U.S Code last checked for updates: Apr 10, 2026
§ 4701.
Definitions
In this subchapter—
(1)
“abandon” means to moor, strand, wreck, sink, or leave a barge of more than 100 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title unattended for longer than forty-five days.
(2)
“barge removal contractor” means a person that enters into a contract with the United States to remove an abandoned barge under this subchapter.
(3)
“navigable waters of the United States” means waters of the United States, including the territorial sea.
(4)
“removal” or “remove” means relocation, sale, scrapping, or other method of disposal.
(Added Pub. L. 102–587, title V, § 5302, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5081; amended Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, § 718, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3937; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXIII, § 7347(c)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1781.)
cite as: 46 USC 4701