---
kind: "unit"
title: "22"
title_heading: "Foreign Relations and Intercourse"
key: "ch25"
level: "chapter"
label: "Chapter 25"
heading: "Protection of Vessels on the High Seas and in Territorial Waters of Foreign Countries"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/22/ch25"
sections_count: 12
---

# Chapter 25 — Protection of Vessels on the High Seas and in Territorial Waters of Foreign Countries

Title 22 — Foreign Relations and Intercourse

## Sections

- [§1971. “Vessel of the United States” defined](/usc/22/1971.md)
- [§1972. Action by Secretary of State upon seizure of vessel by foreign country; preconditions](/usc/22/1972.md)
- [§1973. Reimbursement of owner for any direct charges paid to secure release of vessel and crew](/usc/22/1973.md)
- [§1974. Inapplicability of chapter to certain seizures](/usc/22/1974.md)
- [§1975. Claims for amounts expended because of seizure](/usc/22/1975.md)
- [§1976. Authorization of appropriations](/usc/22/1976.md)
- [§1977. Reimbursement for seized commercial fishermen](/usc/22/1977.md)
- [§1978. Restriction on importation of fishery or wildlife products from countries which violate international fishery or endangered or threatened species programs](/usc/22/1978.md)
- [§1979. Fishermen’s Protective Fund](/usc/22/1979.md)
- [§1980. Compensation for loss or destruction of commercial fishing vessel or gear](/usc/22/1980.md)
- [§1980a. Reimbursement of owner for fee paid to navigate foreign waters if fee inconsistent with international law](/usc/22/1980a.md)
- [§1980b. Sanctions for imposition of conditions on U.S. fishing vessel found inconsistent with international law](/usc/22/1980b.md)