-CITE- 46 USC CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -MISC1- Sec. 31101. Short title. 31102. Waiver of immunity. 31103. Applicable procedure. 31104. Venue. 31105. Security when counterclaim filed. 31106. Exoneration and limitation. 31107. Interest. 31108. Arbitration, compromise, or settlement. 31109. Payment of judgment or settlement. 31110. Subpoenas to officers or members of crew. 31111. Claims by nationals of foreign countries. 31112. Lien not recognized or created. 31113. Reports. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31101 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31101. Short title -STATUTE- This chapter may be cited as the "Public Vessels Act". -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1521.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31101 46 App.:781 note. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SHORT TITLE Act of March 3, 1925, ch. 428, 43 Stat. 1112, which enacted chapter 22 (Sec. 781 et seq.) of the former Appendix to this title, was popularly known as the "Public Vessels Act", prior to being repealed and restated in this chapter by Pub. L. 109-304, Secs. 6(c), 19, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1509, 1710. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31102 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31102. Waiver of immunity -STATUTE- (a) In General. - A civil action in personam in admiralty may be brought, or an impleader filed, against the United States for - (1) damages caused by a public vessel of the United States; or (2) compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a public vessel of the United States. (b) Counterclaim or Setoff. - If the United States brings a civil action in admiralty for damages caused by a privately owned vessel, the owner of the vessel, or the successor in interest, may file a counterclaim in personam, or claim a setoff, against the United States for damages arising out of the same subject matter. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1521.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31102(a) 46 App.:781. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 1, 43 Stat. 1112. 31102(b) 46 App.:783 (words Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. before proviso). 3 (words before proviso), 43 Stat. 1112. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In this section, the words "civil action" are substituted for "libel" because of rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.). In subsection (a), the words "Provided, That the cause of action arose after the 6th day of April, 1920" are omitted as unnecessary. In subsection (b), the words "in rem or in personam" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "file a counterclaim in personam, or claim a setoff" are substituted for "file a cross libel in personam or claim a set-off or counterclaim" to conform to the terminolgy in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "for damages arising out of the same subject matter" are substituted for "in such suit for and on account of any damages arising out of the same subject matter or cause of action" to eliminate unnecessary words. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31103 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31103. Applicable procedure -STATUTE- A civil action under this chapter is subject to the provisions of chapter 309 of this title except to the extent inconsistent with this chapter. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1521.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31103 46 App.:782 (last Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. sentence words 2 (last sentence words before last comma). before last comma), 43 Stat. 1112. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31104 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31104. Venue -STATUTE- (a) In General. - A civil action under this chapter shall be brought in the district court of the United States for the district in which the vessel or cargo is found within the United States. (b) Vessel or Cargo Outside Territorial Waters. - If the vessel or cargo is outside the territorial waters of the United States - (1) the action shall be brought in the district court of the United States for any district in which any plaintiff resides or has an office for the transaction of business; or (2) if no plaintiff resides or has an office for the transaction of business in the United States, the action may be brought in the district court of the United States for any district. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1521.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31104 46 App.:782 (1st Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. sentence). 2 (1st sentence), 43 Stat. 1112. -------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsection (a), the words "charged with creating the liability" are omitted as unnecessary. In subsection (b)(2), the words "in the United States" are omitted as unnecessary. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31105 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31105. Security when counterclaim filed -STATUTE- If a counterclaim is filed for a cause of action for which the original action is filed under this chapter, the respondent to the counterclaim shall give security in the usual amount and form to respond to the counterclaim, unless the court for cause shown orders otherwise. The proceedings in the original action shall be stayed until the security is given. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31105 46 App.:783 Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. (proviso). 3 (proviso), 43 Stat. 1112. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The word "counterclaim" is substituted for "cross-libel", and the words "original action" are substituted for "original libel", to conform to the terminolgy in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.). -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31106 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31106. Exoneration and limitation -STATUTE- The United States is entitled to the exemptions from and limitations of liability provided by law to an owner, charterer, operator, or agent of a vessel. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31106 46 App.:789. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 9, 43 Stat. 1113. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31107 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31107. Interest -STATUTE- A judgment in a civil action under this chapter may not include interest for the period before the judgment is issued unless the claim is based on a contract providing for interest. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31107 46 App.:782 (last Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. sentence words 2 (last sentence words after after last comma). last comma), 43 Stat. 1112. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31108 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31108. Arbitration, compromise, or settlement -STATUTE- The Attorney General may arbitrate, compromise, or settle a claim under this chapter if a civil action based on the claim has been commenced. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31108 46 App.:786. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 6, 43 Stat. 1113. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The words "claim under this chapter" are substituted for "claim on which a libel or cross libel would lie under the provisions of this chapter" to eliminate unnecessary words. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31109 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31109. Payment of judgment or settlement -STATUTE- The proper accounting officer of the United States shall pay a final judgment, arbitration award, or settlement under this chapter on presentation of an authenticated copy. Payment shall be made from any money in the Treasury appropriated for the purpose. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31109 46 App.:787. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 7, 43 Stat. 1113. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Reference to an arbitration award is added for consistency with sections 30912 and 31108 of the revised title. -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31110 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31110. Subpoenas to officers or members of crew -STATUTE- An officer or member of the crew of a public vessel may not be subpoenaed in a civil action under this chapter without the consent of - (1) the Secretary of the department or the head of the independent establishment having control of the vessel at the time the cause of action arose; or (2) the master or commanding officer of the vessel at the time the subpoena is issued. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31110 46 App.:784. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 4, 43 Stat. 1112. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31111 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31111. Claims by nationals of foreign countries -STATUTE- A national of a foreign country may not maintain a civil action under this chapter unless it appears to the satisfaction of the court in which the action is brought that the government of that country, in similar circumstances, allows nationals of the United States to sue in its courts. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31111 46 App.:785. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 5, 43 Stat. 1113. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31112 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31112. Lien not recognized or created -STATUTE- This chapter shall not be construed as recognizing the existence of or as creating a lien against a public vessel of the United States. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1522.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31112 46 App.:788. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 8, 43 Stat. 1113. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End- -CITE- 46 USC Sec. 31113 01/03/2012 (112-90) -EXPCITE- TITLE 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle III - Maritime Liability CHAPTER 311 - SUITS INVOLVING PUBLIC VESSELS -HEAD- Sec. 31113. Reports -STATUTE- The Attorney General shall report to Congress at each session thereof all claims settled under this chapter. -SOURCE- (Pub. L. 109-304, Sec. 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1523.) -MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Revised Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) Section -------------------------------------------------------------------- 31113 46 App.:790. Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, Sec. 10, 43 Stat. 1113; Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, Sec. 1(26), 68 Stat. 968. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -End-