(a) A person who willfully and knowingly violates a regulation shall be fined not more than $50,000 for each violation or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both, and any person who, in the willful and knowing violation of this Act or any regulation issued hereunder, uses a dangerous weapon, or engages in conduct that causes bodily injury or fear of imminent bodily injury to any officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Act or the regulations issued hereunder, shall, in lieu of the penalties prescribed in this paragraph be fined not more than $100,000 or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both.

(b) For the purpose of paragraph (a) of this section, a “person” is deemed to be anyone who

(1) Handles any vessel contrary to the provisions of these regulations or of any rules or directions of the Corporation, or an officer thereof, given under the regulations;

(2) Is a party to any act described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; or

(3) Is the owner, charterer or master of any vessel by means of which any act described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is committed.

(a) A person, as described in § 401.101(b) who violates a regulation in this chapter is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $114,630.

(b) In assessing or collecting any civil penalty incurred under paragraph (a) of this section, the Corporation may, in its discretion, remit, mitigate or compromise any penalty.

(c) Upon failure to collect a penalty levied under this section, the Corporation may request the United States Attorney General to commence any action for collection in any district court of the United States. A vessel by means of which a violation of a regulation is committed shall be liable in rem and may be proceeded against accordingly.