Volume 68
Public Law 83–680
To protect the rights of vessels of the United States on the high seas and in territorial waters of foreign countries.
Approved August 27, 1954
Statutory text
AN ACT
To protect the rights of vessels of the United States on the high seas and in territorial waters of foreign countries.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That for the purposes of this Act the term “vessel of the United States” shall mean any private vessel documented or certificated under the laws of the United States.
Sec. 2.
In any case where—
a vessel of the United States is seized by a foreign country on the basis of rights or claims in territorial waters or the high seas which are not recognized by the United States; and
there is no dispute of material facts with respect to the location or activity of such vessel at the time of such seizure,
the Secretary of State shall as soon as practicable take such action as
Action by Secretary of State.
he deems appropriate to attend to the welfare of such vessel and its crew while it is held by such country and to secure the release of such vessel and crew.
Sec. 3.
In any case where a vessel of the United States is seized by a foreign country under the conditions of section 2 and a fine must be paid in order to secure the prompt release of the vessel and crew, the owners of the vessel shall be reimbursed by the Secretary of the Treasury in the amount certified to him by the Secretary of State as being the amount of the fine actually paid.
Sec. 4.
The provisions of this Act shall not apply with respect to
Non applicability.
a seizure made by a country at war with the United States or a seizure made in accordance with the provisions of any fishery convention or treaty to which the United States is a party.
Sec. 5.
The Secretary of State shall take such action as he may deem appropriate to make and collect on claims against a foreign country for amounts expended by the United States under the provisions of this Act because of the seizure of a United States vessel by such country.
Sec. 6.
There are authorized to be appropriated such amounts as may
Appropriation.
be necessary to carry out the provisions or this Act.
Approved August 27, 1954.