46 U.S.C. § 41107 — Monetary penalties or refunds

A person that violates this part or a regulation or order of the Federal Maritime Commission issued under this part is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, is liable for the refund of a charge. Unless otherwise provided in this part, the amount of the penalty may not exceed $5,000 for each violation or, if the violation was willfully and knowingly committed, $25,000 for each violation. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation.

The amount of a civil penalty or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, the refund of a charge, imposed on a common carrier^* under this section constitutes a lien on the vessels operated by the carrier. Any such vessel^* is subject to an action in rem to enforce the lien in the district court of the United States for the district in which it is found.