Document ID: USCG-2009-0891-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: FR:  Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act2009 Implementation (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2009-12-23T05:00Z

[Federal Register: December 23, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 245)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 68150-68155]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23de09-10]                         

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 27

[Docket No. USCG-2009-0891]
RIN 1625-AB40

 
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act--2009 
Implementation

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is adjusting fines and other civil monetary 
penalties to reflect the impact of inflation. These adjustments are 
made in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation 
Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement 
Act of 1996.

DATES: This final rule is effective 30 days after December 23, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as 
documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, 
are part of docket USCG-2009-0891 and are available for inspection or 
copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this 
docket on the Internet by going to http://www.regulations.gov, 
inserting USCG-2009-0891 in the ``Keyword'' box, and then clicking 
``Search.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or e-mail Heather Young, CG-5232, Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-
1022, e-mail Heather.l.young@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing 
the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Abbreviations
II. Background
III. Method of Calculation
IV. Regulatory Analyses
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Entities
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    G. Taking of Private Property
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    K. Energy Effects
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment

I. Abbreviations

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Abbreviation                          Explanation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFR...............................  Code of Federal Regulations.
CMPs..............................  Civil Monetary Penalties.
CPI-U.............................  Consumer Price Index for All Urban
                                     Consumers, Not Seasonally Adjusted,
                                     U.S. City Average.
RFA...............................  Regulatory Flexibility Act.
U.S.C.............................  United States Code.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Background

    Congress has established fines or other civil monetary penalties 
(CMPs) for those who violate Federal laws and regulations. However, the 
deterrent value of these fines and penalties diminishes over time from 
the effects of inflation. To address this problem, Congress enacted the 
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act, Public Law 101-410, 
104 Stat. 890, Sec. Sec.  1-6, as amended by the Debt Collection 
Improvement Act of 1996, Public Law 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, Sec.  
31001(s)(1); 28 U.S.C. 2461. These statutes require Federal agencies to 
adjust their CMPs for inflation at least once every four years, using a 
nondiscretionary statutory formula, thus making further direct 
involvement by Congress unnecessary.
    This final rule is published without a prior notice of proposed 
rulemaking or public comment period. Pursuant to the Administrative 
Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for dispensing with notice and comment in this rulemaking. 
This rulemaking implements the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation 
Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement 
Act of 1996. These statutes require certain actions with respect to 
adjusting CMPs for inflation and do not allow for discretion in 
implementation, so that prior notice and comment is unnecessary and 
contrary to the public interest.

III. Method of Calculation

    The method for calculating the effects of inflation on fines and 
penalties is very specifically prescribed by statutes, which allow no 
discretion. The statutes specify the inflation measure to be used, the 
method for the calculation of the inflation adjustment, and the method 
for the numerical rounding of the results.
    The statutes require the use of the change in the Consumer Price 
Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as the inflation measure for 
these calculations. The CPI-U is calculated and published by the U.S. 
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and uses the period of 
1982 to 1984 as the base level where the CPI-U = 100.
    The inflation adjustment prescribed by the statutes is calculated 
as the difference between the CPI-U for the month of June of the 
calendar year preceding the adjustment and the CPI-U for the month of 
June of the calendar year in which the amount of the civil monetary 
penalty was last set or adjusted pursuant to law. Since the last 
inflation adjustment was made in 2003 and the year preceding this 
adjustment is 2008, the current inflation adjustment equals the 
increase in the CPI-U (not seasonally adjusted) from June, 2003 to 
June, 2008:

[[Page 68151]]

(CPI-U2008 - CPI-U2003) / CPI-U2003 =
(218.815 - 183.7) / (183.7) = .1912 = 19.12%

    With certain exceptions, each of the approximately 140 civil fines 
and penalties were adjusted by multiplying their 2003 values by 1.1912. 
The exceptions included: Two penalties of 19 U.S.C. 1581(d) that were 
enacted under the Tariff Act of 1930 and are exempt from inflation 
adjustments; four penalties applicable to bridge owners whose increases 
are defined within their respective statutes; and three penalties 
established in 2006 which are not eligible for inflation adjustment 
until 2010.
    The final step is to round the inflation-adjusted fines and 
penalties according to the rounding rules prescribed by the statutes. 
The statutes specify that numbers are rounded according to the nearest:
    1. Multiple of $10 in the case of penalties less than or equal to 
$100;
    2. Multiple of $100 in the case of penalties greater than $100 but 
less than or equal to $1,000;
    3. Multiple of $1,000 in the case of penalties greater than $1,000 
but less than or equal to $10,000;
    4. Multiple of $5,000 in the case of penalties greater than $10,000 
but less than or equal to $100,000;
    5. Multiple of $10,000 in the case of penalties greater than 
$100,000 but less than or equal to $200,000; and
    6. Multiple of $25,000 in the case of penalties greater than 
$200,000.
    Because of the rounding rules, some fines and penalties may not 
increase from their 2003 values. For example, a fine of $1,000 in 2003 
would increase to $1,191.20 with the 2008 adjustment. However, for 
fines and penalties greater than $1,000 but less than or equal to 
$10,000, the inflation adjusted value is rounded to the nearest $1,000; 
so the penalty, with rounding, remains at $1,000.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not 
require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 
6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not 
reviewed it under that Order.
    We expect the economic impact of this rule to be so minimal that a 
full regulatory assessment is unnecessary. This rule concerns civil 
monetary penalties imposed for violating Federal law and regulations 
which have no impact on law-abiding persons. While the expense of a 
fine or penalty imposed for violations of civil statutes is borne by 
the violator, these expenses are completely avoidable by complying with 
the law.

B. Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612) requires 
agencies to consider whether regulatory actions would have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit 
organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not 
dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with 
populations of less than 50,000. An RFA analysis is not required when a 
rule is exempt from notice and comment rulemaking under 5 U.S.C. 
553(b). The Coast Guard determined that this rule is exempt from notice 
and comment rulemaking pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). Therefore, an 
RFA analysis is not required for this rule. The Coast Guard, 
nonetheless, expects that this final rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

C. Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offer to assist small 
entities in understanding the rule so that they can better evaluate its 
effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

D. Collection of Information

    This rule calls for no new collection of information under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

E. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local 
governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial 
direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this rule under 
that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for 
federalism.

F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. This rule affects only those who 
violate Federal law or regulations, and involves no discretion on the 
part of the Coast Guard.

G. Taking of Private Property

    This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights.

H. Civil Justice Reform

    This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

I. Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection 
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule 
is not an economically significant rule and does not create an 
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may 
disproportionately affect children.

J. Indian Tribal Governments

    This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 
13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, 
because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more 
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

[[Page 68152]]

K. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions 
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant 
energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy.
    The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. 
Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under 
Executive Order 13211.

L. Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (15 U.S.C. 272 
note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their 
regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the 
Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these 
standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise 
impractical.
    This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not 
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

M. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which 
guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded that this 
action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This 
rule is categorically excluded under section 2.B.2, figure 2-1, 
paragraph (34)(a) of the Instruction. This rule involves regulations 
which are editorial or procedural, such as those updating addresses or 
establishing application procedures. An environmental analysis 
checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in 
the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 27

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties.

0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 
CFR part 27 as follows:

PART 27--ADJUSTMENT OF CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES FOR INFLATION

0
1. The the authority citation for part 27 continues to read:

    Authority: Secs. 16, Public Law 101410, 104 Stat. 890, as 
amended by Sec. 31001(s)(1), Public Law 104134, 110 Stat. 1321 (28 
U.S.C. 2461 note); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1, sec. 2 (106).

0
2. Revise Sec.  27.3 to read as follows:

Sec.  27.3  Penalty Adjustment Table.

    Table 1 identifies the statutes administered by the Coast Guard 
that authorize a civil monetary penalty. The ``adjusted maximum 
penalty'' is the maximum penalty authorized by the Federal Civil 
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended, as determined 
by the Coast Guard.

                              Table 1--Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Adjusted
                                                                                                      maximum
                     U.S. Code citation                       Civil monetary penalty description  penalty amount
                                                                                                        ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 U.S.C. 88(c).............................................  Saving Life and Property..........          $8,000
14 U.S.C. 645(i)............................................  Confidentiality of Medical Quality           4,000
                                                               Assurance Records (first offense).
14 U.S.C. 645(i)............................................  Confidentiality of Medical Quality          30,000
                                                               Assurance Records (subsequent
                                                               offenses).
16 U.S.C. 4711(g)(1)........................................  Aquatic Nuisance Species in Waters          35,000
                                                               of the United States.
19 U.S.C. 70................................................  Obstruction of Revenue Officers by           3,000
                                                               Masters of Vessels.
19 U.S.C. 70................................................  Obstruction of Revenue Officers by             700
                                                               Masters of Vessels--Minimum
                                                               Penalty.
19 U.S.C. 1581(d)...........................................  Failure to Stop Vessel When                  5,000
                                                               Directed; Master, Owner,
                                                               Operator, or Person in Charge (1).
19 U.S.C. 1581(d)...........................................  Failure to Stop Vessel When                  1,000
                                                               Directed; Master, Owner,
                                                               Operator, or Person in Charge--
                                                               Minimum Penalty (1).
33 U.S.C. 471...............................................  Anchorage Ground/Harbor                        110
                                                               Regulations General.
33 U.S.C. 474...............................................  Anchorage Ground/Harbor                        300
                                                               Regulations St. Mary's River.
33 U.S.C. 495(b)............................................  Bridges/Failure to Comply with              25,000
                                                               Regulations (2).
33 U.S.C. 499(c)............................................  Bridges/Drawbridges (2)...........          25,000
33 U.S.C. 502(c)............................................  Bridges/Failure to Alter Bridge             25,000
                                                               Obstructing Navigation (2).
33 U.S.C. 533(b)............................................  Bridges/Maintenance and Operation           25,000
                                                               (2).
33 U.S.C. 1208(a)...........................................  Bridge to Bridge Communication;                800
                                                               Master, Person in Charge, or
                                                               Pilot.
33 U.S.C. 1208(b)...........................................  Bridge to Bridge Communication;                800
                                                               Vessel.
33 U.S.C. 1232(a)...........................................  PWSA Regulations..................          40,000
33 U.S.C. 1236(b)...........................................  Vessel Navigation: Regattas or               8,000
                                                               Marine Parades; Unlicensed Person
                                                               in Charge.
33 U.S.C. 1236(c)...........................................  Vessel Navigation: Regattas or               8,000
                                                               Marine Parades; Owner Onboard
                                                               Vessel.
33 U.S.C. 1236(d)...........................................  Vessel Navigation: Regattas or               3,000
                                                               Marine Parades; Other Persons.
33 U.S.C. 1319..............................................  Pollution Prevention..............          40,000
33 U.S.C. 1319(2)(A)........................................  Pollution Prevention (per                   15,000
                                                               violation).
33 U.S.C. 1319(2)(A)........................................  Pollution Prevention (Maximum--             40,000
                                                               repeated violations).
33 U.S.C. 1319(2)(B)........................................  Pollution Prevention (per day of            15,000
                                                               violation).
33 U.S.C. 1319(2)(B)........................................  Pollution Prevention (Maximum--            190,000
                                                               repeated violations).
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i)..................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                   15,000
                                                               Discharges (Class I per
                                                               violation).
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i)..................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                   40,000
                                                               Discharges (Class I total under
                                                               paragraph).
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii).................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                   15,000
                                                               Discharges (Class II per day of
                                                               violation).
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii).................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                  190,000
                                                               Discharges (Class II total under
                                                               paragraph).
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A).....................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                   40,000
                                                               Discharges (per day of violation)
                                                               Judicial Assessment.
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A).....................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                    1,100
                                                               Discharges (per barrel of oil or
                                                               unit discharged) Judicial
                                                               Assessment (3).

[[Page 68153]]

33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(B).....................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances: Failure           40,000
                                                               to Carry Out Removal/Comply With
                                                               Order (Judicial Assessment).
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(C).....................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances: Failure           40,000
                                                               to Comply with Regulation Issued
                                                               Under 1321(j) (Judicial
                                                               Assessment).
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D).....................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                    4,000
                                                               Discharges, Gross Negligence (per
                                                               barrel of oil or unit discharged)
                                                               Judicial Assessment.
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D).....................................  Oil/Hazardous Substances:                  130,000
                                                               Discharges, Gross Negligence--
                                                               Minimum Penalty (Judicial
                                                               Assessment).
33 U.S.C. 1322(j)...........................................  Marine Sanitation Devices;                   3,000
                                                               Operating.
33 U.S.C. 1322(j)...........................................  Marine Sanitation Devices; Sale or           8,000
                                                               Manufacture.
33 U.S.C. 1608(a)...........................................  International Navigation Rules;              8,000
                                                               Operator.
33 U.S.C. 1608(b)...........................................  International Navigation Rules;              8,000
                                                               Vessel.
33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(1)........................................  Pollution from Ships; General.....          40,000
33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(2)........................................  Pollution from Ships; False                  8,000
                                                               Statement.
33 U.S.C. 2072(a)...........................................  Inland Navigation Rules; Operator.           8,000
33 U.S.C. 2072(b)...........................................  Inland Navigation Rules; Vessel...           8,000
33 U.S.C. 2609(a)...........................................  Shore Protection; General.........          40,000
33 U.S.C. 2609(b)...........................................  Shore Protection; Operating                 15,000
                                                               Without Permit.
33 U.S.C. 2716a(a)..........................................  Oil Pollution Liability and                 40,000
                                                               Compensation.
42 U.S.C. 9609(a)...........................................  Hazardous Substances, Releases,             35,000
                                                               Liability, Compensation (Class I).
42 U.S.C. 9609(b)...........................................  Hazardous Substances, Releases,             35,000
                                                               Liability, Compensation (Class
                                                               II).
42 U.S.C. 9609(b)...........................................  Hazardous Substances, Releases,            100,000
                                                               Liability, Compensation (Class II
                                                               subsequent offense).
42 U.S.C. 9609(c)...........................................  Hazardous Substances, Releases,             35,000
                                                               Liability, Compensation (Judicial
                                                               Assessment).
42 U.S.C. 9609(c)...........................................  Hazardous Substances, Releases,            100,000
                                                               Liability, Compensation (Judicial
                                                               Assessment subsequent offense).
46 U.S.C. App 1505(a)(2)....................................  Safe Containers for International            8,000
                                                               Cargo.
46 U.S.C. App 1712(a).......................................  International Ocean Commerce                 6,000
                                                               Transportation--Common Carrier
                                                               Agreements per violation.
46 U.S.C. App 1712(a).......................................  International Ocean Commerce                30,000
                                                               Transportation--Common Carrier
                                                               Agreements per violation--Willful
                                                               violation.
46 U.S.C. App 1712(b).......................................  International Ocean Commerce                60,000
                                                               Transportation--Common Carrier
                                                               Agreements--Fine for tariff
                                                               violation (per shipment).
46 U.S.C. App 1805(c)(2)....................................  Suspension of Passenger Service...          70,000
46 U.S.C. 2110(e)...........................................  Vessel Inspection or Examination             8,000
                                                               Fees.
46 U.S.C. 2115..............................................  Alcohol and Dangerous Drug Testing           7,000
46 U.S.C. 2302(a)...........................................  Negligent Operations: Recreational           6,000
                                                               Vessels.
46 U.S.C. 2302(a)...........................................  Negligent Operations: Other                 30,000
                                                               Vessels.
46 U.S.C. 2302(c)(1)........................................  Operating a Vessel While Under the           7,000
                                                               Influence of Alcohol or a
                                                               Dangerous Drug.
46 U.S.C. 2306(a)(4)........................................  Vessel Reporting Requirements:               8,000
                                                               Owner, Charterer, Managing
                                                               Operator, or Agent.
46 U.S.C. 2306(b)(2)........................................  Vessel Reporting Requirements:               1,100
                                                               Master (3).
46 U.S.C. 3102(c)(1)........................................  Immersion Suits...................           8,000
46 U.S.C. 3302(i)(5)........................................  Inspection Permit (3).............           1,100
46 U.S.C. 3318(a)...........................................  Vessel Inspection; General........           8,000
46 U.S.C. 3318(g)...........................................  Vessel Inspection; Nautical School           8,000
                                                               Vessel.
46 U.S.C. 3318(h)...........................................  Vessel Inspection; Failure to Give           1,100
                                                               Notice IAW 3304(b) (3).
46 U.S.C. 3318(i)...........................................  Vessel Inspection; Failure to Give           1,100
                                                               Notice IAW 3309(c) (3).
46 U.S.C. 3318(j)(1)........................................  Vessel Inspection; Vessel >= 1600           15,000
                                                               Gross Tons.
46 U.S.C. 3318(j)(1)........................................  Vessel Inspection; Vessel < 1600             3,000
                                                               Gross Tons.
46 U.S.C. 3318(k)...........................................  Vessel Inspection; Failure to               15,000
                                                               Comply with 3311(b).
46 U.S.C. 3318(l)...........................................  Vessel Inspection; Violation of              8,000
                                                               3318(b)-3318(f).
46 U.S.C. 3502(e)...........................................  List/count of Passengers..........             110
46 U.S.C. 3504(c)...........................................  Notification to Passengers........          15,000
46 U.S.C. 3504(c)...........................................  Notification to Passengers; Sale               800
                                                               of Tickets.
46 U.S.C. 3506..............................................  Copies of Laws on Passenger                    300
                                                               Vessels; Master.
46 U.S.C. 3718(a)(1)........................................  Liquid Bulk/Dangerous Cargo.......          40,000
46 U.S.C. 4106..............................................  Uninspected Vessels...............           8,000
46 U.S.C. 4311(b)(1)........................................  Recreational Vessels (maximum for          300,000
                                                               related series of violations).
46 U.S.C. 4311(b)(1)........................................  Recreational Vessels; Violation of           6,000
                                                               4307(a).
46 U.S.C. 4311(c)...........................................  Recreational vessels (3)..........           1,100
46 U.S.C. 4507..............................................  Uninspected Commercial Fishing               8,000
                                                               Industry Vessels.
46 U.S.C. 4703..............................................  Abandonment of Barges (3).........           1,100
46 U.S.C. 5116(a)...........................................  Load Lines........................           8,000
46 U.S.C. 5116(b)...........................................  Load Lines; Violation of 5112(a)..          15,000
46 U.S.C. 5116(c)...........................................  Load Lines; Violation of 5112(b)..           8,000
46 U.S.C. 6103(a)...........................................  Reporting Marine Casualties.......          35,000
46 U.S.C. 6103(b)...........................................  Reporting Marine Casualties;                 8,000
                                                               Violation of 6104.
46 U.S.C. 8101(e)...........................................  Manning of Inspected Vessels;                1,100
                                                               Failure to Report Deficiency in
                                                               Vessel Complement (3).
46 U.S.C. 8101(f)...........................................  Manning of Inspected Vessels......          15,000
46 U.S.C. 8101(g)...........................................  Manning of Inspected Vessels;               15,000
                                                               Employing or Serving in Capacity
                                                               not Licensed by USCG.
46 U.S.C. 8101(h)...........................................  Manning of Inspected Vessels;                1,100
                                                               Freight Vessel < 100 GT, Small
                                                               Passenger Vessel, or Sailing
                                                               School Vessel (3).

[[Page 68154]]

46 U.S.C. 8102(a)...........................................  Watchmen on Passenger Vessels (3).           1,100
46 U.S.C. 8103(f)...........................................  Citizenship Requirements..........             800
46 U.S.C. 8104(i)...........................................  Watches on Vessels; Violation of            15,000
                                                               8104(a) or (b).
46 U.S.C. 8104(j)...........................................  Watches on Vessels; Violation of            15,000
                                                               8104(c), (d), (e), or (h).
46 U.S.C. 8302(e)...........................................  Staff Department on Vessels.......             110
46 U.S.C. 8304(d)...........................................  Officer's Competency Certificates.             110
46 U.S.C. 8502(e)...........................................  Coastwise Pilotage; Owner,                  15,000
                                                               Charterer, Managing Operator,
                                                               Agent, Master, or Individual in
                                                               Charge.
46 U.S.C. 8502(f)...........................................  Coastwise Pilotage; Individual....          15,000
46 U.S.C. 8503..............................................  Federal Pilots....................          40,000
46 U.S.C. 8701(d)...........................................  Merchant Mariners Documents.......             800
46 U.S.C. 8702(e)...........................................  Crew Requirements.................          15,000
46 U.S.C. 8906..............................................  Small Vessel Manning..............          35,000
46 U.S.C. 9308(a)...........................................  Pilotage: Great Lakes; Owner,               15,000
                                                               Charterer, Managing Operator,
                                                               Agent, Master, or Individual in
                                                               Charge.
46 U.S.C. 9308(b)...........................................  Pilotage: Great Lakes; Individual.          15,000
46 U.S.C. 9308(c)...........................................  Pilotage: Great Lakes; Violation            15,000
                                                               of 9303.
46 U.S.C. 10104(b)..........................................  Failure to Report Sexual Offense..           8,000
46 U.S.C. 10314(a)(2).......................................  Pay Advances to Seamen............             800
46 U.S.C. 10314(b)..........................................  Pay Advances to Seamen;                        800
                                                               Remuneration for Employment.
46 U.S.C. 10315(c)..........................................  Allotment to Seamen...............             800
46 U.S.C. 10321.............................................  Seamen Protection; General........           7,000
46 U.S.C. 10505(a)(2).......................................  Coastwise Voyages: Advances.......           7,000
46 U.S.C. 10505(b)..........................................  Coastwise Voyages: Advances;                 7,000
                                                               Remuneration for Employment.
46 U.S.C. 10508(b)..........................................  Coastwise Voyages: Seamen                    7,000
                                                               Protection; General.
46 U.S.C. 10711.............................................  Effects of Deceased Seamen........             300
46 U.S.C. 10902(a)(2).......................................  Complaints of Unfitness...........             800
46 U.S.C. 10903(d)..........................................  Proceedings on Examination of                  110
                                                               Vessel.
46 U.S.C. 10907(b)..........................................  Permission to Make Complaint......             800
46 U.S.C. 11101(f)..........................................  Accommodations for Seamen.........             800
46 U.S.C. 11102(b)..........................................  Medicine Chests on Vessels........             800
46 U.S.C. 11104(b)..........................................  Destitute Seamen..................             110
46 U.S.C. 11105(c)..........................................  Wages on Discharge................             800
46 U.S.C. 11303(a)..........................................  Log Books; Master Failing to                   300
                                                               Maintain.
46 U.S.C. 11303(b)..........................................  Log Books; Master Failing to Make              300
                                                               Entry.
46 U.S.C. 11303(c)..........................................  Log Books; Late Entry.............             200
46 U.S.C. 11506.............................................  Carrying of Sheath Knives.........              80
46 U.S.C. 12151(a)..........................................  Documentation of Vessels                    15,000
                                                               (violation per day) (4).
46 U.S.C. 12151(c)..........................................  Engaging in Fishing After                  130,000
                                                               Falsifying Eligibility (fine per
                                                               day) (4).
46 U.S.C. 12309(a)..........................................  Numbering of Undocumented Vessels--          6,000
                                                               Willful violation.
46 U.S.C. 12309(b)..........................................  Numbering of Undocumented Vessels            1,100
                                                               (3).
46 U.S.C. 12507(b)..........................................  Vessel Identification System......          15,000
46 U.S.C. 14701.............................................  Measurement of Vessels............          30,000
46 U.S.C. 14702.............................................  Measurement; False Statements.....          30,000
46 U.S.C. 31309.............................................  Commercial Instruments and                  15,000
                                                               Maritime Liens (3).
46 U.S.C. 31330(a)(2).......................................  Commercial Instruments and                  15,000
                                                               Maritime Liens; Mortgagor.
46 U.S.C. 31330(b)(2).......................................  Commercial Instruments and                  35,000
                                                               Maritime Liens; Violation of
                                                               31329.
46 U.S.C. 70119.............................................  Port Security.....................          30,000
46 U.S.C. 70119(b)..........................................  Port Security--Continuing                   50,000
                                                               Violations (4).
49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)........................................  Hazardous Materials: Related to             60,000
                                                               Vessels--Maximum Penalty.
49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)........................................  Hazardous Materials: Related to                300
                                                               Vessels--Minimum Penalty.
49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)........................................  Hazardous Materials: Related to            110,000
                                                               Vessels--Penalty from Fatalities,
                                                               Serious Injuries/Illness or
                                                               Substantial Damage to Property
                                                               (5).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Enacted under the Tariff Act of 1930, exempt from inflation adjustments.
(2) These penalties increased in accordance with the statute to: $10,000 in 2005, $15,000 in 2006, $20,000 in
  2007, and $25,000 in 2008 and thereafter.
(3) These penalties did not qualify for an adjustment under the rounding rules of the Act.
(4) These penalties were enacted in 2006 and did not qualify for an adjustment.
(5) These penalties were enacted or amended in 2005 were rounded based on the CPI change from 2005 to 2008.

[[Page 68155]]

    Dated: December 10, 2009.
K.S. Cook,
Rear Admiral, Director of Prevention Policy, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. E9-30493 Filed 12-22-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9110-04-P