33 U.S.C. § 1208 — Penalties

(a) Master, person in charge, or pilot subject to penalty 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, under this chapter; 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 under this chapter— Is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $500 to be assessed by the Secretary. (b) Vessels subject to penalty; jurisdiction Every vessel navigating in violation of this chapter or the regulations under this chapter 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) Remission or mitigation Any penalty assessed under this section may be remitted or mitigated by the Secretary upon that terms as he may deem proper.