§ 937. Admiralty claims against the United States

• (a) The Secretary may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, or settle, and pay in an amount not more than $425,000, an admiralty claim against the United States for—
  • (1) damage caused by a vessel in the Coast Guard service or by other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating;
  • (2) compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a vessel in the Coast Guard service or to other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; or
  • (3) damage caused by a maritime tort committed by an agent or employee of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating or by property under the jurisdiction of that Department.
• (b) Upon acceptance of payment by the claimant, the settlement or compromise of a claim under this section is final and conclusive notwithstanding any other law.
• (c) If a claim under this section is settled or compromised for more than $100,000, the Secretary shall certify it to Congress.