Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
Section 1202. Control of Customs Officer Over Boarding or Leaving of Incoming Vessel and Over Other Vessel Approaching the Former. - Upon the arrival in port of any vessel engaged in foreign trade, it shall be unlawful for any person, except the pilot, consul, quarantine officers, customs officers, or other duly authorized persons, to board or leave the vessel without permission of the customs officer concerned. It shall likewise be unlawful for any tugboat, rowboat, or other craft to go alongside such vessel and for any person so authorized to board the vessel to take any unauthorized person to board the same, or allow loitering near or alongside such vessel. Unauthorized tugboats and other vessels shall keep away from such vessel engaged in foreign trade at a distance of not less than fifty (50) meters.