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46 U.S.C. § 31102 — Waiver of immunity

Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov ↗
  1. (a)In GeneralA civil action in personam in admiralty may be brought, or an impleader filed, against the United States for—
    1. (1)damages caused by a public vessel of the United States; or
    2. (2)compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a public vessel of the United States.
  2. (b)Counterclaim or SetoffIf the United States brings a civil action in admiralty for damages caused by a privately owned vessel, the owner of the vessel, or the successor in interest, may file a counterclaim in personam, or claim a setoff, against the United States for damages arising out of the same subject matter.