Federal · Title 46 — Shipping

46 U.S.C. § 70013: Requirement to notify Coast Guard of release of objects into the navigable waters of the United States

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute requires persons with knowledge of prohibited objects released into U.S. navigable waters to notify federal officials. Notifications made under this requirement cannot be used in criminal prosecution except for perjury or false statements.

Read the full statutory text

As soon as a person has knowledge of any release from a vessel or facility into the navigable waters of the United States of any object that creates an obstruction prohibited under section 10 of the Act of March 3, 1899 , popularly known as the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 ( 33 U.S.C. 403 ), such person shall notify the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army of such release. Any notification provided by an individual in accordance with subsection (a) may not be used against such individual in any criminal case, except a prosecution for perjury or for giving a false statement.

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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.