§ 55109. Dredging

• (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a vessel may engage in dredging in the navigable waters of the United States only if—
  • (1) the vessel is wholly owned by citizens of the United States for purposes of engaging in the coastwise trade;
  • (2) the charterer, if any, is a citizen of the United States for purposes of engaging in the coastwise trade; and
  • (3) the vessel has been issued a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 of this title or is exempt from documentation but would otherwise be eligible for such a certificate and endorsement.
• (b) A documented vessel with a registry endorsement may engage in the dredging of gold in Alaska.
• (c) If a vessel is operated in knowing violation of this section, the vessel and its equipment are liable to seizure by and forfeiture to the United States Government.