
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: 33USC1478]

 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
    CHAPTER 28--POLLUTION CASUALTIES ON THE HIGH SEAS: UNITED STATES 
                              INTERVENTION
 
Sec. 1478. Personal, flag state, and foreign state 
        considerations
        
    In the direction and conduct of measures under this chapter the 
Secretary shall use his best endeavors to--
        (1) assure the avoidance of risk to human life;
        (2) render all possible aid to distressed persons, including 
    facilitating repatriation of ships' crews; and
        (3) not unnecessarily interfere with rights and interests of 
    others, including the flag state of any ship involved, other foreign 
    states threatened by damage, and persons otherwise concerned.

(Pub. L. 93-248, Sec. 9, Feb. 5, 1974, 88 Stat. 9.)
