Admiralty claims against the United States

§ 7622. Admiralty claims against the United States (a) The Secretary of the Navy may settle, or compromise, and pay in an amount not more than $1,000,000, a claim against the United States for— (1) damage caused by a vessel in the naval service; or (2) compensation for towage and salvage service, including contract salvage, rendered to a vessel in the naval service. (b) If a claim under this section is settled or compromised for more than $1,000,000, the Secretary shall certify it to Congress. (c) In any case where the amount to be paid is not more than $1,000, the Secretary may delegate his authority under this section to any person designated by him. (d) Upon acceptance of payment by the claimant, the settlement or compromise of a claim under this section is final and conclusive notwithstanding any other provision of law.