

§ 1956. Definitions

In this chapter:

• (1) The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
• (2) The term “Interagency Committee” means the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee established under section 1954 of this title .
• (3) The term “marine debris” means any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.
• (4) The terms “MARPOL”, “Annex V”, and “Convention” have the meaning given those terms under section 1901(a) of this title .
• (5) The term “Program” means the Marine Debris Program established under section 1952 of this title .
• (6) The term “severe marine debris event” means atypically large amounts of marine debris caused by a natural disaster, including a tsunami, flood, landslide, or hurricane, or other source.
• (7) The term “State” means—
  • (A) any State of the United States that is impacted by marine debris within its seaward or Great Lakes boundaries;
  • (B) the District of Columbia;
  • (C) American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; and
  • (D) any other territory or possession of the United States, or separate sovereign in free association with the United States, that is impacted by marine debris within its seaward boundaries.

§ 1957. Relationship to Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act

Nothing in this chapter supersedes, or limits the authority of the Secretary of the Interior under, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).

§ 1958. Authorization of appropriations

• (a) There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022 for carrying out sections 1952, 1954, and 1955 of this title, of which not more than 5 percent is authorized for each fiscal year for administrative costs.
• (b) Of the amounts authorized for each fiscal year under section 2702(1) 1 1 See References in Text note below. of title 14, up to $2,000,000 is authorized for the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for use by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to carry out section 1953 of this title , of which not more than 5 percent is authorized for each fiscal year for administrative costs.