Criminal penalty

A carrier that violates this chapter shall be fined under title 18. The amount of the fine and costs for the violation constitute a lien on the vessel engaged in the carriage. A civil action in rem to enforce the lien may be brought in the district court of the United States for any district in which the vessel is found. Half of the fine shall go to the person injured by the violation and half to the United States Government. (Source: (Pub. L. 109–304, § 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1517.))