US LAWS, STATUTES & CODES ON-LINE

(e)(1) Unless the ALJ orders otherwise, if a party files a document under §20.302, the party must serve a copy to the person indicated in this table.

(2) Service upon counsel or representative constitutes service upon the person to be served.

(f) The serving party must send service copies to the address indicated in this table.

(g) This table describes when service of a filed document is complete.

(h) If a person refuses to accept delivery of any document or fails to claim a properly addressed document other than a complaint sent under this subpart, the Coast Guard considers the document served anyway. Service is valid at the date and the time of mailing, of deposit with a contract service or express-courier service, or of refusal to accept delivery.

[CGD 98–3472, 64 FR 28062, May 24, 1999; 64 FR 34540, June 28, 1999, as amended by USCG–2000–7223, 65 FR 40054, June 29, 2000]

(a) Each party or interested person shall amend or supplement a previously filed pleading or other document if she or he learns of a material change that may affect the outcome of the administrative proceeding. However, no amendment or supplement may broaden the issues without an opportunity for any other party or interested person both to reply to it and to prepare for the broadened issues.

(b) The ALJ may allow other amendments or supplements to previously filed pleadings or other documents.

(c) Each party or interested person shall notify the Hearing Docket Clerk, the ALJ, and every other party or interested person, or her or his representative, of any change of address.

(a) We compute time periods as follows:

(1) We do not include the first day of the period.

(2) If the last day of the period is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, we extend the period to the next business day.

(3) If the period is 7 days or less, we do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal holidays.

(b) If you were served a document (by domestic mail) that requires or permits a response, you may add 3 days to any period for response.

(c) If you need additional time to file a response, follow the rules in these tables.

(1) You may request an extension—

(2) You file your request as follows:

(a) The complaint must set forth—

(1) The type of case;

(2) The statute or rule allegedly violated;

(3) The pertinent facts alleged; and

(4)(i) The amount of the class II civil penalty sought; or

(ii) The order of suspension or revocation proposed.

(b) The Coast Guard shall propose a place of hearing when filing the complaint.

(c) The complaint must conform to the requirements of this subpart for filing and service.

(a) The respondent shall file a written answer to the complaint 20 days or less after service of the complaint. The answer must conform to the requirements of this subpart for filing and service.

(b) The person filing the answer shall, in the answer, either agree to the place of hearing proposed in the complaint or propose an alternative.

(c) Each answer must state whether the respondent intends to contest any of the allegations set forth in the complaint. It must include any affirmative defenses that the respondent intends to assert at the hearing. The answer must admit or deny each numbered paragraph of the complaint. If it states that the respondent lacks sufficient knowledge or information to admit or deny a particular numbered paragraph, it denies that paragraph. If it does not specifically deny a particular numbered paragraph, it admits that paragraph.

(d) A respondent's failure without good cause to file an answer admits each allegation made in the complaint.

(a) A person may apply for an order or ruling not specifically provided for in this subpart, but shall apply for it by motion. Each written motion must comply with the requirements of this subpart for form, filing, and service. Each motion must state clearly and concisely—

(1) Its purpose, and the relief sought;

(2) Any statutory or regulatory authority; and

(3) The facts constituting the grounds for the relief sought.

(b) A proposed order may accompany a motion.

(c) Each motion must be in writing; except that one made at a hearing will be sufficient if stated orally upon the record, unless the ALJ directs that it be reduced to writing.

(d) Except as otherwise required by this part, a party shall file any response to a written motion 10 days or less after service of the motion. When a party makes a motion at a hearing, an oral response to the motion made at the hearing is timely.

(e) Unless the ALJ orders otherwise, the filing of a motion does not stay a proceeding.

(f) The ALJ will rule on the record either orally or in writing. She or he may summarily deny any dilatory, repetitive, or frivolous motion.

(a) The ALJ may find a respondent in default upon failure to file a timely answer to the complaint or, after motion, upon failure to appear at a conference or hearing without good cause shown.

(b) Each motion for default must conform to the rules of form, service, and filing of this subpart. Each motion must include a proposed decision and proof of service under section 20.304(d). The respondent alleged to be in default shall file a reply to the motion 20 days or less after service of the motion.

(c) Default by respondent constitutes, for purposes of the pending action only, an admission of all facts alleged in the complaint and a waiver of her or his right to a hearing on those facts.

(d) Upon finding a respondent in default, the ALJ shall issue a decision against her or him.

(e) For good cause shown, the ALJ may set aside a finding of default.

(a) An administrative proceeding may end in withdrawal without any act by an ALJ in any of the following ways:

(1) By the filing of a stipulation by all parties who have appeared in the proceeding.

(2) By the filing of a notice of withdrawal by the Coast Guard representative at any time before the respondent has served a responsive pleading.

(3) With respect to a complaint filed under section 311(b)(6) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)) or section 109(d) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9609(b)), by the filing of—

(i) A notice of withdrawal by the Coast Guard representative at any time after the respondent has served a responsive pleading, but before the issuance of an order assessing or denying a class II civil penalty, together with

(ii) A certification by the representative that the filing of the notice is due to a request by the Attorney General—in accordance with subsection 10(d) of Executive Order 12777 (56 FR 54757; 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351)—that the Coast Guard refrain from conducting an administrative proceeding.

(b) Unless the stipulation or notice of withdrawal states otherwise, a withdrawal under paragraph (a) of this section is without prejudice.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, no administrative proceeding may end in withdrawal unless approved by an ALJ upon such terms as she or he deems proper.

(d) Any respondent may move to dismiss a complaint, the government may move to dismiss a petition, or any party may lodge a request for relief, for failure of another party to—

(1) Comply with the requirements of this part or with any order of the ALJ;

(2) Show a right to relief based upon the facts or law; or

(3) Prosecute the proceeding.

(e) A dismissal resides within the discretion of the ALJ.

An administrative proceeding commences when the Coast Guard representative files the complaint with the Hearing Docket Clerk and serves a copy of it on the respondent.

Upon the filing of a complaint under 33 U.S.C. 1321(b) (6), the Coast Guard provides public notice of a class II civil penalty proceeding. The notice appears in the Federal Register.

(a) A presiding ALJ may for good cause, with the approval of the Chief ALJ and with all parties given notice and opportunity to object, consolidate any matters at issue in two or more administrative proceedings docketed under this part. (Good cause includes the proceedings' possessing common parties, questions of fact, and issues of law and presenting the likelihood that consolidation would expedite the proceedings and serve the interests of justice.) The ALJ may not consolidate any matters if consolidation would prejudice any rights available under this part or impair the right of any party to place any matters at issue.

(b) Unless directed otherwise by the Chief ALJ, a presiding ALJ may, either in response to a motion or on his or her own motion, for good cause, sever any administrative proceeding with respect to some or all parties, claims, and issues.

(a) Any person not a party to a class II civil penalty proceeding under 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6) who wishes to be an interested person in the proceeding shall, 30 days or less after publication in the Federal Register of the public notice required by §20.402, file with the Hearing Docket Clerk either—

(1) Written comments on the proceeding; or

(2) Written notice of intent to present evidence at any hearing in the proceeding.

(b) The presiding ALJ may, for good cause, accept late comments or late notice of intent to present evidence.

(c) Each interested person shall receive notice of any hearing due in the proceeding and of the decision in the proceeding. He or she may have a reasonable opportunity to be heard and to present evidence in any hearing.

(d) The opportunity secured by paragraph (c) of this section does not extend to—

(1) The issuance of subpoenas for witnesses;

(2) The cross-examination of witnesses; or

(3) Appearance at any settlement conference.

(a) Any party may by motion request a conference.

(b) The ALJ may direct the parties to attend one or more conferences before or during a hearing.

(c) The ALJ may invite interested persons to attend a conference, other than a settlement conference, as the ALJ deems appropriate.

(d) The ALJ shall give reasonable notice of the time and place of any conference to the parties, and to interested persons if invited. A conference may occur in person, by telephone, or by other appropriate means.

(e) Each party, and any interested person invited, shall be fully prepared for a useful discussion of all issues properly before the conference, both procedural and substantive, and be authorized to commit themselves or those they represent respecting those issues.

(f) Unless the ALJ excuses a party, the failure of a party to attend or participate in a conference, after being served with reasonable notice of its time and place, waives all objections to any agreements reached in it and to any consequent orders or rulings.

(g) The ALJ may direct that any of the following be addressed or furnished before, during, or after the conference:

(1) Methods of service and filing.

(2) Motions for consolidation or severance of parties or issues.

(3) Motions for discovery.

(4) Identification, simplification, and clarification of the issues.

(5) Requests for amendment of the pleadings.

(6) Stipulations and admissions of fact and of the content and authenticity of documents.

(7) The desirability of limiting and grouping witnesses, so as to avoid duplication.

(8) Requests for official notice and particular matters to be resolved by reliance upon the substantive standards, rules, and other policies of the Coast Guard.

(9) Offers of settlement.

(10) Proposed date, time, and place of the hearing.

(11) Other matters that may aid in the disposition of the proceeding.

(h) No one may stenographically report or otherwise record a conference unless the ALJ allows.

(i) During a conference, the ALJ may dispose of any procedural matters on which he or she is authorized to rule.

(j) Actions taken at a conference may be memorialized in—

(1) A stenographic report if authorized by the ALJ;

(2) A written transcript from a magnetic tape or the equivalent if authorized by the ALJ; or

(3) A statement by the ALJ on the record at the hearing summarizing them.

(a) The parties may submit a proposed settlement to the ALJ.

(b) The proposed settlement must be in the form of a proposed decision, accompanied by a motion for its entry. The decision must recite the reasons that make it acceptable, and it must be signed by the parties or their representatives.

(c) The proposed decision must contain—

(1) An admission of all jurisdictional facts;

(2) An express waiver of—

(i) Any further procedural steps before the ALJ; and

(ii) All rights to seek judicial review, or otherwise challenge or contest the validity, of the decision;

(3) A statement that the decision will have the same force and effect as would a decision made after a hearing; and

(4) A statement that the decision resolves all matters needing to be adjudicated.

(a) Unless the ALJ orders otherwise, each party—and each interested person who has filed written notice of intent to present evidence at any hearing in the proceeding under §20.404—shall make available to the ALJ and to every other party and interested person—

(1) The name of each expert and other witness the party intends to call, together with a brief narrative summary of the expected testimony; and

(2) A copy, marked as an exhibit, of each document the party intends to introduce into evidence or use in the presentation of its case.

(b) During a pre-hearing conference ordered under §20.501, the ALJ may direct that the parties exchange witness lists and exhibits either at once or by correspondence.

(c) The ALJ may establish a schedule for discovery and shall serve a copy of any such schedule on each party.

(1) The schedule may include dates by which the parties shall both exchange witness lists and exhibits and file any requests for discovery and objections to such requests.

(2) Unless the ALJ orders otherwise, the parties shall exchange witness lists and exhibits 15 days or more before hearing.

(d) Further discovery may occur only by order, and then only when the ALJ determines that—

(1) It will not unreasonably delay the proceeding;

(2) The information sought is not otherwise obtainable;

(3) The information sought has significant probative value;

(4) The information sought is neither cumulative nor repetitious; and

(5) The method or scope of the discovery is not unduly burdensome and is the least burdensome method available.

(e) A motion for discovery must set forth—

(1) The circumstances warranting the discovery;

(2) The nature of the information sought; and

(3) The proposed method and scope of discovery and the time and place where the discovery would occur.

(f) If the ALJ determines that he or she should grant the motion, he or she shall issue an order for the discovery, together with the terms on which it will occur.

(a) Any party or interested person shall amend or supplement information previously provided upon learning that the information—

(1) Was incorrect or incomplete when provided; or,

(2) Though correct or complete when provided, no longer is.

(b) The party or interested person shall amend or supplement that information by following the procedures in §20.305.

(a) Any party requesting interrogatories shall so move to the ALJ. The motion must include—

(1) A statement of the purpose and scope of the interrogatories; and

(2) The proposed interrogatories.

(b) The ALJ shall review the proposed interrogatories, and may enter an order either—

(1) Approving the service of some or all of the proposed interrogatories; or

(2) Denying the motion.

(c) The party requesting interrogatories shall serve on the party named in the interrogatories the approved written interrogatories.

(d) Each interrogatory must be answered separately and fully in writing under oath or affirmation, unless it is objected to, in which event the party named shall state the reasons for the objection instead of a response. This party, the party's attorney, or the party's representative shall sign the party's responses to interrogatories.

(e) Responses or objections must be filed within 30 days after the service of the interrogatories.

(f) A response to an interrogatory is sufficient when—

(1) The responder lists the records from which such answers may be derived or ascertained; and

(2) The burden of ascertaining the information in a response to an interrogatory is substantially the same for all parties involved in the action; and

(3) The information may be obtained from an examination, audit, or inspection of records, or from a compilation, abstract, or summary based on such records.

(g) The party serving the interrogatory shall be afforded reasonable opportunity to examine, audit, or inspect the resource and to make copies, compilations, abstracts, or summaries. The specification must include sufficient detail to permit the interrogating party to locate and identify the individual records from which the answer may be ascertained.

(a) Any party seeking production of documents or things for inspection or other purposes shall so move to the ALJ. The motion must state with particularity—

(1) The purpose and scope of the request; and

(2) The documents and materials sought.

(b) The ALJ shall review the motion and enter an order approving or denying it in whole or in part.

(c) A party shall serve on the party in possession, custody, or control of the documents the order to produce or to permit inspection and copying of documents.

(d) A party may, after approval of an appropriate motion by the ALJ, inspect and copy, test, or sample any tangible things that contain, or may lead to, relevant information, and that are in the possession, custody, or control of the party upon whom the request is served.

(e) A party may, after approval of an appropriate motion by the ALJ, serve on another party a request to permit entry upon designated property in the possession or control of the other party for the purpose of inspecting, measuring, surveying, photographing, testing, or sampling the property or any designated object or area. A request to permit entry upon property must set forth with reasonable particularity the feature to be inspected and must specify a reasonable time, place, and manner for making the inspection and performing the related acts.

(f) The party upon whom the request is served shall respond within 30 days after the service of the request. Inspection and related activities will be permitted as requested, unless there are objections, in which case the reason for each objection must be stated.

(a) The ALJ may order a deposition only upon a showing of good cause and upon a finding that—

(1) The information sought is not obtainable more readily by alternative methods; or

(2) There is a substantial reason to believe that relevant and probative evidence may otherwise not be preserved for presentation at the hearing.

(b) Testimony may be taken by deposition upon approval of the ALJ of a motion made by any party.

(1) The motion must state—

(i) The purpose and scope of the deposition;

(ii) The time and place it is to be taken;

(iii) The name and address of the person before whom the deposition is to be taken;

(iv) The name and address of each witness from whom a deposition is to be taken;

(v) The documents and materials which the witness is to produce; and

(vi) Whether it is intended that the deposition be used at a hearing instead of live testimony.

(2) The motion must state if the deposition is to be by oral examination, by written interrogatories, or a combination of the two. The deposition may be taken before any disinterested person authorized to administer oaths in the place where the deposition is to be taken.

(c) Upon a showing of good cause the ALJ may enter, and serve upon the parties, an order to obtain the testimony of the witness.

(d) If the deposition of a public or private corporation, partnership, association, or governmental agency is ordered, the organization named must designate one or more officers, directors, or agents to testify on its behalf, and may set forth, for each person designated, the matters on which he or she will testify. Subject to the provisions of 49 CFR part 9 with respect to Coast Guard witnesses, the designated persons shall testify as to matters reasonably known to them.

(e) Each witness deposed shall be placed under oath or affirmation, and the other parties shall have the right to cross-examine.

(f) The witness being deposed may have counsel or another representative present during the deposition.

(g) Except as provided in paragraph (n) of this section, depositions shall be stenographically recorded and transcribed at the expense of the party requesting the deposition. Unless waived by the deponent, the transcription must be read by or read to the deponent, subscribed by the deponent, and certified by the person before whom the deposition was taken.

(h) Subject to objections to the questions and responses that were noted at the taking of the deposition and that would have been sustained if the witness had been personally present and testifying at a hearing, a deposition may be offered into evidence by the party taking it against any party who was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had notice of the deposition.

(i) The party requesting the deposition shall make appropriate arrangements for necessary facilities and personnel.

(j) During the taking of a deposition, a party or the witness may request suspension of the deposition on the grounds of bad faith in the conduct of the examination, oppression of the witness or party, or improper questioning or conduct. Upon request for suspension, the deposition will be adjourned. The objecting party or witness must immediately move the ALJ for a ruling on the objection(s). The ALJ may then limit the scope or manner of the taking of the deposition.

(k) When a deposition is taken in a foreign country, it may be taken before a person having power to administer oaths in that location, or before a secretary of an embassy or legation, consul general, consul, vice consul or consular agent of the United States, or before such other person or officer as may be agreed upon by the parties by written stipulation filed with the ALJ.

(l) Objection to taking a deposition because of the disqualification of the officer before whom it is to be taken is waived unless made before the taking of the deposition begins, or as soon as the disqualification becomes known or could have been discovered with reasonable diligence.

(m) A deposition may be taken by telephone conference call upon such terms, conditions, and arrangements as are prescribed in the order of the ALJ.

(n) The testimony at a deposition hearing may be recorded on videotape, upon such terms, conditions and arrangements as are prescribed in the order of the ALJ, at the expense of the party requesting the recording. The video recording may be in conjunction with an oral examination by telephone conference held pursuant to paragraph (m) of this section. After the deposition has been taken, and copies of the video recording are provided to parties requesting them, the person recording the deposition shall immediately place the videotape in a sealed envelope or a sealed videotape container, attaching to it a statement identifying the proceeding and the deponent and certifying as to the authenticity of the video recording, and return the videotape by accountable means to the ALJ. The deposition becomes a part of the record of the proceedings in the same manner as a transcribed deposition. The videotape, if admitted into evidence, will be played during the hearing and transcribed into the record by the reporter.

(a) In considering a motion for an order of discovery—or a motion, by a party or other person from whom discovery is sought, to reconsider or amend an order of discovery—the ALJ may enter any order that justice requires, to protect a person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense. This order may—

(1) Confine discovery to specific terms and conditions, such as a particular time and place;

(2) Confine discovery to a method other than that selected by the party seeking it;

(3) Preclude inquiry into certain matters;

(4) Direct that discovery occur with no one present except persons designated by the ALJ;

(5) Preclude the disclosure of a trade secret or other proprietary information, or allow its disclosure only in a designated way or only to designated persons; or

(6) Require that the person from whom discovery is sought file specific documents or information under seal for opening at the direction of the ALJ.

(b) When a person from whom discovery is sought seeks a protective order, the ALJ may let him or her make all or part of the showing of good cause in camera. The ALJ shall record any proceedings in camera. If he or she enters a protective order, he or she shall seal any proceedings so recorded. These shall be releasable only as required by law.

(c) Upon motion by a person from whom discovery is sought, the ALJ may—

(1) Restrict or defer disclosure by a party either of the name of a witness or, if the witness comes from the Coast Guard, of any prior statement of the witness; and

(2) Prescribe other appropriate measures to protect a witness.

(d) The ALJ will give any party an adequate opportunity to prepare for cross-examination or other presentation concerning witnesses and statement subject to protective orders.

If a party fails to provide or permit discovery, the ALJ may take such action as is just. This may include the following:

(a) Infer that the testimony, document, or other evidence would have been adverse to the party.

(b) Order that, for the purposes of the proceeding, designated facts are established.

(c) Order that the party not introduce into evidence—or otherwise rely upon, in support of any claim or defense—the evidence that was withheld.

(d) Order that the party not introduce into evidence, or otherwise use in the hearing, information obtained in discovery.

(e) Allow the use of secondary evidence to show what the evidence withheld would have shown.

(a) Any party may request the ALJ to issue a subpoena for the attendance of a person, the giving of testimony, or the production of books, papers, documents, or any other relevant evidence during discovery or for any hearing. Any party seeking a subpoena from the ALJ shall request its issuance by motion.

(b) An ALJ may, for good cause shown, apply to the United States District Court for the issuance of an order compelling the appearance and testimony of a witness or the production of evidence.

(c) A person serving a subpoena shall prepare a written statement setting forth either the date, time, and manner of service or the reason for failure of service. He or she shall swear to or affirm the statement, attach it to a copy of the subpoena, and return it to the ALJ who issued the subpoena.

(d) Coast Guard investigating officers have separate subpoena power in S&R proceedings under 46 CFR 5.301.

(a) A person to whom a subpoena is directed may, by motion with notice to the party requesting the subpoena, ask the ALJ to quash or modify the subpoena.

(b) Except when made at a hearing, the motion must be filed:

(1) 10 days or less after service of a subpoena compelling the appearance and testimony of a witness or the production of evidence or

(2) At or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, whichever is earlier.

(c) If the subpoena is served at a hearing, the person to whom it is directed may, in person at the hearing or in writing within a reasonable time fixed by the ALJ, ask the ALJ to quash or modify it.

(d) The ALJ may quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable or requires evidence not relevant to any matter in issue.

The party that bears the burden of proof shall prove his or her case or affirmative defense by a preponderance of the evidence.

(a) Except for an affirmative defense, or as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard bears the burden of proof.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by statute or rule, the proponent of a motion, request, or order bears the burden of proof.

In each administrative hearing, a presumption—

(a) Imposes on the party against whom it lies the burden of going forward with evidence to rebut or meet the presumption; but

(b) Does not shift the burden of proof in the sense of the risk of non-persuasion.

(a) With due regard for the convenience of the parties, and of their representatives or witnesses, the ALJ shall, as early as possible, fix the date, time, and place for the hearing and notify all parties and interested persons.

(b) The ALJ may grant a request for a change in the date, time, or place of a hearing.

(c) At any time after commencement of a proceeding, any party may move to expedite the proceeding. A party moving to expedite shall—

(1) Explain in the motion the circumstances justifying the motion to expedite; and

(2) Incorporate in the motion affidavits supporting any representations of fact.

(d) After timely receipt of the motion and any responses, the ALJ may expedite pleadings, pre-hearing conferences, and the hearing, as appropriate.

The ALJ may enter a default under §20.310 against a respondent threatening to fail, or having failed, to appear at a hearing unless,—

(a) Before the time for the hearing, the respondent shows good cause why neither the respondent nor his or her representative can appear; or,

(b) 30 days or less after an order to show good cause, the respondent shows good cause for his or her failure to appear.

(a) Each witness shall testify under oath or affirmation.

(b) If a witness fails or refuses to answer any question the ALJ finds proper, the failure or refusal constitutes grounds for the ALJ to strike all or part of the testimony given by the witness or to take any other measure he or she deems appropriate.

(a) The ALJ may order the taking of the testimony of a witness by telephonic conference call. A person presenting evidence may by motion ask for the taking of testimony by this means. The arrangement of the call must let each participant listen to and speak to each other within the hearing of the ALJ, who will ensure the full identification of each so the reporter can create a proper record.

(b) The ALJ may issue a subpoena directing a witness to testify by telephonic conference call. The subpoena in any such instance issues under the procedures in §20.608.

(a) Each witness summoned in an administrative proceeding shall receive the same fees and mileage as a witness in a District Court of the United States.

(b) The party or interested person who calls a witness is responsible for all fees and mileage due under paragraph (a) of this section.

(a) When the ALJ closes the hearing, he or she shall also close the record of the proceeding, as described in §20.903, unless he or she directs otherwise. Even after the ALJ closes it, he or she may reopen it.

(b) The ALJ may correct the transcript of the hearing by appropriate order.

(a) Before the ALJ closes the hearing, he or she may hear oral argument so far as he or she deems appropriate.

(b) Before the ALJ decides the case, and upon terms he or she finds reasonable, any party may file a brief, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, or both. Any party may waive this right. If all parties waive it, then the ALJ may issue an oral order at the close of the hearing.

(c) Any oral argument, brief, or proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law form part of the record of the proceeding, as described in §20.903.

Any party may present his or her case or defense by oral, documentary, or demonstrative evidence; submit rebuttal evidence; and conduct any cross-examination that may be necessary for a full and true disclosure of the facts.

(a) The ALJ may admit any relevant oral, documentary, or demonstrative evidence, unless privileged. Relevant evidence is evidence tending to make the existence of any material fact more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.

(b) The ALJ may exclude evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of prejudice, by confusion of the issues, or by reasonable concern for undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.

Hearsay evidence is admissible in proceedings governed by this part. The ALJ may consider the fact that evidence is hearsay when determining its probative value.

(a) Any party objecting to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall concisely state the grounds. A ruling on every objection must appear in the record. No party may raise an objection to the admission or exclusion of evidence on appeal unless he or she raised it before the ALJ.

(b) Whenever evidence is objected to, the party offering it may make an offer of proof, which must appear in the record.

(a) The ALJ may limit introduction of evidence or issue such protective or other orders as in his or her judgment are consistent with the object of preventing undue disclosure of proprietary matters, including, among others, ones of a commercial nature.

(b) When the ALJ determines that information in a document containing proprietary matters should be made available to another party, the ALJ may direct the party possessing the document to prepare a non-proprietary summary or extract of it. The summary or extract may be admitted as evidence in the record.

(c) If the ALJ determines that a non-proprietary summary or extract is inadequate and that proprietary matters must form part of the record to avert prejudice to a party, the ALJ may so advise the parties and arrange access to the evidence for a party or representative.

The ALJ may take official notice of such matters as could courts, or of other facts within the specialized knowledge of the Coast Guard as an expert body. When all or part of a decision rests on the official notice of a material fact not appearing in the evidence in the record, the decision must state as much; and any party, upon timely request, shall receive an opportunity to rebut the fact.

(a) Each exhibit must be numbered and marked for identification by the party offering it. The original of each exhibit so marked, whether or not offered or admitted into evidence, must be filed and retained in the record of the proceeding, unless the ALJ permits the substitution of a copy. The party introducing each exhibit so marked shall supply a copy of the exhibit to the ALJ and to every party to the proceeding.

(b) Unless the ALJ directs otherwise, each party who would offer an exhibit upon direct examination shall make it available to every other party for inspection 15 days or more before the hearing. The ALJ will deem admitted the authenticity of each exhibit submitted before the hearing unless a party either files written objection and serves it on all parties or shows good cause for failure to do both.

(c) In class II civil penalty proceedings under 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6), each exhibit introduced by an interested person must be marked, and filed and retained in the record of the proceeding, unless the ALJ permits the substitution of a copy. The interested person shall supply a copy of the exhibit to the ALJ and to every party to the proceeding. The requirements of paragraph (b) of this section apply to any interested person who would offer an exhibit upon direct examination.

The ALJ may enter into the record the written testimony of a witness. The witness shall be, or have been, available for oral cross-examination. The statement must be sworn to, or affirmed, under penalty of perjury.

Any party or interested person may stipulate, in writing, at any stage of the proceeding, or orally at the hearing, to any pertinent fact or other matter fairly susceptible of stipulation. A stipulation binds all parties to it.

(a) Any party may move for a summary decision in all or any part of the proceeding on the grounds that there is no genuine issue of material fact and that the party is entitled to a decision as a matter of law. The party must file the motion no later than 15 days before the date fixed for the hearing and may include supporting affidavits with the motion. Any other party, 10 days or less after service of a motion for summary decision, may serve opposing affidavits or countermove for summary decision. The ALJ may set the matter for argument and call for the submission of briefs.

(b) The ALJ may grant the motion if the filed affidavits, the filed documents, the material obtained by discovery or otherwise, or matters officially noted show that there is no genuine issue of material fact and that a party is entitled to a summary decision as a matter of law.

(c) Each affidavit must set forth such matters as would be admissible in evidence and must show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated in the affidavit. Once a party has moved for summary decision and supported his or her motion as provided in this section, no party opposing the motion may rest upon the mere allegations or denials of facts contained in his or her own pleadings. The response to the motion, by affidavit or as otherwise provided in this section, must provide a specific basis to show that there is a genuine issue of material fact for the hearing.

(d) If it appears from the affidavit of a party opposing the motion that this party cannot, for reasons stated, present by affidavit matters essential to justify his or her opposition, the ALJ may deny the motion for summary decision, may order a continuance to enable the obtaining of information, or may make such other order as is just.

(e) No denial of all or any part of a motion for summary decision is subject to interlocutory appeal.

(a) After closing the record of the proceeding, the ALJ shall prepare a decision containing—

(1) A finding on each material issue of fact and conclusion of law, and the basis for each finding;

(2) The disposition of the case, including any appropriate order;

(3) The date upon which the decision will become effective;

(4) A statement of further right to appeal; and,

(5) If no hearing was held, a statement of the right of any interested person to petition the Commandant to set aside the decision.

(b) The decision of the ALJ must rest upon a consideration of the whole record of the proceedings.

(c) The ALJ may, upon motion of any party or in his or her own discretion, render the initial decision from the bench (orally) at the close of the hearing and prepare and serve a written order on the parties or their authorized representatives. In rendering his or her decision from the bench, the ALJ shall state the issues in the case and make clear, on the record, his or her findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(d) If the ALJ renders the initial decision orally, and if a party asks for a copy, the Hearing Docket Clerk shall furnish a copy excerpted from the transcript of the record. The date of the decision is the date of the oral rendering of the decision by the ALJ.

(a) The transcript of testimony at the hearing, all exhibits received into evidence, any items marked as exhibits and not received into evidence, all motions, all applications, all requests, and all rulings constitute the official record of a proceeding. This record also includes any motions or other matters regarding the disqualification of the ALJ.

(b) Any person may examine the record of a proceeding at the U. S. Coast Guard Administrative Law Judge Docketing Center; Room 412; 40 S. Gay Street; Baltimore, MD 21201–4022. Any person may obtain a copy of part or all of the record after payment of reasonable costs for duplicating it in accordance with 49 CFR part 7.

(a) To the extent permitted by law, the ALJ may, for good cause shown in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, reopen the record of a proceeding to take added evidence.

(b) Any party may move to reopen the record of a proceeding 30 days or less after the closing of the record.

(1) Each motion to reopen the record must clearly set forth the facts that the movant would try to prove and the grounds for reopening the record.

(2) Any party who does not respond to any motion to reopen the record waives any objection to the motion.

(c) The ALJ may reopen the record of a proceeding if he or she believes that any change in fact or law, or that the public interest, warrants reopening it.

(d) The filing of a motion to reopen the record of a proceeding does not affect any period for appeals specified in subpart J of this part, except that the filing of such a motion tolls the running of whatever time remains in the period for appeals until either the ALJ acts on the motion or the party filing it withdraws it.

(e)(1) At any time, a party may file a petition to reopen with the Docketing Center for the ALJ to rescind any order suspending or revoking a merchant mariner's license, certificate of registry, or document if—

(i) The order rests on a conviction—

(A) For violation of a dangerous-drug law;

(B) Of an offense that would prevent the issuance or renewal of the license, certificate, or document; or

(C) Of an offense described in subparagraph 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (23 U.S.C. 401, note); and

(ii) The respondent submits a specific order of court to the effect that the conviction has been unconditionally set aside for all purposes.

(2) The ALJ, however, may not rescind his or her order on account of any law that provides for a subsequent conditional setting-aside, modification, or expunging of the order of court, by way of granting clemency or other relief after the conviction has become final, without regard to whether punishment was imposed.

(f) Three years or less after an S&R proceeding has resulted in revocation of a license, certificate, or document, the respondent may file a motion for reopening of the proceeding to modify the order of revocation with the ALJ Docketing Center.

(1) Any motion to reopen the record must clearly state why the basis for the order of revocation is no longer valid and how the issuance of a new license, certificate, or document is compatible with the requirement of good discipline and safety at sea.

(2) Any party who does not respond to any petition to reopen the record waives any objection to the motion.

(a) Any party may appeal the ALJ' s decision by filing a notice of appeal. The party shall file the notice with the U. S. Coast Guard Administrative Law Judge Docketing Center; Attention: Hearing Docket Clerk; Room 412; 40 S. Gay Street; Baltimore, MD 21201–4022. The party shall file the notice 30 days or less after issuance of the decision, and shall serve a copy of it on the other party and each interested person.

(b) No party may appeal except on the following issues:

(1) Whether each finding of fact is supported by substantial evidence.

(2) Whether each conclusion of law accords with applicable law, precedent, and public policy.

(3) Whether the ALJ abused his or her discretion.

(4) The ALJ's denial of a motion for disqualification.

(c) No interested person may appeal a summary decision except on the issue that no hearing was held or that in the issuance of the decision the ALJ did not consider evidence that that person would have presented.

(d) The appeal must follow the procedural requirements of this subpart.

(a) The record of the proceeding constitutes the record for decision on appeal.

(b) If the respondent requests a copy of the transcript of the hearing as part of the record of proceeding, then,—

(1) If the hearing was recorded at Federal expense, the Coast Guard will provide the transcript on payment of the fees prescribed in 49 CFR 7.45; but,

(2) If the hearing was recorded by a Federal contractor, the contractor will provide the transcript on the terms prescribed in 49 CFR 7.45.

(a) Each party appealing the ALJ's decision or ruling shall file an appellate brief with the Commandant at the following address: U.S. Coast Guard Administrative Law Judge Docketing Center; Attention: Hearing Docket Clerk; Room 412; 40 S. Gay Street; Baltimore, MD 21201–4022, and shall serve a copy of the brief on every other party.

(1) The appellate brief must set forth the appellant's specific objections to the decision or ruling. The brief must set forth, in detail, the—

(i) Basis for the appeal;

(ii) Reasons supporting the appeal; and

(iii) Relief requested in the appeal.

(2) When the appellant relies on material contained in the record, the appellate brief must specifically refer to the pertinent parts of the record.

(3) The appellate brief must reach the Docketing Center 60 days or less after service of the ALJ's decision. Unless filed within this time, or within another time period authorized in writing by the Docketing Center, the brief will be untimely.

(b) Any party may file a reply brief with the Docketing Center 35 days or less after service of the appellate brief. Each such party shall serve a copy on every other party. If the party filing the reply brief relies on evidence contained in the record for the appeal, that brief must specifically refer to the pertinent parts of the record.

(c) No party may file more than one appellate brief or reply brief, unless—

(1) The party has petitioned the Commandant in writing; and

(2) The Commandant has granted leave to file an added brief, in which event the Commandant will allow a reasonable time for the party to file that brief.

(d) The Commandant may accept an amicus curiae brief from any person in an appeal of an ALJ's decision.

(a) The Commandant shall review the record on appeal to determine whether the ALJ committed error in the proceedings, and whether the Commandant should affirm, modify, or reverse the ALJ's decision or should remand the case for further proceedings.

(b) The Commandant shall issue a decision on every appeal in writing and shall serve a copy of the decision on each party and interested person.

(a) Civil penalty proceedings. (1) Unless appealed pursuant to subpart J of this part, an ALJ's decision becomes an order assessing or denying a class II civil penalty 30 days after the date of its issuance.

(2) If the Commandant issues a decision under Subpart J of this part, the decision constitutes an order of the Commandant assessing or denying a class II civil penalty on the date of issuance of the Commandant's decisions.

(b) S&R Proceedings. (1) Unless appealed pursuant to subpart J of this part, an ALJ's decision becomes final action of the Coast Guard 30 days after the date of its issuance.

(2) If the Commandant issues a decision under Subpart J of this part, the decision constitutes final action of the Coast Guard on the date of its issuance.

(a) If no hearing takes place on a complaint for a class II civil penalty, any interested person may file a petition, 30 days or less after the issuance of an order assessing or denying a civil penalty, asking the Commandant to set aside the order and to provide a hearing.

(b) If the Commandant decides that evidence presented by an interested person in support of a petition under paragraph (a) of this section is material and that the ALJ did not consider the evidence in the issuance of the decision, the Commandant shall set aside the decision and direct that a hearing take place in accordance with the requirements of this part.

(c) If the Commandant denies a hearing sought under this section, he or she shall provide to the interested person, and publish in the Federal Register, notice of and the reasons for the denial.

(a)(1) Copies and indexes of decisions on appeal are available for inspection and copying at—

(i) The document inspection facility at the office of any Coast Guard District, Activity, or Marine Safety Office;

(ii) The public reading room at Coast Guard Headquarters; and

(iii) The public reading room of the Coast Guard ALJ Docketing Center; Baltimore, Maryland.

(2) Appellate decisions in S&R proceedings, and both appellate and ALJs' decisions on class II civil penalties, are available on the Department of Transportation Home Page at www.dot.gov or the Coast Guard Home Page at www.uscg.mil.

(b) Any person wanting a copy of a decision may place a request with the Hearing Docket Clerk. The Clerk will bill the person on the terms prescribed in 49 CFR 7.43.

(a) This subpart applies whenever the Coast Guard suspends a merchant mariner's license, certificate of registry, or document without a hearing under 46 U.S.C. 7702(d).

(b) The Coast Guard may, for 45 days or less, suspend and seize a license, certificate, or document if, when acting under the authority of the license, certificate, or document,—

(1) A mariner performs a safety-sensitive function on a vessel; and

(2) There is probable cause to believe that he or she—

(i) Has performed the safety-sensitive function in violation of law or Federal regulation regarding use of alcohol or a dangerous drug;

(ii) Has been convicted of an offense that would prevent the issuance or renewal of the license, certificate, or document; or,

(iii) Three years or less before the start of an S&R proceeding, has been convicted of an offense described in subparagraph 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (23 U.S.C. 401, note).

(a) Complaint. If the Coast Guard has temporarily suspended a merchant mariner's license, certificate of registry, or document, it shall immediately file a complaint under §20.307. The complaint must contain both a copy of a notice of temporary suspension and an affidavit stating the authority and reason for temporary suspension.

(b) Answer. In a case under this subpart—

(1) §20.308 does not govern answers, and

(2) The respondent shall therefore enter his or her answer at the pre-hearing conference.

Upon receipt of a complaint with a copy of the notice of temporary suspension and the affidavit supporting the complaint, the Chief ALJ will immediately assign an ALJ and designate the case for expedited hearing.

(a) Procedure. At any time during the expedited hearing, the respondent may move that his or her license, certificate of registry, or document be returned on the grounds that the agency lacked probable cause for temporary suspension. The motion must be in writing and explain why the agency lacked probable cause.

(b) Ruling. If the ALJ grants the motion, the ALJ may issue such orders as are necessary for the return of the suspended license, certificate, or document and for the matter to continue in an orderly way under standard procedure.

(a) Procedure. At any time during the expedited hearing, the respondent may move that the hearing discontinue and that the matter continue under standard procedure. A motion to discontinue must be in writing and explain why the case is inappropriate for expedited hearing.

(b) Ruling. If the ALJ grants the motion to discontinue, the ALJ may issue such orders as are necessary for the matter to continue in an orderly way under standard procedure.

(a) When held. As early as practicable, the ALJ shall order and conduct a pre-hearing conference. He or she may order the holding of the conference in person, or by telephonic or electronic means.

(b) Answer. The respondent shall enter his or her answer at the pre-hearing conference. If the answer is an admission, the ALJ shall either issue an appropriate order or schedule a hearing on the order.

(c) Content. (1) At the pre-hearing conference, the parties shall:

(i) Identify and simplify the issues in dispute and prepare an agreed statement of issues, facts, and defenses.

(ii) Establish a simplified procedure appropriate to the matter.

(iii) Fix a time and place for the hearing 30 days or less after the temporary suspension.

(iv) Discuss witnesses and exhibits.

(2) The ALJ shall issue an order directing the exchange of witness lists and documents.

(d) Order. Before the close of the pre-hearing conference, the ALJ shall issue an order setting forth any agreements reached by the parties. The order must specify the issues for the parties to address at the hearing.

(e) Procedures not to cause delay. Neither any filing of pleadings or motions, nor any conduct of discovery, may interfere with—

(1) The holding of the hearing 30 days or less after the temporary suspension or

(2) The closing of the record early enough for the issuance of an initial decision 45 days or less after the temporary suspension.

(f) Times. The ALJ may shorten the time for any act required or permitted under this subpart to enable him or her to issue an initial decision 45 days or less after the temporary suspension.

(a) Procedures. As soon as practicable after the close of the pre-hearing conference, the ALJ shall hold a hearing, under subpart G of this part, on any issue that remains in dispute.

(b) Oral and written argument. (1) Each party may present oral argument at the close of the hearing or present—

(i) Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law; and

(ii) Post-hearing briefs, under §20.710.

(2) The ALJ shall issue a schedule, such as will enable him or her to consider the findings and briefs without delaying the issuance of the decision.

(c) ALJ's decision. The ALJ may issue his or her decision as an oral decision from the bench. Alternatively, he or she may issue a written decision. He or she shall issue the decision 45 days or less after the temporary suspension.

Any party may appeal the ALJ's decision as provided in subpart J.

This subpart contains evidentiary rules that apply only in certain circumstances in S&R proceedings. They supplement, not supplant, the evidentiary rules in subpart H.

(a) The investigating officer, the Coast Guard representative, any other commissioned officer of the Coast Guard, or any official custodian of extracts from shipping articles, logbooks, or records in the custody of the Coast Guard may authenticate and certify the extracts.

(b) Authentication and certification must include a statement that the person acting has seen the original, compared the copy with it, and found the copy to be a true one. This person shall sign his or her name and identify himself or herself by rank or title and by duty station.

(a) Any entry in any official logbook of a vessel concerning an offense enumerated in 46 U.S.C. 11501, made in substantial compliance with the procedural requirements of 46 U.S.C. 11502, is admissible in evidence and constitutes prima facie evidence of the facts recited.

(b) Any entry in any such logbook made in substantial compliance with the procedural requirements of 46 U.S.C. 11502 may receive added weight from the ALJ.

(a) A judgment of conviction by a Federal court is conclusive in any S&R proceeding under this part concerning any act or offense described in 46 U.S.C. 7703 or 7704 when the act or offense is the same as in the Federal conviction.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no judgment of conviction by a State court is conclusive in any S&R proceeding under this part concerning any act or offense described in 46 U.S.C. 7703 or 7704, even when an act or offense forming the basis of the charge in the proceeding is the same as in the State conviction. But the judgment is admissible in evidence and constitutes substantial evidence adverse to the respondent.

(c) A judgment of conviction by a Federal or State court for a violation is conclusive in the proceeding if an S&R proceeding alleges conviction for—

(1) A violation of a dangerous-drug law;

(2) An offense that would prevent the issuance or renewal of a merchant mariner's license, certificate of registry, or document; or

(3) An offense described in subparagraph 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982 (23 U.S.C.S. 401, note).

(d) If the respondent participates in the scheme of a State for the expungement of convictions, and if he or she pleads guilty or no contest or, by order of the trial court, has to attend classes, contribute time or money, receive treatment, submit to any manner of probation or supervision, or forgo appeal of the finding of the trial court, the Coast Guard regards him or her, for the purposes of 46 U.S.C. 7703 or 7704, as having received a conviction. The Coast Guard does not consider the conviction expunged without proof that the expungement is due to the conviction's having been in error.

(e) No respondent may challenge the jurisdiction of a Federal or State court in any proceeding under 46 U.S.C. 7703 or 7704.

(a) The prior disciplinary record of the respondent is admissible when offered by him or her.

(b) The prior disciplinary record of the respondent is admissible when offered by the Coast Guard representative to impeach the credibility of evidence offered by the respondent.

(c) The use of a judgment of conviction is permissible on the terms prescribed by §20.1307.

No person may testify regarding admissions made by the respondent during an investigation under 46 CFR part 4, except to impeach the credibility of evidence offered by the respondent.

In any proceeding in which the physical or mental condition of the respondent is relevant, the ALJ may order him or her to undergo a medical examination. Any examination ordered by the ALJ is conducted, at Federal expense, by a physician designated by the ALJ. If the respondent fails or refuses to undergo any such examination, the failure or refusal receives due weight and may be sufficient for the ALJ to infer that the results would have been adverse to the respondent.

(a) The prior disciplinary record of the respondent comprises the following items less than 10 years old:

(1) Any written warning issued by the Coast Guard and not contested by the respondent.

(2) Final agency action by the Coast Guard on any S&R proceeding in which a sanction or consent order was entered.

(3) Any agreement for voluntary surrender entered into by the respondent.

(4) Any final judgment of conviction in Federal or State courts.

(5) Final agency action by the Coast Guard resulting in the imposition against the respondent of any civil penalty or warning in a proceeding administered by the Coast Guard under this title.

(6) Any official commendatory information concerning the respondent of which the Coast Guard representative is aware. The Coast Guard representative may offer evidence and argument in aggravation of any charge proved. The respondent may offer evidence of, and argument on, prior maritime service, including both the record introduced by the Coast Guard representative and any commendatory evidence.

(b) The respondent may offer evidence and argument in mitigation of any charge proved.

(c) The Coast Guard representative may offer evidence and argument in rebuttal of any evidence and argument offered by the respondent in mitigation.

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