§ 1208. Penalties

• (a) Whoever, being the master or person in charge of a vessel subject to this chapter, fails to enforce or comply with this chapter or the regulation, hereunder; or Whoever, being designated by the master or person in charge of a vessel subject to this chapter to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel, fails to enforce or comply with this chapter or the regulations hereunder— Is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $500 to be assessed by the Secretary.
• (b) Every vessel navigating in violation of this chapter or the regulations hereunder is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $500 to be assessed by the Secretary for which the vessel may be proceeded against in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction.
• (c) Any penalty assessed under this section may be remitted or mitigated by the Secretary upon such terms as he may deem proper.