USC › Title 46 › §470246 U.S.C. § 4702Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov ↗Copy linkAn owner or operator of a barge may not abandon it on the navigable waters of the United States. A barge is deemed not to be abandoned if—(1)it is located at a Federally- or State-approved mooring area;(2)it is on private property with the permission of the owner of the property; or(3)the owner or operator notifies the Secretary that the barge is not abandoned and the location of the barge.