U.S. Code
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Title 46
» Subtitle Subtitle III— Maritime Liability › Chapter CHAPTER 309— SUITS IN ADMIRALTY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES
46 U.S.C. § 30908
Exemption from arrest or seizure
The following are not subject to arrest or seizure by judicial process in the United States:(1) A vessel owned by, possessed by, or operated by or for the United States or a federally-owned corporation.(2) Cargo owned or possessed by the United States or a federally-owned corporation.(Pub. L. 109–304, § 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1518.)Historical and Revision Notes |
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30908 | 46 App.:741 (less 11th–26th words). | Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, § 1 (less 11th–26th words), 41 Stat. 525; Sept. 26, 1950, ch. 1049, § 2(a)(2), 64 Stat. 1038; Pub. L. 96–70, § 3(b)(5), Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 455. |
The words “a federally-owned corporation” are substituted for “any corporation in which the United States or its representatives shall own the entire outstanding capital stock” because of the definition of “federally-owned corporation” in section 30902 of the revised title. The words “after March 9, 1920” are omitted as obsolete. The words “in view of the provision herein made for a libel in personam” are omitted as unnecessary. The words “or its possessions” are omitted because of the definition of “United States” in chapter 1 of the revised title. The words “Provided, That this chapter shall not apply to the Panama Canal Commission” are omitted because the Commission has been dissolved. See 22 U.S.C. 3714a.
Notes of Decisions
Seaward Serv., Inc. v. United States (E.D. Va. 2022).
“See 46 U.S.C. § 30908 . The PVA also contains a waiver of immunity, stating that “[a] civil action in personam in admiralty may be brought, or an impleader filed, against the United States for – (1) damages caused by a public vessel of the United States; or (2) compensation for…”
Fiedler v. United States (9th Cir. 2026).
“525, 525 § 1 (1920) (current version at 46 U.S.C § 30908); see also Ingraham, 1982 Duke L.”
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