Whenever an aid to navigation is damaged, destroyed, or displaced from its station, a claim shall be made on behalf of the United States.

Charges for the establishment, maintenance, and replacement by the Coast Guard of an aid, either permanent or temporary, to mark a sunken wreck or other obstruction to navigation are calculated to recover the Coast Guard costs involved in, or associated with, the marking process. These charges will be invoiced to the owner of the obstruction. Charges for the removal of aids to navigation established by the Coast Guard will be invoiced to the owner unless the District Engineer requests the continued marking of the obstruction. All charges will be assessed in accordance with Subpart 74.20 of this part.

Charges for placement of temporary aids will be reimbursable and in accordance with Subpart 74.20 of this part. Where the placement of temporary aids other than those specified is made, a reasonable equivalence will be determined, and charges made accordingly.

Whenever an aid to navigation or other property belonging to the Coast Guard is damaged or destroyed by a private person, such person shall pay to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard the cost of repair or replacement of such property. The Coast Guard will accept and deposit such payment in a special account in the Treasury for payment therefrom of the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property. Funds collected in excess of the cost to make repairs or replacements shall be refunded.