
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 33USC1227]

 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
             CHAPTER 25--PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY PROGRAM
 
Sec. 1227. Investigatory powers


(a) Secretary

    The Secretary may investigate any incident, accident, or act 
involving the loss or destruction of, or damage to any structure subject 
to this chapter, or which affects or may affect the safety or 
environmental quality of the ports, harbors, or navigable waters of the 
United States.

(b) Powers

    In an investigation under this section, the Secretary may issue 
subpenas to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of 
documents or other evidence relating to such incident, accident, or act. 
If any person refuses to obey a subpena, the Secretary may request the 
Attorney General to invoke the aid of the appropriate district court of 
the United States to compel compliance with the subpena. Any district 
court of the United States may, in the case of refusal to obey a 
subpena, issue an order requiring compliance with the subpena, and 
failure to obey the order may be punished by the court as contempt. 
Witnesses may be paid fees for travel and attendance at rates not 
exceeding those allowed in a district court of the United States.

(Pub. L. 92-340, Sec. 8, formerly title I, Sec. 107, July 10, 1972, 86 
Stat. 427; renumbered and amended Pub. L. 95-474, Sec. 2, Oct. 17, 1978, 
92 Stat. 1476.)


                               Amendments

    1978--Pub. L. 95-474 substituted provision relating to the 
investigatory powers of the Secretary for provision relating to criminal 
penalties.
