§ 1227. — Investigatory powers.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 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.
