U.S. Code > Title 14 Coast Guard > PART I—REGULAR COAST GUARD (§§ 1—693) > CHAPTER 17—ADMINISTRATION (§§ 631—677) > § 646. Admiralty claims against the United States

§ 646. Admiralty claims against the United States

(a) The Secretary may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, or settle, and pay in an amount not more than $100,000, an admiralty claim against the United States for—
(1) damage caused by a vessel in the Coast Guard service or by other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating;
(2) compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a vessel in the Coast Guard service or to other property under the jurisdiction of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; or
(3) damage caused by a maritime tort committed by an agent or employee of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating or by property under the jurisdiction of that Department.
(b) Upon acceptance of payment by the claimant, the settlement or compromise of a claim under this section is final and conclusive notwithstanding any other law.
(c) If a claim under this section is settled or compromised for more than $100,000, the Secretary shall certify it to Congress.