CHAPTER 309 —SUITS IN ADMIRALTY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES
§30901. Short title
This chapter may be cited as the "Suits in Admiralty Act".
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30901 | 46 App.:741 note. |
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Act Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95,
§30902. Definition
In this chapter, the term "federally-owned corporation" means a corporation in which the United States owns all the outstanding capital stock.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30902 | 46 App.:741 (11th–26th words). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §1 (11th–26th words), |
The term "federally-owned corporation" is defined in this section and used in this chapter to avoid repeating the substance of the definition in several sections in this chapter. The words "or its representatives" are omitted as unnecessary.
§30903. Waiver of immunity
(a)
(b)
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30903 | 46 App.:742 (1st, 3d sentences). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §2 (1st, 3d sentences), |
In subsection (a), the words "civil action" are substituted for "proceeding" and "libel" because of rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.) and for consistency in the chapter. The words "civil action in admiralty in personam" are substituted for "any appropriate nonjury proceeding in personam" for clarity. The words "in rem or in personam in any district" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "admiralty claim" are substituted for "cross libel" for consistency in this chapter and with the various means of asserting a claim (such as by counterclaim or cross-claim) allowed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The words "with the same force and effect as if the libel had been filed by a private party" are omitted as unnecessary.
Subsection (b) is substituted for the word "nonjury" to clarify that the nonjury requirement applies to any claim against the United States or a federally-owned corporation under this section regardless of which party brings the action.
§30904. Exclusive remedy
If a remedy is provided by this chapter, it shall be exclusive of any other action arising out of the same subject matter against the officer, employee, or agent of the United States or the federally-owned corporation whose act or omission gave rise to the claim.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30904 | 46 App.:745 (1st proviso). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §5 (1st proviso), |
The words "officer, employee, or agent of the United States or the federally-owned corporation" are substituted for "agent or employee of the United States or of any incorporated or unincorporated agency thereof" for consistency in this chapter and to eliminate unnecessary words.
§30905. Period for bringing action
A civil action under this chapter must be brought within 2 years after the cause of action arose.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30905 | 46 App.:745 (words before 1st proviso). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §5 (words before 1st proviso), |
§30906. Venue
(a)
(1) any plaintiff resides or has its principal place of business; or
(2) the vessel or cargo is found.
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30906(a) | 46 App.:742 (2d sentence). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §2 (2d, last sentences), |
| 30906(b) | 46 App.:742 (last sentence). |
In subsection (a)(1), the words "in the United States" are omitted as unnecessary.
In subsection (a)(2), the words "charged with liability" are omitted as unnecessary.
In subsection (b), the words "in the discretion of the court" are omitted as unnecessary. For general change of venue provision, see
§30907. Procedure for hearing and determination
(a)
(b)
(1)
(A) the plaintiff elects in the complaint; and
(B) it appears that an action in rem could have been maintained had the vessel or cargo been privately owned and possessed.
(2)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30907(a) | 46 App.:743 (1st, 4th sentences). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §3 (1st, 4th–6th sentences), |
| 30907(b) | 46 App.:743 (5th, 6th sentences). |
In subsection (a), the text of 46 App. U.S.C. 743 (4th sentence) is omitted as unnecessary.
In subsection (b)(1)(A), the words "plaintiff" and "complaint" are substituted for "libelant" and "libel", respectively, for consistency with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.).
In subsection (b)(2), the words "in any proper case" are omitted as unnecessary.
§30908. Exemption from arrest or seizure
The following are not subject to arrest or seizure by judicial process in the United States:
(1) A vessel owned by, possessed by, or operated by or for the United States or a federally-owned corporation.
(2) Cargo owned or possessed by the United States or a federally-owned corporation.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30908 | 46 App.:741 (less 11th–26th words). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §1 (less 11th–26th words), |
The words "a federally-owned corporation" are substituted for "any corporation in which the United States or its representatives shall own the entire outstanding capital stock" because of the definition of "federally-owned corporation" in section 30902 of the revised title. The words "after March 9, 1920" are omitted as obsolete. The words "in view of the provision herein made for a libel in personam" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "or its possessions" are omitted because of the definition of "United States" in
§30909. Security
Neither the United States nor a federally-owned corporation may be required to give a bond or admiralty stipulation in a civil action under this chapter.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30909 | 46 App.:743 (last sentence). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §3 (last sentence), |
The words "civil action" are substituted for "proceeding" for consistency in this chapter and with rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.).
§30910. Exoneration and limitation
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.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30910 | 46 App.:746. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §6, |
§30911. Costs and interest
(a)
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30911 | 46 App.:743 (2d, 3d sentences). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §3 (2d, 3d sentences), |
| 46 App.:745 (last proviso). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §5 (last proviso), |
In subsection (a), the words "and when the decree is for a money judgment" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "except that interest is not allowable for the period before the action is filed" are substituted for "And provided further, That after June 30, 1932, no interest shall be allowed on any claim prior to the time when suit on such claim is brought as authorized by section 742 of this Appendix" to eliminate unnecessary words.
Subsection (b) is substituted for "or at any higher rate which shall be stipulated in any contract upon which such decree shall be based" in 46 App. U.S.C. 743 and "unless upon a contract expressly stipulating for the payment of interest" in 46 App. U.S.C. 745 (last proviso) for clarity and consistency.
§30912. Arbitration, compromise, or settlement
The Secretary of a department of the United States Government, or the board of trustees of a federally-owned corporation, may arbitrate, compromise, or settle a claim under this chapter.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30912 | 46 App.:749. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §9, |
The words "claim under this chapter" are substituted for "claim in which suit will lie under the provisions of sections 742, 744, and 750 of this Appendix" to eliminate unnecessary words.
§30913. Payment of judgment or settlement
(a)
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30913 | 46 App.:748. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §8, |
§30914. Release of privately owned vessel after arrest or attachment
If a privately owned vessel not in the possession of the United States or a federally-owned corporation is arrested or attached in a civil action arising or alleged to have arisen from prior ownership, possession, or operation by the United States or corporation, the vessel shall be released without bond or stipulation on a statement by the United States, through the Attorney General or other authorized law officer, that the United States is interested in the action, desires release of the vessel, and assumes liability for the satisfaction of any judgment obtained by the plaintiff. After the vessel is released, the action shall proceed against the United States in accordance with this chapter.
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30914 | 46 App.:744. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §4, |
The words "on a statement" are substituted for "upon the suggestion" as more appropriate.
§30915. Seizures and other proceedings in foreign jurisdictions
(a)
(1) to claim the vessel or cargo as immune from arrest, attachment, or other seizure, and to execute an agreement, stipulation, bond, or undertaking, for the United States or federally-owned corporation, for the release of the vessel or cargo and the prosecution of any appeal; or
(2) if an action has been brought against the master of such a vessel, to enter the appearance of the United States or corporation and to pledge the credit of the United States or corporation to the payment of any judgment and costs in the action.
(b)
(1) arrange with a bank, surety company, or other person, whether in the United States or a foreign country, to execute a bond or stipulation; and
(2) pledge the credit of the United States to secure the bond or stipulation.
(c)
(1) the certificate and seal of the United States consul claiming the vessel or cargo, or by the consul's successor; and
(2) the certificate of the Secretary as to the official capacity of the consul.
(d)
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| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30915 | 46 App.:747. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §7, |
In this section, references to the Maritime Administration are omitted as unnecessary.
In subsection (a), before paragraph (1), the words "or in connection with", "of the United States in his discretion", and "duly" are omitted as unnecessary. In paragraph (1), the words "as by said court required" are omitted as unnecessary.
In subsection (b)(1), the words "firm, or corporation" are omitted as included in "person" as defined in
Subsection (b)(2) is substituted for "to pledge the credit of the United States to the indemnification of such surety or stipulator as may be required to secure the execution of such bond or stipulation" to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (c), the words "may pay" are substituted for "presentation . . . shall be sufficient evidence . . . for the allowance and payment" to eliminate unnecessary words.
§30916. Recovery by the United States for salvage services
(a)
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30916 | 46 App.:750. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §10, |
In subsection (a), the words "may bring a civil action to recover" are substituted for "shall have the right to collect and sue" for consistency in this chapter and to eliminate unnecessary words.
§30917. Disposition of amounts recovered by the United States
Amounts recovered in a civil action brought by the United States on a claim arising from the ownership, possession, or operation of a merchant vessel, or the ownership, possession, or carriage of cargo, shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the department of the United States Government, or the federally-owned corporation, having control of the vessel or cargo, for reimbursement of the appropriation, insurance fund, or other fund from which the compensation for which the judgment was recovered was or will be paid.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30917 | 46 App.:751. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §11, |
The words "or in connection with" and "with respect to which such cause of action arises" are omitted as unnecessary.
§30918. Reports
The Secretary of each department of the United States Government, and the board of trustees of each federally-owned corporation, shall report to Congress at each session thereof all arbitration awards and settlements agreed to under this chapter since the previous session, for which the time to appeal has expired or been waived.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 30918 | 46 App.:752. | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §12, |