§3777. Investigation of accident or injury giving rise to claim

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a claim may not be considered under this subpart, or an action for damages lie thereon, unless, prior to the departure from the Panama Canal of the vessel involved-

(1) an investigation of the accident or injury giving rise to the claim has been completed, which shall include a hearing by the Board of Local Inspectors of the Commission; and

(2) the basis for the claim has been laid before the Commission.

( Pub. L. 96–70, title I, §1417, Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 487 ; Pub. L. 104–201, div. C, title XXXV, §3544, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2867 .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996-Par. (1). Pub. L. 104–201 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "an investigation by the competent authorities of the accident or injury giving rise to the claim has been completed; and".