USC › Title 46 › §5630746 U.S.C. § 56307Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov ↗Copy linkWhen a vessel requisitioned for use but not ownership is returned to the owner, the Secretary of Transportation shall—(1)return the vessel in a condition at least as good as when taken, less ordinary wear and tear; or(2)pay the owner an amount sufficient to recondition the vessel to that condition, less ordinary wear and tear.