§ 8503. Federal pilots authorized

• (a) The Secretary may require a pilot licensed under section 7101 of this title on a self-propelled vessel when a pilot is not required by State law and the vessel is—
  • (1) engaged in foreign commerce; and
  • (2) operating—
    • (A) in internal waters of the United States; or
    • (B) within 3 nautical miles from the baselines from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured.
• (b) A requirement prescribed under subsection (a) of this section is terminated when the State having jurisdiction over the area involved—
  • (1) establishes a requirement for a State licensed pilot; and
  • (2) notifies the Secretary of that fact.
• (c) For the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Secretary may not delegate the authority under this section to an agency except the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.
• (d) A person violating this section or a regulation prescribed under this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation. The vessel also is liable in rem for the penalty.
• (e) A person that knowingly violates this section or a regulation prescribed under this section commits a class D felony.