33 U.S.C. § 3854 — Vessel clearance or permits; refusal or revocation; bond or other surety

If any vessel^* that is subject to the Convention^* or this chapter, or its owner, operator, or person^* in charge, is liable for a fine or civil penalty under section 3852 or 3853 of this title, or if reasonable cause exists to believe that the vessel, its owner, operator, or person in charge may be subject to a fine or civil penalty under section 3852 or 3853 of this title, the Secretary^* may refuse or revoke the clearance required by section 60105 of title 46. Clearance may be granted upon the filing of a bond or other surety satisfaction to the Secretary.