§ 1478. Personal, flag state, and foreign state considerations

In the direction and conduct of measures under this chapter the Secretary shall use his best endeavors to—

• (1) assure the avoidance of risk to human life;
• (2) render all possible aid to distressed persons, including facilitating repatriation of ships’ crews; and
• (3) not unnecessarily interfere with rights and interests of others, including the flag state of any ship involved, other foreign states threatened by damage, and persons otherwise concerned.