CHAPTER 19A — ADMIRALTY AND MARITIME JURISDICTION
§ 740. Extension of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; libel in rem or in personam; exclusive remedy; waiting period
The admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States shall extend to and include all cases of damage or injury, to person or property, caused by a vessel on navigable water, notwithstanding that such damage or injury be done or consummated on land.
In any such case suit may be brought in rem or in personam according to the principles of law and the rules of practice obtaining in cases where the injury or damage has been done and consummated on navigable water: Provided, That as to any suit against the United States for damage or injury done or consummated on land by a vessel on navigable waters, the Public Vessels Act [46 App. U.S.C. 781 et seq.] or Suits in Admiralty Act [46 App. U.S.C. 741 et seq.], as appropriate, shall constitute the exclusive remedy for all causes of action arising after June 19, 1948, and for all causes of action where suit has not been hitherto filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act: Provided further, That no suit shall be filed against the United States until there shall have expired a period of six months after the claim has been presented in writing to the Federal agency owning or operating the vessel causing the injury or damage.
(June 19, 1948, ch. 526, 62 Stat. 496.)
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Public Vessels Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 428, 43 Stat. 1112, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 22 (§ 781 et seq.) of this Appendix. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 781 of this Appendix and Tables.
The Suits in Admiralty Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, 41 Stat. 525, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 20 (§ 741 et seq.) of this Appendix. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 741 of this Appendix and Tables.
The Federal Tort Claims Act, referred to in text, is classified generally to section 1346(b) and chapter 171 (§ 2671 et seq.) of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
Admiralty and maritime rules of practice (which included libel procedures) were superseded, and civil and admiralty procedures in United States district courts were unified, effective July 1, 1966, see rule 1 and Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims, Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS
This section is referred to in title 14 sections 821, 823a.
