View all text of Chapter 311 [§ 31101 - § 31113]

§ 31102. Waiver of immunity
(a)In General.—A civil action in personam in admiralty may be brought, or an impleader filed, against the United States for—
(1) damages caused by a public vessel of the United States; or
(2) compensation for towage and salvage services, including contract salvage, rendered to a public vessel of the United States.
(b)Counterclaim or Setoff.—If the United States brings a civil action in admiralty for damages caused by a privately owned vessel, the owner of the vessel, or the successor in interest, may file a counterclaim in personam, or claim a setoff, against the United States for damages arising out of the same subject matter.
(Pub. L. 109–304, § 6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1521.)