Question

When talking about admiralty jurisdiction and the clean waters act, what is the difference between Navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, and contagious zones

Answer 1

First, it's not contagious, it's contiguous (adjacent). According to the law, there is no difference when it comes to preventing and responding to oil spills.

http://www.epa.gov/oil-spills-prevention-and-preparedness-regulations