Section 1478 - Personal, flag state, and foreign state considerationsIn the direction and conduct of measures under this chapter the Secretary shall use his best endeavors to-
(1) assure the avoidance of risk to human life;(2) render all possible aid to distressed persons, including facilitating repatriation of ships' crews; and(3) not unnecessarily interfere with rights and interests of others, including the flag state of any ship involved, other foreign states threatened by damage, and persons otherwise concerned.Pub. L. 93-248, §9, Feb. 5, 1974, 88 Stat. 9. - Secretary
- "Secretary" means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating;