§781. Libel in admiralty against or impleader of United States

A libel in personam in admiralty may be brought against the United States, or a petition impleading the United States, for damages caused by a public vessel of the United States, and for compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a public vessel of the United States: Provided, That the cause of action arose after the 6th day of April, 1920.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, §1, 43 Stat. 1112 .)

Short Title

Act Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, which enacted this chapter, is popularly known as the "Public Vessels Act".

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Admiralty and maritime rules of practice (which included libel procedures) were superseded, and civil and admiralty procedures in United States district courts were unified, effective July 1, 1966, see rule 1 and Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims, Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.