§ 1208 — Penalties

(a) Whoever, being the master or person in charge of a vessel subject to this chapter, fails to enforce or comply with this chapter or the regulation, hereunder; orWhoever, being designated by the master or person in charge of a vessel subject to this chapter to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel, fails to enforce or comply with this chapter or the regulations hereunder—Is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $500 to be assessed by the Secretary. (b) Every vessel navigating in violation of this chapter or the regulations hereunder is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $500 to be assessed by the Secretary for which the vessel may be proceeded against in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction. (c) Any penalty assessed under this section may be remitted or mitigated by the Secretary upon such terms as he may deem proper.