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. (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. (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”.