Federal · Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters

33 U.S.C. § 3842: Investigations and inspections by Secretary

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

The Secretary may investigate and inspect vessels for compliance with a maritime chapter or convention. The Secretary may issue subpoenas (with Attorney General coordination) and seek court enforcement of noncompliance.

Read the full statutory text

The Secretary may conduct investigations and inspections regarding a vessel’s compliance with this chapter or the Convention. before the issuance of the subpoena, the Secretary requests a determination by the Attorney General of the United States as to whether the subpoena will interfere with a criminal investigation; and determines that the subpoena will not interfere with a criminal investigation; or fails to make a determination under clause (i) before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Secretary makes a request under subparagraph (A). In the case of refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person under this subsection, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of the appropriate district court of the United States to compel compliance. On completion of an investigation, the Secretary may take whatever further action the Secretary considers appropriate under the Convention or this chapter. The Secretary may cooperate with other parties to the Convention in the detection of violations and in enforcement of the Convention. Nothing in this section affects or alters requirements under any other laws.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.