Special powers — Us Code Code § 70002

Us Code Code § 70002 — Special powers. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 70002. Special powers

The Secretary may order any vessel, in a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or in the navigable waters of the United States, to operate or anchor in a manner the Secretary directs if—

(1) the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe such vessel does not comply with any regulation issued under section 70034 or any other applicable law or treaty;

(2) the Secretary determines such vessel does not satisfy the conditions for port entry set forth in section 70021 or 70022 of this title; or

(3) by reason of weather, visibility, sea conditions, port congestion, other hazardous circumstances, or the condition of such vessel, the Secretary is satisfied such direction is justified in the interest of safety.

(Added Pub. L. 115–282, title IV, §401(a), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4255; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], §8508(2)(A), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4755.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Par. (2). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted "or 70022" after "section 70021".

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 70002 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 70002. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

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Common questions

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It addresses "Special powers". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

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