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Title 46—Shipping–Volume 9

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Title 46—Shipping–Volume 9


Part


chapter iv—Federal Maritime Commission

501

CHAPTER IV—FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

SUBCHAPTER A—GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

PART 500 [RESERVED]

PART 501—THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION—GENERAL


Authority:5 U.S.C. 551-557, 701-706, 2903 and 6304; 31 U.S.C. 3721; 41 U.S.C. 414 and 418; 44 U.S.C. 501-520 and 3501-3520; 46 U.S.C. 40101-41309, 42101-42109, 44101-44106, 46101-46108; Pub. L. 89-56, 70 Stat. 195; 5 CFR part 2638; Pub. L. 104-320, 110 Stat. 3870.



Source:86 FR 50681, Sept. 10, 2021, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Organization and Functions

§ 501.1 Purpose.

This part describes the organization, functions, and the delegation of authority within, the Federal Maritime Commission (“Commission”).


§ 501.2 General.

(a) Statutory functions. The Commission regulates common carriers by water and other persons involved in the oceanborne foreign commerce of the United States under provisions of title 46, subtitle IV of the United States Code and other applicable statutes.


(b) Establishment and composition of the Commission. The Commission was established as an independent agency by Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961, effective August 12, 1961, and is composed of five Commissioners (“Commissioners” or “members”), appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Not more than three Commissioners may be appointed from the same political party. The President designates one of the Commissioners to serve as the Chairman of the Commission (“Chairman”).


(c) Terms and vacancies—(1) Length of terms. The term of each member of the Commission is five years and begins when the term of the predecessor of that member ends (i.e., on June 30 of each successive year).


(2) Removal. The President may remove a Commissioner for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.


(3) Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of any Commissioner is filled in the same manner as the original appointment. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy is appointed only for the unexpired term of the individual being succeeded.


(4) Term limits—(i) Commissioners initially appointed and confirmed before December 18, 2014. When a Commissioner’s term ends, the Commissioner may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.


(ii) Commissioners initially appointed and confirmed on or after December 18, 2014. (A) When a Commissioner’s term ends, the Commissioner may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified, limited to a period not to exceed one year.


(B) No individual may serve more than two terms, except that an individual appointed to fill a vacancy may serve two terms in addition to the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of that individual was appointed.


(d) Quorum. A vacancy or vacancies in the Commission shall not impair the power of the Commission to execute its functions. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Commission is required to dispose of any matter before the Commission. For purposes of holding a formal meeting for the transaction of the business of the Commission, the actual presence of two Commissioners shall be sufficient. Proxy votes of absent members shall be permitted.


(e) Meetings; records; rules and regulations. The Commission shall, through its Secretary, keep a true record of all its meetings and the yea-and-nay votes taken therein on every action and order approved or disapproved by the Commission. In addition to or in aid of its functions, the Commission adopts rules and regulations in regard to its powers, duties, and functions under the shipping statutes it administers.


§ 501.3 The Commission’s organizational components and their functions.

(a) Office of the Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission—(1) General. The Chairman is the chief executive and administrative officer of the Commission. In addition, the Chairman, as “head of the agency,” has certain responsibilities under Federal laws and directives not specifically related to shipping.


(2) Management and supervision. The Chairman provides management direction to the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Office of the Secretary, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Administrative Law Judges, and Office of the Managing Director. Subject to the approval of the Commission, the Chairman appoints the heads of the major organizational units, which include the Office of the Secretary, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Administrative Law Judges, Office of the Managing Director, Bureau of Trade Analysis, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Bureau of Enforcement, and Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services. The Chairman appoints or designates and oversees the Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, who advises and assists the Chairman, the Commissioners, and other principal officers of the Commission in carrying out their responsibilities relative to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), other laws, Executive orders, and regulatory guidelines affecting affirmative employment and the processing of equal employment opportunity (EEO) complaints.


(b) Commissioners. The members of the Commission, including the Chairman, implement various shipping statutes and related directives by rendering decisions, issuing orders, and adopting and enforcing rules and regulations governing persons subject to the shipping statutes.


(1) The Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports to and is under the general supervision of the Commissioners. The OIG is an independent and objective oversight office created within the Commission that conducts audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Commission and recommends policies designed to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of, and to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in, such programs and operations.


(2) [Reserved]


(c) Office of the Secretary. The Office of the Secretary is responsible for the preparation, maintenance and disposition of the Commission’s official files and records; overseeing the Commission’s website; and managing the Commission’s library and related services. The Office of the Secretary also administers the Commission’s Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, and Government in the Sunshine Act responsibilities, with the Secretary serving as the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Officer.


(d) Office of the General Counsel—(1) General. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal services to the Commission and to the Commission staff, and manages the Commission’s international affairs functions.


(2) Designated Agency Ethics Official. The Designated Agency Ethics Official and Alternate are agency employees in the Office of the General Counsel formally designated to coordinate and manage the ethics program and serve as the Commission’s designee(s) to the Office of Government Ethics on such matters.


(e) Office of Administrative Law Judges. The Office of Administrative Law Judges holds hearings and renders initial decisions in adjudicatory proceedings as provided in 46 U.S.C. chapters 401-413 and 441 and other applicable laws, and other matters assigned by the Commission, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure in part 502 of this chapter.


(f) Office of the Managing Director—(1) General duties of the Managing Director—(i) Chief Operating Officer. The Managing Director is responsible to the Chairman for the management and coordination of Commission programs managed by the Director of Enterprise Services; Office of Budget and Finance; Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services; Office of Human Resources; Office of Information Technology; Office of Management Services; Bureau of Certification and Licensing; Bureau of Trade Analysis; Bureau of Enforcement; and the Commission’s Area Representatives, as more fully described in paragraphs (f)(2) and (3) of this section, and thereby implements the regulatory policies of the Commission and the administrative policies and directives of the Chairman.


(ii) Administrative direction. The Managing Director provides administrative direction to all organizational components, except for the OIG.


(2) General duties. The Office of the Managing Director interprets and administers governmental policies and programs in a manner consistent with Federal guidelines, including those involving financial management, human resources, information technology, and procurement. The Office of the Managing Director is responsible for directing and administering the Commission’s training and development function.


(3) Management and supervision. Other officers and offices under the management direction of the Managing Director are as follows:


(i) Director, Enterprise Services. The Director, Enterprise Services (D/ES) is the Commission’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and has responsibility for internal and external communications relating to the budget and financial management. The D/ES works with the Directors, Office of Budget and Finance, Office of Human Resources, Office of Information Technology, and Office of Management Services, to manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the Commission.


(ii) Office of Budget and Finance. The Office of Budget and Finance administers the Commission’s financial management program, including fiscal accounting activities, fee and forfeiture collections, and payments, and ensures that Commission obligations and expenditures of appropriated funds are proper.


(iii) Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services has responsibility for developing and implementing the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, responds to consumer inquiries and complaints, and coordinates the Commission’s efforts to resolve disputes within the shipping industry. The Office reviews existing and proposed legislation and regulations for impact on the shipping industry and its consumers and recommends appropriate policies and regulations to facilitate trade.


(iv) Office of Human Resources. The Office of Human Resources plans and administers a complete personnel management program.


(v) Office of Information Technology. The Office of Information Technology administers the Commission’s information technology (“IT”) program under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as amended, as well as other applicable laws that prescribe responsibility for operating the IT program.


(vi) Office of Management Services. The Office of Management Services administers a variety of management support service functions of the Commission.


(vii) Bureau of Certification and Licensing. The Bureau of Certification and Licensing, through the Office of Transportation Intermediaries, has responsibility for reviewing applications and triennial renewals for Ocean Transportation Intermediary (“OTI”) licenses, and maintaining records about licensees and registrations, managing all activities with respect to evidence of financial responsibility for OTIs, and for developing and maintaining all Bureau databases and records of OTI applicants, licensees, and registrations. In addition, the Bureau of Certification and Licensing has responsibility for reviewing applications and renewals for certificates of financial responsibility with respect to passenger vessels, reviewing requests for substitution of alternative forms of financial protection, managing all activities with respect to evidence of financial responsibility for passenger vessel owner/operators, and for developing and maintaining all Bureau databases and records of passenger vessel owner/operators.


(viii) Bureau of Trade Analysis. The Bureau of Trade Analysis reviews agreements and monitors the concerted activities of ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators, reviews and analyzes service contracts, monitors rates of government-controlled carriers, reviews carrier published tariff systems, responds to inquiries or issues that arise concerning service contracts or tariffs, and is responsible for competition oversight and market analysis.


(ix) Bureau of Enforcement. The Bureau of Enforcement conducts investigations and recommends enforcement action, and provides legal support related to enforcement to other Commission offices. The Bureau of Enforcement also: Participates as trial counsel in formal Commission proceedings when designated by Commission order, or when intervention is granted; negotiates informal compromises of civil penalties subject to the prior approval of the Commission; prepares and presents compromise agreements for Commission approval; and represents the Commission in proceedings and circumstances as designated.


(x) Area Representatives. Area Representatives represent the Commission within their respective geographic area; act as a liaison between the Commission and interested parties such as members of the shipping industry, state and local governments, and members of the public; furnish to interested persons information, advice, and access to Commission public documents; receive and resolve informal complaints, in coordination with the Director, Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services; investigate potential violations of the shipping statutes and the Commission’s regulations; and provide assistance to the various bureaus and offices of the Commission, as appropriate and when requested.


Subpart B—Delegation and Redelegation of Authorities

§ 501.11 Delegation of authorities.

(a) Authority and delegation. The provision at 46 U.S.C. 46106 authorizes the Commission to delegate, by published order or rule, any of its functions to a division of the Commission, an individual Commissioner, an administrative law judge, or an employee or employee board, including functions with respect to hearing, determining, ordering, certifying, reporting, or otherwise acting as to any work, business, or matter. The Commission delegates specific authorities to the delegatees designated in §§ 501.12 through 501.17, subject to the limitations prescribed in this section.


(b) Temporary redelegation. When the head of a bureau or office is absent or incapacitated, they may temporarily redelegate their authorities to subordinate personnel under their supervision and direction or to another bureau or office head for the period of their absence or incapacitation.


(c) Redelegation. Other than temporary redelegations under paragraph (b) of this section, and subject to the limitations in this section, the delegatees may redelegate their authorities to subordinate personnel under their supervision and direction only if this subpart is amended to reflect such redelegation and notice thereof is published in the Federal Register.


(d) Exercise of authority; policy and procedure. The delegatees and redelegatees shall exercise the authorities delegated or redelegated in a manner consistent with applicable laws and the established policies of the Commission, and shall consult with the General Counsel where appropriate.


(e) Exercise of delegated authority by delegator. Under any authority delegated or redelegated, the delegator (Commission), or the redelegator, respectively, shall retain full rights to exercise the authority in the first instance.


(f) Review of delegatee’s action. The delegator (Commission) or redelegator of authority shall retain a discretionary right to review an action taken under delegated authority by a subordinate delegatee, either upon the filing of a written petition of a party to, or an intervenor in, such action; or upon the delegator’s or redelegator’s own initiative.


(1) Petition. Petitions for review of actions taken under delegated authority shall be filed within ten (10) calendar days of the action taken:


(i) If the action for which review is sought is taken by a delegatee, the petition shall be addressed to the Commission pursuant to § 502.94 of this chapter.


(ii) If the action for which review is sought is taken by a redelegatee, the petition shall be addressed to the redelegator whose decision can be further reviewed by the Commission under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section, unless the Commission decides to review the matter directly, such as, for example, if the redelegator is incapacitated.


(2) Discretionary review. The vote of a majority of the Commission less one member (e.g., two Commissioners if there are a total of four or five sitting Commissioners; one Commissioner if there are a total of three or fewer sitting Commissioners) shall be sufficient to bring any delegated action before the Commission for review under this paragraph (f).


(g) Action—when final. Should the right to exercise discretionary review be declined or should no such review be sought under paragraph (f) of this section, then the action taken under delegated authority shall, for all purposes, including appeal or review thereof, be deemed to be the action of the Commission.


(h) Conflicts. Where the procedures set forth in this section conflict with law or any regulation of this chapter, the conflict shall be resolved in favor of the law or other regulation.


§ 501.12 Delegation to the General Counsel.

(a) Authority to classify carriers within the meaning of 46 U.S.C. 40102(9) except where a carrier submits a rebuttal statement pursuant to § 565.3(b) of this chapter.


(b) Authority to review for legal sufficiency all adverse personnel actions, procurement activities, Freedom of Information Act matters, Privacy Act matters, and requests for testimony by employees and production of official records in litigation and other administrative actions, pursuant to part 503, subpart E, of this chapter.


§ 501.13 Delegation to the Secretary.

(a) Authority to approve applications for permission to practice before the Commission and to issue admission certificates to approved applicants.


(b) Authority to extend the time to file exceptions or replies to exceptions, and the time for Commission review, relative to initial decisions of administrative law judges and decisions of Special Dockets Officers.


(c) Authority to extend the time to file appeals or replies to appeals, and the time for Commission review, relative to dismissals of proceedings, in whole or in part, issued by administrative law judges.


(d) Authority to establish and extend or reduce the time:


(1) To file documents either in docketed proceedings or relative to petitions filed under part 502 of this chapter, which are pending before the Commission itself; and


(2) To issue initial and final decisions under § 502.61 of this chapter.


(e) Authority to prescribe a time limit for the submission of written comments with reference to agreements filed pursuant to 46 U.S.C. chapter 403.


(f) Authority, in appropriate cases, to publish in the Federal Register notices of intent to prepare an environmental assessment and notices of finding of no significant impact.


(g) Authority to prescribe a time limit less than ten days from the date published in the Federal Register for filing comments on notices of intent to prepare an environmental assessment and notice of finding of no significant impact and authority to prepare environmental assessments of no significant impact.


§ 501.14 Delegation to and redelegation by the Managing Director.

(a) Authority to adjudicate, with the concurrence of the General Counsel, and authorize payment of, employee claims for not more than $10,000.00, arising under the Military and Civilian Personnel Property Act of 1964 (31 U.S.C. 3721) and the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. 1346(b), 2671-2680).


(b) Authority to determine that an exigency of the public business is of such importance that annual leave may not be used by employees to avoid forfeiture before annual leave may be restored under 5 U.S.C. 6304.


(c)(1) Authority to classify all positions GS-1 through GS-15 and wage grade positions.


(2) The authority under paragraph (c)(1) of this section is redelegated to the Director, Office of Human Resources.


§ 501.15 Delegation to the Chief Financial Officer.

(a) Authority to approve, certify, or otherwise authorize those actions dealing with appropriations of funds made available to the Commission including allotments, fiscal matters, and contracts relating to the operation of the Commission within the laws, rules, and regulations set forth by the Federal Government.


(b) Authority, in the absence or preoccupation of the Managing Director, to sign travel orders, non-docketed recommendations to the Commission, and other routine documents for the Managing Director, consistent with the programs, policies, and precedents established by the Commission or the Managing Director.


§ 501.16 Delegation to and redelegation by the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing.

(a) In relation to OTI licenses:


(1) Authority to approve or disapprove applications for OTI licenses; issue or reissue or transfer such licenses; and approve extensions of time in which to furnish the name(s) and ocean transportation intermediary experience of the managing partner(s) or officer(s) who will replace the qualifying partner or officer upon whose qualifications the original licensing was approved;


(2) Authority to issue a letter stating that the Commission intends to deny an OTI application unless, within 20 days, applicant requests a hearing to show that denial of the application is unwarranted; deny applications where an applicant has received such a letter and has not requested a hearing within the notice period; and rescind, or grant extensions of, the time specified in such letters;


(3) Authority to revoke the license of an OTI upon the request of the licensee;


(4) Authority to, upon receipt of notice of cancellation of any instrument evidencing financial responsibility, notify the licensee in writing that its license will automatically be suspended or revoked, effective on the cancellation date of such instrument, unless new or reinstated evidence of financial responsibility is submitted and approved prior to such date, and subsequently order such suspension or revocation for failure to maintain proof of financial responsibility;


(5) Authority to revoke the ocean transportation intermediary license of a non-vessel-operating common carrier not in the United States for failure to designate and maintain a person in the United States as legal agent for the receipt of judicial and administrative process;


(6) Authority to approve changes in an existing licensee’s organization; and


(7) Authority to return any application which on its face fails to meet the requirements of the Commission’s regulations, accompanied by an explanation of the reasons for rejection.


(8) The authorities contained in paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this section are redelegated to the Director, Transportation Intermediaries, in the Bureau of Certification and Licensing.


(b) In relation to Certificates:


(1) Authority to approve applications for Certificates (Performance) and Certificates (Casualty) for passenger vessels, evidenced by a surety bond, guaranty, escrow agreements, or insurance policy, or combination thereof; and issue, reissue, or amend such Certificates;


(2) Authority to issue a written notice to an applicant stating intent to deny an application for a Certificate (Performance) and/or (Casualty), indicating the reason therefor, and advising applicant of the time for requesting a hearing as provided for under § 540.8(c) or § 540.26(c) of this chapter; deny any application where the applicant has not submitted a timely request for a hearing; and rescind such notices and grant extensions of the time within which a request for hearing may be filed;


(3) Authority to issue a written notice to a certificant stating that the Commission intends to revoke, suspend, or modify a Certificate (Performance) and/or (Casualty), indicating the reason therefor, and advising of the time for requesting a hearing as provided for under § 540.8(c) or § 540.26(c) of this chapter; revoke, suspend or modify a Certificate (Performance) and/or (Casualty) where the certificant has not submitted a timely request for hearing; and rescind such notices and grant extensions of time within which a request for hearing may be filed;


(4) Authority to revoke a Certificate (Performance) and/or (Casualty) which has expired, and/or upon request of, or acquiescence by, the certificant; and


(5) Authority to notify a certificant when a Certificate (Performance) and/or (Casualty) has become null and void in accordance with §§ 540.8(a) and 540.26(a) of this chapter.


(c) Authority to approve amendments to escrow agreements filed under § 540.5(b) of this chapter when such amendments are for the purpose of changing names of principals, changing the vessels covered by the escrow agreement, changing the escrow agent, and changing the amount of funds held in escrow, provided that the changes in amount of funds result in an amount of coverage that complies with the requirements in the introductory text of § 540.5 of this chapter.


(d) Authority to grant requests to substitute alternative financial responsibility pursuant to § 540.9(l) of this chapter based upon existing protection available to purchases of passenger vessel transportation by credit card by an amount up to fifty (50) percent of the passenger vessel operator’s highest two-year unearned passenger revenues.


§ 501.17 Delegation to and redelegation by the Director, Bureau of Trade Analysis.

(a) Authority to determine that no action should be taken to prevent an agreement or modification to an agreement from becoming effective under 46 U.S.C. 40304(c), and to shorten the review period under 46 U.S.C. 40304(c)(1) and (e)(1), when the agreement or modification involves solely a restatement, clarification, or change in an agreement which adds no new substantive authority beyond that already contained in an effective agreement. This category of agreement or modification includes, for example, the following: A restatement filed to conform an agreement to the format and organization requirements of part 535 of this chapter; a clarification to reflect a change in the name of a country or port or a change in the name of a party to the agreement; a correction of typographical or grammatical errors in the text of an agreement; a change in the title of persons or committees designated in an agreement; or a transfer of functions from one person or committee to another.


(b) Authority to grant or deny applications filed under § 535.407 of this chapter for waiver of the form, organization, and content requirements of §§ 535.401 through 535.406 of this chapter.


(c) Authority to grant or deny applications filed under § 535.504 of this chapter for waiver of the Information Form requirements in subpart E of part 535 of this chapter.


(d) Authority to grant or deny applications filed under § 535.705 of this chapter for waiver of the reporting requirements in subpart G of part 535 of this chapter.


(e) Authority to determine that no action should be taken to prevent an agreement or modification of an agreement from becoming effective under 46 U.S.C. 40304(c)(1) for all unopposed agreements and modifications to agreements which will not result in a significant reduction in competition. Agreements which are deemed to have the potential to result in a significant reduction in competition and which, therefore, are not covered by the delegation in this paragraph (e) include but are not limited to:


(1) New agreements authorizing the parties to collectively discuss or fix rates (including terminal rates).


(2) New agreements authorizing the parties to pool cargoes or revenues.


(3) New agreements authorizing the parties to establish a joint service or consortium.


(4) New equal access agreements.


(f) Authority to grant or deny shortened review pursuant to § 535.605 of this chapter for agreements for which authority is delegated in paragraph (e) of this section.


(g) Subject to review by the General Counsel, authority to deny, but not approve, requests filed pursuant to § 535.605 of this chapter for a shortened review period for agreements for which authority is not delegated under paragraph (e) of this section.


(h) Authority to issue notices of termination of agreements which are otherwise effective under the Shipping Act of 1984, after publication of notice of intent to terminate in the Federal Register, when such terminations are:


(1) Requested by the parties to the agreement;


(2) Deemed to have occurred when it is determined that the parties are no longer engaged in activity under the agreement and official inquiries and correspondence cannot be delivered to the parties; or


(3) Deemed to have occurred by notification of the withdrawal of the next to last party to an agreement without notification of the addition of another party prior to the effective date of the next to last party’s withdrawal.


(i) Authority to determine whether agreements for the use or operation of terminal property or facilities, or the furnishing of terminal services, are within the purview of 46 U.S.C. chapter 403.


(j) Authority to request controlled carriers to file justifications for existing or proposed rates, charges, classifications, rules, or regulations, and to review responses to such requests for the purpose of recommending to the Commission that a rate, charge, classification, rule, or regulation be found unlawful and, therefore, requires Commission action under 46 U.S.C. 40704(b)-(e).


(k) Authority to recommend to the Commission the initiation of formal proceedings or other actions with respect to suspected violations of the shipping statutes and rules and regulations of the Commission.


(l)(1) Authority to approve for good cause or disapprove special permission applications submitted by common carriers, or conferences of such carriers, subject to 46 U.S.C. chapter 405, for relief from statutory and/or Commission tariff requirements.


(2) The authority under this paragraph (l) is redelegated to the Director of Agreements, Service Contracts, and Tariffs, in the Bureau of Trade Analysis.


(m)(1) Authority to approve or disapprove special permission applications submitted by a controlled carrier subject to the provisions of 46 U.S.C. chapter 407 for relief from statutory and/or Commission tariff requirements.


(2) The authority under this paragraph (m) is redelegated to the Director of Agreements, Service Contracts, and Tariffs, in the Bureau of Trade Analysis.


(n)(1) The authority to accept, deny, or deactivate a Form FMC-1 submitted by ocean common carriers, non-vessel-operating common carriers, conferences, and marine terminal operators under parts 520 and 525 of this chapter.


(2) The authority under this paragraph (n) is redelegated to the Director of Agreements, Service Contracts, and Tariffs, in the Bureau of Trade Analysis.


(o) Authority contained in part 530 of this chapter to approve, but not deny, requests for permission to correct clerical or administrative errors in the essential terms of filed service contracts.


(p) Authority to require Monitoring Reports from, or prescribe alternative periodic reporting requirements for, parties to agreements under § 535.702(c) and (d) of this chapter.


(q) Authority to require parties to agreements subject to the Monitoring Report requirements in § 535.702(a)(2) of this chapter to report their agreement commodity data on a sub-trade basis pursuant to § 535.703(d) of this chapter.


§ 501.18 Delegation to the Director, Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance.

As set forth in §§ 502.63(d) and 502.604, the Director, Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance (BEIC) has delegated authority to issue Notice(s) of Violations (NOV) and to compromise civil penalty claims subject to review by the Commission pursuant to § 501.11(f)(2). This delegation shall include the authority to compromise claims relating to the retention, suspension, or revocation of ocean transportation intermediary licenses.


[88 FR 23363, Apr. 17, 2023]


Subpart C—Official Seal


Authority:18 U.S.C 506; 18 U.S.C. 701; 18 U.S.C. 1017; 28 U.S.C. 1733(b); 46 U.S.C. 46101(d).



Source:89 FR 65788, Aug. 13, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

§ 501.100 Description of official seal.

(a) The official seal of the Federal Maritime Commission is described as follows: A shield argent paly of six gules, a chief azure charged with a fouled anchor or; shield and anchor outlined of the third; on a wreath argent and gules, an eagle displayed proper; all on a gold disc within a blue border, encircled by a gold rope outlined in blue, and bearing in white letters the inscription “Federal Maritime Commission” in upper portion and “1961” in lower portion. The monochrome version of the official seal appears in figure 1 to this section.


Figure 1 to § 501.100


(b) The shield and eagle above it are associated with the United States of America and denote the national scope of maritime affairs. The outer rope and fouled anchor are symbolic of seamen and waterborne transportation. The date “1961” has historical significance, indicating the year in which the Commission was created.


(c) The seal shall be judicially recognized in accordance with section 201(c) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 46101(d)).


§ 501.101 Authority to affix seal.

(a) The seal of the Federal Maritime Commission shall be in the custody and control of the Secretary of the Commission.


(b) The Secretary has authority to affix replicas, reproductions, and embossing seals to appropriate documents, certifications, and other material for all purposes as authorized by this subpart, including for the purposes authorized by 28 U.S.C. 1733(b). The Secretary may delegate and authorize redelegations of this authority. The Office of the Secretary shall maintain official records of such delegations and redelegations (and cancellations thereof).


§ 501.102 Use of replicas, reproductions, and embossing seals within the agency.

(a) Replicas and reproductions of the seal of the Federal Maritime Commission may be used only for:


(1) Display in or adjacent to:


(i) Commission facilities, in Commission auditoriums, presentation rooms, hearing rooms, lobbies, and public document rooms.


(ii) Non-Commission facilities in connection with events and displays sponsored by the Commission, or public appearances of a Commissioner or other senior officials designated by the Secretary.


(iii) Offices of Commissioners and senior Commission officials designated by the Secretary.


(2) Official distinguishing flags of the Federal Maritime Commission adopted by the Commission that incorporate the seal.


(3) Official awards, certificates, medals, and plaques.


(4) Motion picture film and other audiovisual media prepared by, or for the Commission with the agency’s approval, and attributed thereto.


(5) Official prestige publications which represent the achievements or mission of the Commission.


(6) Stationary, programs, certificates, diplomas, business and calling cards, or signs and invitations of an official nature prepared by, or on behalf of the Commission with the agency’s approval.


(7) Official Commission identification cards and security credentials.


(8) Official publications or graphics issued by and attributed to the Commission, or joint statements of the Commission with one or more Federal agencies, State or local governments, Tribal governments, or foreign governments.


(9) Official Commission exhibit displays.


(10) Protocol gifts handed out by a Commissioner or other senior Commission officials designated by the Secretary.


(11) On athletic clothing or equipment with permission of the Commission for official or informational purposes.


(12) Use of the seal within the agency for any purpose other than as prescribed in this section is prohibited, except that the Secretary of Commission may authorize, on a case-by-case basis, use for purposes other than those prescribed when the Secretary, in consultation with the General Counsel, deems such use to be appropriate.


(b) Embossing seals may be used only on:


(1) Commission legal documents, including interagency or intergovernmental agreements, agreements with States, foreign patent applications, and similar documents.


(2) For other such purposes as determined by the General Counsel of the Federal Maritime Commission.


§ 501.103 Use by outside persons or organizations.

(a) Replicas and reproductions of the seal of the Federal Maritime Commission, physical or digital, by persons and organizations outside of the Commission may be made only with the Commission’s prior written approval. Persons and organizations outside of the Commission are prohibited from using a Commission embossing seal.


(b) Requests by any person or organization outside of the Commission for permission to use the seal must be made in writing electronically to [email protected]. The request must specify in detail the exact use to be made. Any permission granted will apply only to the specific use for which it was granted and is not permission for any other use.


(c) The decision whether to grant such a request is made on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of all relevant factors, which may include: the benefit or cost to the Government of granting the request; the unintended appearance of endorsement or authentication by the Commission; the potential for misuse; the effect upon Commission security; the reputability of the use; the extent of the control by the Commission over the ultimate use; and the extent of control by the Commission over distribution of any products or publications bearing the seal.


(d) Use of the seal shall be for informational purposes. The seal may not be used on any article or in any manner which may discredit the seal or reflect unfavorably upon the Commission, or which implies Commission endorsement of commercial products or services, or of the users’ policies or activities. All agreements must benefit the Commission; tie to a key communication or operational objective; and demonstrate the ability for significant impact. The Commission reserves the right to cancel such an agreement at any time. Specifically, permission may not be granted under this section for nonofficial use—


(1) On souvenir or novelty items of an expendable nature;


(2) On toys, gifts, or premiums;


(3) As a non-Commission letterhead design; or


(4) On menus, matchbook covers, calendars, or similar items.


(e) Use of the seal for any purpose other than as prescribed in this section is prohibited, except that the Secretary may authorize the use of the seal by outside individuals or organizations, on a case-by-case basis, for purposes other than those prescribed when the Secretary, in consultation with the General Counsel, deems such use to be appropriate.


§ 501.104 Penalties.

(a) Falsely making, forging, counterfeiting, mutilating, or altering the seal of the Federal Maritime Commission, or knowingly using or possessing with fraudulent intent an altered seal is punishable under 18 U.S.C. 506.


(b) Any person using the seal in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this subpart is subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1017, which states penalties for the wrongful use of an agency seal, and other provisions of law as applicable.


(c) Any person using the seal in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this part is subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 701, which states the penalties for the wrongful use of badges, identification cards, insignia, and other designs prescribed by an agency.


PART 502—RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE


Authority:5 U.S.C. 504, 551, 552, 553, 556(c), 559, 561-569, 571-584; 591-596; 18 U.S.C. 207; 28 U.S.C. 2112(a); 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C., 40103-40104, 40304, 40306, 40501-40503, 40701-40706, 41101-41109, 41301-41309, 44101-44106, 46105; 5 CFR part 2635.



Source:49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General Information

§ 502.1 Scope of rules in this part.

The rules in this part govern procedure before the Federal Maritime Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “Commission,” under the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, Merchant Marine Act, 1936, Shipping Act of 1984, as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998, Administrative Procedure Act, and related acts, except that subpart R of this part does not apply to proceedings subject to sections 7 and 8 of the Administrative Procedure Act, which are to be governed only by subparts A to Q inclusive, of this part. They shall be construed to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every proceeding. To this end, all persons involved in proceedings conducted under the rules of this part shall be required to consider at an early stage of the proceeding whether resort to alternative dispute resolution techniques would be appropriate or useful. [Rule 1.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 58 FR 38649, July 19, 1993; 64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.2 Filing of documents.

(a) Requirement for filing. Documents relating to any matter pending before the Commissioners for decision or to any matter pending before the Commission which is likely to come before the Commissioners for decision, whether or not relating to proceedings governed by this part, must be filed with the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission. Such documents should not be filed with or separately submitted to the offices of individual Commissioners. Distribution to Commissioners and other agency personnel is handled by the Office of the Secretary to ensure that persons in decision-making and advisory positions receive identical copies of submissions in a uniform and impersonal manner and to avoid the possibility of ex parte communications within the meaning of § 502.11. These considerations apply to informal and oral communications as well, such as requests for expedited consideration.


(b) Date and time of filing. (1) Documents may be hand-delivered at the Commission during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.


(2) Except with respect to initial filing of complaints pursuant to §§ 502.62 and 502.63, and claims pursuant to §§ 502.301 and 502.302, the date of filing shall be either the date on which the pleading, document, or paper is physically delivered to the Commission by a party, the date on which a party certifies it to have been deposited in the mail or delivered to a courier, or the date of e-mail transmission.


(c) Place of filing. Except for exhibits filed pursuant to § 502.118(b)(4) and petitions for review of final agency orders served on the Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112(a), all documents required to be filed in, and correspondence relating to proceedings governed by this part must be addressed and delivered to “Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 N. Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC 20573-0001” or to [email protected].


(d) Service of petition for review of Commission order. Petitions for review of final agency orders served on the Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112(a) must be addressed and delivered to “General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 N. Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC 20573-0001.”


(e) Number of copies. Parties filing documents in proceedings before the Commission or an administrative law judge must file an original, signed document and five (5) copies, and, if possible, a PDF of the document. The PDF document should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] or submitted on an electronic storage device (such as compact disc or USB flash drive).


(f) E-mail transmission of filings. (1) Initial filing of complaints and claims pursuant to §§ 502.62-502.63 and 502.301-502.302 must be accomplished in the traditional manner on paper, rather than by e-mail.


(2) Pursuant to § 502.5 of this subpart, confidential filings must be accomplished in the traditional manner on paper, rather than by e-mail.


(3) If a filing is submitted electronically as a PDF attached to an e-mail, the original, signed document, and five (5) copies must be received by the Secretary within seven working days. The e-mail transmitting the PDF copy of a document must include a certification by the filing party that the electronic copy is a true and correct copy of the paper original, and that the paper signed original and five (5) copies are being filed with the Secretary of the Commission. The e-mail Subject Line must include the docket number of the proceeding and be sent to [email protected].


(g) Filing after announcement of Commission meeting prohibited. No filings relating to matters scheduled for a Commission meeting will be accepted by the Secretary if submitted subsequent to public announcement of the particular meeting, except that the Commission, on its own initiative, or pursuant to a written request, may in its discretion, permit a departure from this limitation for exceptional circumstances. (See § 503.82(e) of this chapter.)


(h) Return of rejected filings. Any pleading, document, writing, or other paper submitted for filing which is rejected because it does not conform to the rules in this part will be returned to the sender.


(i) Continuing obligation to provide contact information. All parties and representatives are under a continuing obligation to provide the Commission and all other parties in a proceeding with accurate and current contact information including a street address, telephone number, and e-mail address.


(j) Form of documents. All papers to be filed under the rules in this part must be clear and legible, dated, show the docket number and title of the proceeding, document title, and include the title, if any, and address of the authorized signer or representative. An original signed in ink must be provided. Text shall appear on only one side of the paper and must be double spaced except that quotations of fifty or more words should be single-spaced and indented on the left and right without quotation marks. The paper must be strong and durable, of letter size (8
1/2 × 11 in. or 215.9 × 279.4 mm) or A4 size (8.27 × 11.69 in. or 210 × 297 mm), with a margin of at least one inch on all four sides. Documents must be printed in clear type, and the type size, including footnotes and endnotes, must not be smaller than 12-point.


(k) Discovery materials excluded from filing requirement. (1) The following discovery requests and responses must not be filed with the Secretary until they are used in the proceeding, or the Commission or presiding officer orders filing:


(i) Notice and transcript of depositions;


(ii) Interrogatories;


(iii) Requests for documents or tangible things or to permit entry onto designated land or other property;


(iv) Requests for admission; and


(v) Expert witness reports.


(2) The party that served the notice of deposition or discovery papers must preserve and ensure the integrity of original transcripts and discovery papers for use by the Commission or the presiding officer. A party that wants to use any part or all of discovery requests and responses in the proceeding must include the part or all of the documents in an appendix to be filed with the motion or other paper that refers to those documents. A party filing an appendix exceeding 100 pages should file an original and two (2) copies on paper and, if possible, also file such appendix by e-mail or on an electronic storage device. [Rule 2.]


[76 FR 10259, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.3 Compliance with rules or orders of Commission.

Persons named in a rule or order shall notify the Commission during business hours on or before the day on which such rule or order becomes effective whether they have complied therewith, and if so, the manner in which compliance has been made. [Rule 3.]


[76 FR 10260, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.4 Authentication of rules or orders of Commission.

All rules or orders issued by the Commission in any proceeding covered by this part shall, unless otherwise specifically provided, be signed by the Secretary of the Commission in the name of the Commission. [Rule 4.]


[76 FR 10260, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.5 Documents containing confidential materials.

Except as otherwise provided in the rules of this part, all filings that contain information for which confidential treatment is sought or information previously designated as confidential pursuant to §§ 502.13, 502.141(j)(1)(vii), 502.208, or any other rules of this part, or for which a request for protective order pursuant to § 502.141(j) is pending, are subject to the following requirements:


(a) Two versions of filings. Two versions of documents must be filed if a document:


(1) Contains information previously designated by the Commission or presiding officer as confidential; or


(2) Contains information for which confidential treatment is sought. Except as specified below, both versions must be filed in accordance with the requirements of § 502.2.


(i) Confidential version. The confidential filing must include a cover page marked “Confidential-Restricted.” The specific confidential information must be conspicuously and clearly marked on each page, for example by highlighting or bracing. If confidentiality will end on a date certain or upon the occurrence of an event, this must be stated on the cover, e.g., “CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL [DATE],” or “CONFIDENTIAL DURING JUDICIAL REVIEW.” The confidential version of a document may be provided to the presiding officer by email but should not be filed with the Office of the Secretary by email.


(ii) Public version. Within three business days of filing a confidential version of a filing, a public version must be filed. The public version must indicate on the cover page and on each affected page “Public Version—confidential materials excluded.” The public version must clearly indicate any information withheld, for example with blackout or braces, and its pagination and depiction of text on each page must be identical to that of the confidential version. For example, the confidential filing may read: “On January 1, 2005, complainant entered into a {25} year lease with respondent for a monthly rent of {$1,000}.” The public version would read: “On January 1, 2005, complainant entered into a { } year lease with respondent for a monthly rent of { }.” Public versions of confidential filings may be filed with the Secretary and presiding officer by email.


(iii) Exhibits. Confidential information in exhibits should be marked as specified above. If marking within the text is not feasible, individual pages may be replaced in the public version with a page indicating that confidential material is excluded. Entire exhibits should not be excluded, only those pages containing confidential material.


(b) Motion for confidential treatment. If confidentiality is sought for a filing containing information not previously designated as confidential by the Commission or presiding officer, the confidential filing must be accompanied by a motion justifying confidential treatment. This motion must identify the specific information in a document for which protection is sought and show good cause by demonstrating that the information is a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information pursuant to § 502.141(j)(1)(vii). The burden is on the party that wants to protect the information to show good cause for its protection. A motion is not required for information, including personal privacy and financial account numbers, redacted pursuant to § 502.13, Privacy protection for filings made with the Commission.


(c) Use of confidential information. Confidential treatment afforded by this section is subject to the proviso that any information designated as confidential may be used by the administrative law judge or the Commission if deemed necessary to a decision in the proceeding. [Rule 5.]


[80 FR 14318, Mar. 19, 2015, as amended at 81 FR 93835, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.6 Verification of documents.

(a) If a party is represented by an attorney or other person qualified to practice before the Commission under the rules in this part, each pleading, document or other paper of such party filed with the Commission shall be signed by at least one person of record admitted to practice before the Commission in his or her individual name, whose address shall be stated. Except when otherwise specifically provided by rule or statute, such pleading, document or paper need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of a person admitted or qualified to practice before the Commission constitutes a certificate by the signer that the signer has read the pleading, document or paper; that the signer is authorized to file it; that to the best of the signer’s knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, the filing is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law; and that it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. For a willful violation of this section, a person admitted or qualified to practice before the Commission may be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.


(b) If a party is not represented by a person admitted or qualified to practice before the Commission, each pleading, document or other paper of such party filed with the Commission shall be signed and verified under oath by the party or by a duly authorized officer or agent of the party, whose address and title shall be stated.


(c) Wherever, under any rules of this part, any matter is required or permitted to be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by the sworn declaration, verification, certificate, statement, oath, or affidavit, in writing of the person making the same (other than a deposition under§ 502.143 or § 502.144), such matter may, with like force and effect, be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by the unsworn declaration, certificate, verification, or statement, in writing of such person which is subscribed by such person, as true under penalty of perjury, in substantially the following form:


(1) If executed without the United States: “I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.”


(2) If executed within the United States, its territories, possessions, or commonwealths: “I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” [Rule 6.]


[76 FR 10261, Feb. 24, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 93835, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.7 Documents in foreign languages.

Every document, exhibit, or other paper written in a language other than English and filed with the Commission or offered in evidence in any proceeding before the Commission under this part or in response to any rule or order of the Commission pursuant to this part, shall be filed or offered in the language in which it is written and shall be accompanied by an English translation thereof duly verified under oath to be an accurate translation. [Rule 7.]


§ 502.8 Denial of applications and notice thereof.

Except in affirming a prior denial or where the denial is self-explanatory, prompt written notice will be given of the denial in whole or in part of any written application, petition, or other request made in connection with any proceeding under this part, such notice to be accompanied by a simple statement of procedural or other grounds for the denial, and of any other or further administrative remedies or recourse applicant may have where the denial is based on procedural grounds. [Rule 8.]


§ 502.9 Suspension, amendment, etc., of rules in this part.

The rules in this part may, from time to time, be suspended, amended, or revoked, in whole or in part. Notice of any such action will be published in the Federal Register. [Rule 9.]


§ 502.10 Waiver of rules in this part.

Except to the extent that such waiver would be inconsistent with any statute, any of the rules in this part, except §§ 502.11 and 502.221, may be waived by the Commission or the presiding officer in any particular case to prevent undue hardship, manifest injustice, or if the expeditious conduct of business so requires. [Rule 10.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 81 FR 93835, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.11 Ex parte communications.

(a) No person who is a party to or an agent of a party to any proceeding as defined in § 502.61 or who directly participates in any such proceeding and no interested person outside the Commission shall make or knowingly cause to be made to any Commission member, administrative law judge, or Commission employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in the decisional process of any such proceeding, an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding;


(b) No Commission member, administrative law judge, or Commission employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in the decisional process of any agency proceeding, shall make or knowingly cause to be made to any interested persons outside the Commission or to any party to the proceeding or its agent or to any direct participant in a proceeding, an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding. This prohibition shall not be construed to prevent any action authorized by paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of this section;


(c) “Ex parte communication” means an oral or written communication not on the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given, but it shall not include requests for status reports or communications regarding purely procedural matters or matters which the Commission or member thereof, administrative law judge, or Commission employee is authorized by law or these rules to dispose of on an ex parte basis;


(d) Any Commission member, administrative law judge, or Commission employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in the decisional process of any proceeding who receives, or who makes or knowingly causes to be made, an ex parte communication shall promptly transmit to the Secretary of the Commission:


(1) All such written communications;


(2) Memoranda stating the substance of all such oral communications; and


(3) All written responses and memoranda stating the substance of all oral responses to the materials described in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section;


(e) The Secretary shall place the materials described in paragraph (d) of this section in the correspondence part of the public docket of the proceeding and may take such other action as may be appropriate under the circumstances;


(f) Upon receipt of an ex parte communication knowingly made or knowingly caused to be made by a party to a proceeding, the Commission or the presiding officer may, to the extent consistent with the interests of justice and the policy of the statutes administered by the Commission, require the party to show cause why his or her claim or interest in the proceeding should not be dismissed, denied, disregarded, or otherwise adversely affected on account of the making of such communication;


(g) An ex parte communication shall not constitute a part of the record for decision. The Commission or the presiding officer may, to the extent consistent with the interests of justice and the policy of the statutes administered by the Commission, consider a violation of paragraph (b) of this section sufficient grounds for a decision adverse to a party who has knowingly caused such violation to occur and may take such other action as may be appropriate under the circumstances. [Rule 11.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47394, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999; 64 FR 23551, May 3, 1999; 64 FR 33762, June 24, 1999]


§ 502.12 Applicability of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

In proceedings under this part, for situations which are not covered by a specific Commission rule, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure will be followed to the extent that they are consistent with sound administrative practice. [Rule 12.]


[58 FR 27210, May 7, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.13 Privacy protection for filings made with the Commission.

(a) Redacted filings. Unless the Commission or presiding officer orders otherwise, in an electronic or paper filing that contains an individual’s social-security number, taxpayer-identification number, or birth date, the name of an individual known to be a minor, or a financial-account number, a party or nonparty making the filing may include only:


(1) The last four digits of the social-security number and taxpayer-identification number;


(2) The year of the individual’s birth;


(3) The minor’s initials; and


(4) The last four digits of the financial-account number.


(b) Exemptions from the redaction requirement. The redaction requirement does not apply to the following:


(1) The record of an administrative or agency proceeding;


(2) The record of a state-court proceeding;


(3) The record of a court or tribunal, if that record was not subject to the redaction requirement when originally filed; and


(4) A filing covered by paragraph (c) of this section.


(c) Filings made under seal. The Commission or presiding officer may order that a filing be made under seal without redaction. The Commission or presiding officer may later unseal the filing or order the person who made the filing to file a redacted version for the public record.


(d) Protective orders. For good cause, the Commission or presiding officer may by order in a case:


(1) Require redaction of additional information; or


(2) Limit or prohibit a nonparty’s remote electronic access to a document filed with the Commission.


(e) Option for additional unredacted filing under seal. A person making a redacted filing may also file an unredacted copy under seal. The Commission must retain the unredacted copy as part of the record.


(f) Option for filing a reference list. A filing that contains redacted information may be filed together with a reference list that identifies each item of redacted information and specifies an appropriate identifier that uniquely corresponds to each item listed. The list must be filed under seal and may be amended as of right. Any reference in the case to a listed identifier will be construed to refer to the corresponding item of information.


(g) Waiver of protection of identifiers. A person waives the protection of this rule as to the person’s own information by filing it without redaction and not under seal. [Rule 13.]


[76 FR 10261, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.14 Public hearings.

The Commission may call informal public hearings, not required by statute, to be conducted under the rules in this part where applicable, for the purpose of rulemaking or to obtain information necessary or helpful in the determination of its policies or the carrying out of its duties, and may require the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence to the extent permitted by law. [Rule 141.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


Subpart B—Appearance and Practice Before the Commission

§ 502.21 Appearance.

(a) Parties. A party may appear in person or by an officer, partner, or regular employee of the party, or by or with counsel or other duly qualified representative, in any proceeding under the rules in this part. Any party or his or her representative may testify, produce and examine witnesses, and be heard upon brief and at oral argument if oral argument is granted.


(b) Non-parties. One who appears in person before the Commission or a representative thereof, either by compulsion from, or request or permission of the Commission, shall be accorded the right to be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel.


(c) Special appearance. An appearance may be either general, that is, without reservation, or it may be special, that is, confined to a particular issue or question. A person who desires to appear specially must expressly so state when entering the appearance, and, at that time, shall also state the questions or issues to which the appearance is confined; otherwise the appearance will be considered general. [Rule 21.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999; 78 FR 45069, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.22 Authority for representation.

Any individual acting in a representative capacity in any proceeding before the Commission may be required to show his or her authority to act in such capacity. [Rule 22.]


§ 502.23 Notice of appearance; substitution and withdrawal of representative.

(a) Upon filing of a complaint instituting proceedings or filing of an answer to an order or complaint, the party filing shall notify the Commission of the name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), and email address(es) of the person or persons who will represent the party in the pending proceeding. Each person who appears in a representative capacity in a proceeding must deliver a written notice of appearance to the Secretary stating for whom the appearance is made. Such notice must indicate whether the representative wishes to be notified of notices, orders and decisions by either email or facsimile transmission. All appearances shall be noted in the record. Motions for leave to intervene must indicate the name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), and email address(es) of the person or persons who will represent the intervenor in the pending proceeding if the motion is granted.


(b) A Notice of Appearance should follow the form set forth in Exhibit No. 1 to this subpart.


(c) An attorney must represent in the Notice of Appearance that he is admitted to practice and in good standing. A non-attorney must describe his or her authority to act in such capacity.


(d) If an attorney or other representative of record is superseded, there shall be filed a stipulation of substitution signed both by the attorney(s) or representative(s) and by the party, or a written notice from the party to the Commission with a Notice of Appearance included. Substitution of counsel or representative will not, by itself, be considered good cause for delaying a proceeding.


(e) If an attorney wishes to withdraw from representing a party, and written consent is not obtained, or if the party is not otherwise represented, the withdrawing attorney shall file an appropriate motion seeking permission to withdraw and provide appropriate reasons for making the motion. Such motion will be decided in consideration of the factors and standards set forth in Rule 1.16 of the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and by the courts. [Rule 23.]


[64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 45069, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.24 Practice before the Commission defined.

(a) Practice before the Commission shall be deemed to comprehend all matters connected with the presentation of any matter to the Commission, including the preparation and filing of necessary documents, and correspondence with and communications to the Commission, on one’s own behalf or representing another. (See § 502.32).


(b) The term “Commission” as used in this subpart includes any bureau, division, office, branch, section, or unit of the Federal Maritime Commission and any officer or employee of such bureau, division, office, branch, section, or unit. [Rule 24.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.25 Presiding officer.

(a) Definition. Presiding officer includes, where applicable, one or more members of the Commission or an administrative law judge.


(b) Functions and powers. The officer designated to hear a case shall have the following powers:


(1) Notices of hearing, subpoenas, depositions, pleadings and scope of proceedings. To arrange and give notice of hearing; sign and issue subpoenas authorized by law; take or cause depositions to be taken; rule upon proposed amendments or supplements to pleadings; and, delineate the scope of a proceeding instituted by order of the Commission by amending, modifying, clarifying, or interpreting said order.


(2) Alternative means of dispute resolution and conferences for settlement or simplification of issues. To inform the parties as to the availability of one or more alternative means of dispute resolution, encourage use of such methods, and require consideration of their use at an early state of the proceeding; hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties or by the use of alternative means of dispute resolution; transmit the request of parties for the appointment of a mediator or settlement judge, as provided by § 502.91; and require the attendance at any such conference pursuant to 5 U.S.C 556(c)(8), of at least one representative of each party who has authority to negotiate concerning resolution of issues in controversy.


(3) Hearings, evidence, procedural requests, motions, oaths and affirmations, and witnesses. To regulate the course of a hearing; prescribe the order in which evidence shall be presented; dispose of procedural requests or similar matters; hear and rule upon motions; administer oaths and affirmations; examine witnesses; direct witnesses to testify or produce evidence available to them; rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant, material, reliable, and probative evidence; act upon motions to intervene; permit submission of facts, arguments, offers of settlement, and proposals of adjustment; and, if the parties so request, issue formal opinions providing tentative evaluations of the evidence submitted; hear oral argument at the close of the testimony.


(4) Time management and other matters. To fix the time for filing briefs, motions, and other documents to be filed in connection with hearings and the administrative law judge’s decision thereon, except as otherwise provided by the rules in this part; act upon petitions for enlargement of time to file such documents, including answers to formal complaints; and dispose of any other matter that normally and properly arises in the course of proceedings.


(5) Exclusion of persons from a hearing. To exclude any person from a hearing for disrespectful, disorderly, or inappropriate language or conduct.


(c) Functions and powers pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961. All of the functions delegated in subparts A to Q and subpart T of this part, inclusive, to the Chief Judge, presiding officer, or administrative law judge include the functions with respect to hearing, determining, ordering, certifying, reporting, or otherwise acting as to any work, business, or matter, pursuant to the provisions of section 105 of Reorganization Plan No. 7 of 1961. [Rule 147.]


(d) Designation of administrative law judge. An administrative law judge will be designated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge to preside at hearings required by statute, in rotation so far as practicable, unless the Commission or one or more members thereof shall preside, and will also preside at hearings not required by statute when designated to do so by the Commission.


(e) Attachment of functions. In proceedings handled by the Office of Administrative Law Judges, its functions shall attach:


(1) Upon the service by the Commission of a Notice of Filing of Complaint and Assignment of complaint filed pursuant to § 502.62, or § 502.182, or upon referral under subpart T of this part; or


(2) Upon reference by the Commission of a petition for a declaratory order pursuant to § 502.68; or


(3) Upon forwarding for assignment by the Office of the Secretary of a special docket application pursuant to § 502.271; or


(4) Upon the initiation of a proceeding and ordering of hearing before an administrative law judge pursuant to § 502.63.


(f) Unavailability. If the presiding officer assigned to a proceeding becomes unavailable, the Commission, or Chief Judge (if such presiding officer was an administrative law judge), shall designate a qualified officer to take his or her place. Any motion predicated upon the substitution of a new presiding officer for one originally designated shall be made within ten (10) days after notice of such substitution.


(g) Disqualification of presiding or participating officer. Any presiding or participating officer may at any time withdraw if he or she deems himself or herself disqualified, in which case there will be designated another presiding officer. If a party to a proceeding, or its representative, files a timely and sufficient affidavit of personal bias or disqualification of a presiding or participating officer, the Commission will determine the matter as a part of the record and decision in the case. [Rule 25.]


[78 FR 45069, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.26 Attorneys at law.

Attorneys at law who are admitted to practice before the Federal courts or before the courts of any State or Territory of the United States may practice before the Commission. An attorney practicing before the Commission is expected to conform to the standards of conduct set forth in the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct in addition to the specific requirements of this chapter. [Rule 26.]


[64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 45069, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.27 Persons not attorneys at law.

(a)(1) Any person who is not an attorney at law may be admitted to practice before the Commission if he or she is a citizen of the United States and files proof to the satisfaction of the Commission that he or she possesses the necessary legal, technical, or other qualifications to render valuable service before the Commission and is otherwise competent to advise and assist in the presentation of matters before the Commission. Applications by persons not attorneys at law for admission to practice before the Commission shall be made on the forms prescribed therefor, which may be obtained from the Secretary of the Commission, and shall be addressed to the Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC, 20573, and shall be accompanied by a fee as required by § 503.50(d) of this chapter.


(2) The application for admission to practice before the Commission by persons not attorneys at law can be downloaded from the Commission’s Web site, www.fmc.gov, or acquired from the Secretary of the Commission and must be accompanied by a fee as required by § 503.43(e) of this chapter. The application should be sent to the Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573.


(3) All applicants must complete the following certification:


I. __________________________ (Name) ________________________, certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States, that I have not been convicted, after September 1, 1989, of any Federal or State offense involving the distribution or possession of a controlled substance, or that if I have been so convicted, I am not ineligible to receive Federal benefits, either by court order or operation of law, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 862.


(b) The Commission, in its discretion, may call upon the applicant for a full statement of the nature and extent of his or her qualifications. If the Commission is not satisfied as to the sufficiency of the applicant’s qualifications, it will so notify him or her by registered mail, whereupon he or she shall be granted a hearing upon request for the purpose of showing his or her qualifications. If the applicant presents to the Commission no request for such hearing within twenty (20) days after receiving the notification above referred to, his or her application shall be acted upon without further notice.


(c) The Commission may deny admission to, suspend, or prohibit any person from practice before the Commission who it finds does not possess the requisite qualifications to represent others or is lacking in character, integrity, or proper professional conduct. Non-attorneys who have been admitted to practice before the Commission may be excluded from such practice only after being afforded an opportunity to be heard.


(d) A non-attorney may not practice before the Commission unless and until an application has been approved.


(e) Paragraph (d) of this section shall not apply, however, to any person who appears before the Commission on his or her own behalf or on behalf of any corporation, partnership, or association of which he or she is a partner, officer, or regular employee. [Rule 27.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 55 FR 42194, Oct. 18, 1990; 58 FR 58976, Nov. 5, 1993; 62 FR 6132, Feb. 11, 1997; 64 FR 7807, Feb. 17, 1999; 76 FR 10261, Feb. 24, 2011; 78 FR 45070, July 26, 2013; 85 FR 72577, Nov. 13, 2020]


§§ 502.29-502.30 [Reserved]

§ 502.31 Statement of interest.

The Commission may call upon any practitioner for a full statement of the nature and extent of his or her interest in the subject matter presented by him or her before the Commission. [Rule 31.]


§ 502.32 Former employees.

Title V of the Ethics in Government Act proscribes certain activities by certain former Federal employees (18 U.S.C. 207). In summary, as applied to former Commission employees, the restrictions and basic procedures are as follows:


(a) Restrictions. (1) No former Commission employee may represent in any formal or informal appearance or make any oral or written communication with intent to influence a U.S. Government agency in a particular matter involving a specific party or parties in which the employee participated personally and substantially while with the Commission.


(2) No former Commission employee may, within two years of terminating Commission employment, act as a representative in the manner described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, as to a particular matter which was actually pending under the employee’s official responsibility within one year prior to termination of the employment.


(3) Former senior Commission employees (defined as Commissioners and members of the Senior Executive Service as designated by the Office of Government Ethics under 18 U.S.C. 207(d)(1)) may not, for two years after terminating Commission employment, assist in representing a person by personal presence at an appearance before the Government on a matter in which the former employee had participated personally and substantially while at the Commission.


(4) Former senior Commission employees, as defined in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, are barred for one year from representing parties before the Commission or communicating with intent to influence the Commission, regardless of prior involvement in the particular proceeding.


(b) Prior consent for appearance. (1) Prior to making any appearance, representation or communication described in paragraph (a) of this section, and, in addition to other requirements of this subpart, every former employee must apply for and obtain prior written consent of the Commission for each proceeding or matter in which such appearance, representation, or communication is contemplated. Such consent will be given only if the Commission determines that the appearance, representation or communication is not prohibited by the Act, this section or other provisions of this chapter.


(2) To facilitate the Commission’s determination that the intended activity is not prohibited, applications for written consent shall:


(i) Be directed to the Commission, state the former connection of the applicant with the Commission and date of termination of employment, and identify the matter in which the applicant desires to appear; and


(ii) Be accompanied by an affidavit to the effect that the matter for which consent is requested is not a matter in which the applicant participated personally and substantially while at the Commission and, as made applicable by paragraph (a) of this section, that the particular matter as to which consent is requested was not pending under the applicant’s official responsibility within one year prior to termination of employment and that the matter was not one in which the former employee had participated personally and substantially while at the Commission. The statements contained in the affidavit shall not be sufficient if disproved by an examination of the files and records of the case.


(3) The applicant shall be promptly advised as to his or her privilege to appear, represent or communicate in the particular matter, and the application, affidavit and consent, or refusal to consent, shall be filed by the Commission in its records relative thereto.


(c) Reporting possible violations. Possible violations of section 207 of Title 18 of the United States Code, 18 U.S.C. 207, by the Commission’s former officers and employees are required to be reported to the Attorney General and the Office of Government Ethics, pursuant to the regulations of the Office of Government Ethics at 5 CFR 2641.103(a) and 5 CFR 2638.603.


(d) Partners or associates. (1) In any case in which a former member, officer, or employee of the Commission is prohibited under this section from practicing, appearing, or representing anyone before the Commission in a particular Commission matter, any partner or legal or business associate of such former member, officer, or employee shall be prohibited from (i) utilizing the services of the disqualified former member, officer, or employee in connection with the matter, (ii) discussing the matter in any manner with the disqualified former member, officer, or employee, and (iii) sharing directly or indirectly with the disqualified former member, officer, or employee in any fees or revenues received for services rendered in connection with such matter.


(2) The Commission may require any practitioner or applicant to become a practitioner to file an affidavit to the effect that the practitioner or applicant will not: (i) Utilize the service of, (ii) discuss the particular matter with, or (iii) share directly or indirectly any fees or revenues received for services provided in the particular matter, with a partner, fellow employee, or legal or business associate who is a former member, officer or employee of the Commission and who is either permanently or temporarily precluded from practicing, appearing or representing anyone before the Commission in connection with the particular matter; and that the applicant’s employment is not prohibited by any law of the United States or by the regulations of the Commission. [Rule 32.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47394, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012]


Exhibit No. 1 to Subpart B [§§ 502.23, 502.26, 502.27] of Part 502—Notice of Appearance

Federal Maritime Commission

Docket No. __________________________:


Please enter my appearance in this proceeding as counsel for ________________________.


Indicate authority for representation [choose one of the following]:


____ I am an attorney admitted to practice and in good standing before the courts of the State of ______________________.


____ I am admitted to practice before the Commission pursuant to 46 CFR 502.27.


____ I am an officer, director, or regular employee of the party.


I request to be informed of service of notices, orders and decisions in this proceeding by [choose one of the following]:


[ ] electronic mail

[ ] facsimile transmission

[ ] regular mail



[Name]



[Address]



[Telephone No.]



[Fax No.]



[Email address]



[Signature]

[78 FR 45070, July 26, 2013]


Subpart C—Parties

§ 502.41 Parties; how designated.

The term “party,” whenever used in this part, includes any natural person, corporation, association, firm, partnership, trustee, receiver, agency, public or private organization, government agency, or unit thereof representing said agency. A party who files a complaint under § 502.62 shall be designated as “complainant.” A party against whom relief or other affirmative action is sought in a proceeding commenced under § 502.62 or § 502.73 or a party named in an order of investigation issued by the Commission shall be designated as “respondent,” except that in investigations instituted under section 11(c) of the Shipping Act of 1984, 46 U.S.C. 41302(a)-(b), 41307(b), the parties to the agreement shall be designated as “proponents” and the parties protesting the agreement shall be designated as “protestants.” A person who has been permitted to intervene under § 502.68 shall be designated as “intervenor.” All parties and persons designated in this section shall be parties to the proceeding. No person other than a party or its representative may introduce evidence or examine witnesses at hearings. [Rule 41].


[78 FR 45070, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.42 Bureau of Enforcement.

The Bureau of Enforcement shall be a party to proceedings upon designation by the Commission or upon leave to intervene granted pursuant to § 502.68. The Bureau’s representative shall be served with copies of all papers, pleadings, and documents in every proceeding in which the Bureau is a party. The Bureau shall actively participate in any proceeding to which it is a party, to the extent required in the public interest, subject to the separation of functions required by section 5(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act. [Rule 42]


[78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.43 Substitution of parties.

The Commission or presiding officer may order an appropriate substitution of parties in the event of a party’s death, incompetence, transfer of its interest, or other appropriate circumstance. [Rule 43]


[78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013]


Subpart D—Rulemaking

§ 502.51 Initiation of procedure to issue, amend, or repeal a rule.

(a) By petition. Any interested party may file with the Commission a petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law, policy, organization, procedure, or practice requirements of the Commission. The petition shall set forth the interest of petitioner and the nature of the relief desired, shall include any facts, views, arguments, and data deemed relevant by petitioner, and shall be verified. If such petition is for the amendment or repeal of a rule, it shall be accompanied by proof of service on all persons, if any, specifically named in such rule, and shall conform in other aspects to subpart H of this part. Replies to such petition shall conform to the requirements of § 502.69.


(b) By the Commission. The Commission on its own initiative may initiate the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule through notice of proposed rulemaking or advanced notice of proposed rulemaking. [Rule 51.]


[64 FR 7808, Feb. 17, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 39859, June 11, 2002; 70 FR 10329, Mar. 3, 2005; 81 FR 59143, Aug. 29, 2016]


§ 502.52 Notice of proposed rulemaking.

(a) General notice of proposed rulemaking, including the information specified in § 502.61(c), shall be published in the Federal Register, unless all persons subject thereto are named and, either are personally served, or otherwise have actual notice thereof in accordance with law.


(b) Except where notice or hearing is required by statute, paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply to interpretative rules, general statements of policy, rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice of the Commission, or when the Commission for good cause finds (and incorporates the findings and a brief statement of reasons therefor in the rules issued) that notice and public procedure are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest. [Rule 52]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013; 81 FR 93835, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.53 Participation in rulemaking.

(a) Interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to participate in rulemaking through submission of written data, views, or arguments, with or without opportunity for oral presentation. No replies to the written submissions will be allowed unless, because of the nature of the proceeding, the Commission indicates that replies would be necessary or desirable for the formulation of a just and reasonable rule, except that, where the proposed rules are such as are required by statute to be made on the record after opportunity for a hearing, such hearing shall be conducted pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557, and the procedure shall be the same as stated in subpart L of this part. In the event that replies or succeeding rounds of comments are permitted, copies shall be served on all prior participants in the proceeding. A list of participants may be obtained from the Secretary of the Commission.


(b) In those rulemaking proceedings in which respondents are named, interested persons who wish to participate shall file a petition to intervene in accordance with the provisions of § 502.72 [Rule 53.]


(c) Where a formal hearing is held in a rulemaking proceeding, interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to participate through submission of relevant, material, reliable, and probative written evidence properly verified, except that such evidence submitted by persons not present at the hearing will not be made a part of the record if objected to by any party on the ground that the person who submits the evidence is not present for cross-examination.


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 55 FR 28399, July 11, 1990; 78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013; 81 FR 93835, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.54 Contents of rules.

The Commission will incorporate in any publication of proposed or final rules a concise and general statement of their basis and purpose. [Rule 54.]


[78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.55 Effective date of rules.

The publication or service of any substantive rule shall be made not less than thirty (30) days prior to its effective date except:


(a) As otherwise provided by the Commission for good cause found that notice and public procedure thereon are impractical, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest;


(b) In the case of rules granting or recognizing exemption or relieving restriction; interpretative rules; or statements of policy.


(c) Interpretive rules, general statements of policy, or rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice. [Rule 55.]


[78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013]


§ 502.56 Negotiated rulemaking.

The Commission, either upon petition of interested persons or upon its own motion, may establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop consensus on a proposed rule, if, upon consideration of the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 563, use of such a committee is determined by the Commission to be in the public interest. [Rule 56.]


[58 FR 38649, July 19, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 7808, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.57 Service by parties of pleadings and other documents.

Service on all prior commenters must be shown when submitting comments or replies beyond the initial round on a notice of proposed rulemaking. A list of all participants may be obtained from the Secretary of the Commission.


[78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013]


Subpart E—Private Complaints and Commission Investigations


Source:77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012, unless otherwise noted.

§ 502.61 Proceedings.

(a) Any person may commence a proceeding by filing a complaint (Rule 62) for a formal adjudication or by filing a claim for the informal adjudication of small claims (subpart S). A person may also file a petition for a rulemaking (Rule 51), for an exemption (Rule 74), for a declaratory order (Rule 75), or for other appropriate relief (Rule 76), which becomes a proceeding when the Commission assigns a formal docket number to the petition.


(b) The Commission may commence a proceeding for a rulemaking, for an adjudication (including Commission enforcement action under § 502.63), or a non-adjudicatory investigation upon petition or on its own initiative by issuing an appropriate order.


(c) Persons entitled to notice of hearings, except those notified by complaint service under § 502.113, will be duly and timely informed of the nature of the proceeding, the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the proceeding is conducted, and the terms, substance, and issues involved, or the matters of fact and law asserted, as the case may be. Such notice will be published in the Federal Register unless all persons subject thereto are named and either are served or otherwise have notice thereof in accordance with law.


(d) In the order instituting a proceeding or in the notice of filing of complaint and assignment, the Commission must establish dates by which the initial decision and the final Commission decision will be issued. These dates may be extended by order of the Commission for good cause shown. [Rule 61.]


[77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012, as amended at 81 FR 93835, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.62 Private party complaints for formal adjudication.

(a) Filing a complaint for formal adjudication. (1) A person may file a sworn complaint alleging violation of the Shipping Act of 1984, 46 U.S.C. 40101 et seq.


(2) Form. Complaints should be drafted in accordance with the rules in this section.


(3) Content of complaint. The complaint must be verified and must contain the following:


(i) The name, street address, and email address of each complainant, and the name, address, and email address of each complainant’s attorney or representative, the name, address, and, if known, email address of each person against whom complaint is made;


(ii) A recitation of the legal authority and jurisdiction for institution of the proceeding, with specific designation of the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated;


(iii) A clear and concise factual statement sufficient to inform each respondent with reasonable definiteness of the acts or practices alleged to be in violation of the law, and a statement showing that the complainant is entitled to relief;


(iv) A request for the relief and other affirmative action sought; and


(v) Shipping Act violation must be alleged. If the complaint fails to indicate the sections of the Act alleged to have been violated or clearly to state facts which support the allegations, the Commission may, on its own initiative, require the complaint to be amended to supply such further particulars as it deems necessary.


(4) Complaints seeking reparation; statute of limitations. A complaint may seek reparation (money damages) for injury caused by violation of the Shipping Act of 1984. (See subpart O of this part.)


(i) Where reparation is sought, the complaint must set forth the injury caused by the alleged violation and the amount of alleged damages.


(ii) Except under unusual circumstances and for good cause shown, reparation will not be awarded upon a complaint in which it is not specifically requested, nor upon a new complaint by or for the same complainant which is based upon a finding in the original proceeding.


(iii) A complaint seeking reparation must be filed within three years after the claim accrues. Notification to the Commission that a complaint may or will be filed for the recovery of reparation will not constitute a filing within the applicable statutory period.


(iv) Civil penalties must not be requested and will not be awarded in complaint proceedings.


(5) Oral hearing. The complaint should designate whether an oral hearing is requested and the desired place for any oral hearing. The presiding officer will determine whether an oral hearing is necessary.


(6) Filing fee. The complaint must be accompanied by remittance of a $387 filing fee.


(7) A complaint is deemed filed on the date it is received by the Commission.


(b) Answer to a complaint. (1) Time for filing. A respondent must file with the Commission an answer to the complaint and must serve the answer on complainant as provided in subpart H of this part within 25 days after the date of service of the complaint by the Commission or the Complainant unless this period has been extended under § 502.67 or § 502.102, or reduced under § 502.103, or unless motion is filed to withdraw or dismiss the complaint, in which latter case, answer must be filed within 10 days after service of an order denying such motion. For good cause shown, the presiding officer may extend the time for filing an answer.


(2) Contents of answer. The answer must be verified and must contain the following:


(i) The name, address, and email address of each respondent, and the name, address, and email address of each respondent’s attorney or representative;


(ii) Admission or denial of each alleged violation of the Shipping Act;


(iii) A clear and concise statement of each ground of defense and specific admission, denial, or explanation of facts alleged in the complaint, or, if respondent is without knowledge or information thereof, a statement to that effect; and


(iv) Any affirmative defenses, including allegations of any additional facts on which the affirmative defenses are based.


(3) Oral hearing. The answer should designate whether an oral hearing is requested and the desired place for such hearing. The presiding officer will determine whether an oral hearing is necessary.


(4) Counterclaims, crossclaims, and third-party complaints. In addition to filing an answer to a complaint, a respondent may include in the answer a counterclaim against the complainant, a crossclaim against another respondent, or a third-party complaint. A counterclaim, a crossclaim, or a third-party complaint must allege and be limited to violations of the Shipping Act within the jurisdiction of the Commission. The service and filing of a counterclaim, a crossclaim, or a third-party complaint and answers or replies thereto are governed by the rules and requirements of this section for the filing of complaints and answers.


(5) A reply to an answer may not be filed unless ordered by the presiding officer.


(6) Effect of failure to file answer. (i) Failure of a party to file an answer to a complaint, counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party complaint within the time provided will be deemed to constitute a waiver of that party’s right to appear and contest the allegations of the complaint, counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party complaint to which it has not filed an answer and to authorize the presiding officer to enter an initial decision on default as provide for in 46 CFR 502.65. Well pleaded factual allegations in the complaint not answered or addressed will be deemed to be admitted.


(ii) A party may make a motion for initial decision on default. [Rule 62.]


[77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012; 77 FR 64758, Oct. 23, 2012, as amended at 80 FR 14319, Mar. 19, 2015; 81 FR 59143, Aug. 29, 2016; 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 85 FR 72577, Nov. 13, 2020; 88 FR 16897, Mar. 21, 2023]


§ 502.63 Commission enforcement action.

(a) The Commission may issue an Order of Investigation and Hearing commencing an adjudicatory investigation against one or more respondents alleging one or more violations of the statutes that it administers. Prior to recommending the issuance of an Order of Investigation and Hearing, BEIC will provide a respondent with notice of BEIC’s intent and provide the respondent with the opportunity to make a written submission within 15 days for consideration by the Commission.


(b) Contents of Order of Investigation and Hearing. The Order of Investigation and Hearing must contain the following:


(1) The name, street address, and, if known, email address of each person against whom violations are alleged;


(2) A recitation of the legal authority and jurisdiction for institution of the proceeding, with specific designation of the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated;


(3) A clear and concise factual statement sufficient to inform each respondent with reasonable definiteness of the acts and practices alleged to be in violation of the law;


(4) Notice of penalties, cease and desist order, or other affirmative action sought; and


(5) Notice of the requirement to file an answer and a statement of the consequences of failure to file an answer.


(c) Answer to Order of Investigation and Hearing. (1) Time for filing. A respondent must file with the Commission an answer to the Order of Investigation and Hearing and serve a copy of the answer on the Bureau of Enforcement within 25 days after being served with the Order of Investigation and Hearing unless this period has been extended under § 502.67 or § 502.102, or reduced under § 502.103, or unless motion is filed to withdraw or dismiss the Order of Investigation and Hearing, in which latter case, answer must be filed within 10 days after service of an order denying such motion. For good cause shown, the presiding officer may extend the time for filing an answer.


(2) Contents of answer. The answer must be verified and must contain the following:


(i) The name, address, and email address of each respondent, and the name, address, and email address of each respondent’s attorney or representative;


(ii) Admission or denial of each alleged violation of the Shipping Act;


(iii) A clear and concise statement of each ground of defense and specific admission, denial, or explanation of facts alleged in the complaint, or, if respondent is without knowledge or information thereof, a statement to that effect; and


(iv) Any affirmative defenses, including allegations of any additional facts on which the affirmative defenses are based.


(3) Oral hearing. The answer must indicate whether an oral hearing is requested and the desired place for such hearing. The presiding officer will determine whether an oral hearing is necessary.


(4) Effect of failure to file answer. (i) Failure of a respondent to file an answer to an Order of Investigation and Hearing within the time provided will be deemed to constitute a waiver of the respondent’s right to appear and contest the allegations in the Order of Investigation and Hearing and to authorize the presiding officer to enter a decision on default as provided for in 46 CFR 502.65. Well pleaded factual allegations in the Order of Investigation and Hearing not answered or addressed will be deemed to be admitted.


(ii) The Bureau of Enforcement may make a motion for decision on default.


(d) Informal enforcement process. (1) BEIC may issue a Notice of Violations (NOV) to provide the person or persons with notice of the alleged violations and provide the opportunity for informal resolution of such claims pursuant to the procedures in § 502.604. [Rule 63.]


(i) The Bureau of Enforcement has made a preliminary determination to recommend that the Commission initiate enforcement action against them;


(ii) Identifies the specific violations that the Bureau of Enforcement has preliminarily determined to include in the recommendation; and


(iii) Provides notice that the person may make a written submission to the Bureau of Enforcement concerning the proposed recommendation, including the deadline for the submission and any other relevant information (e.g., how and where to send such statements).


(2) Persons notified of such investigations may submit a written statement to the Bureau of Enforcement setting forth their interests and positions regarding the subject matter of the investigation.


(3) The Bureau of Enforcement will consider any written statements submitted under paragraph (d)(2) of this section when making recommendations to the Commission and will attach such written statements to the Bureau’s recommendations. [Rule 63.]


[77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012, as amended at 84 FR 54040, Oct. 9, 2019; 88 FR 23363, Apr. 17, 2023]


§ 502.64 Alternative dispute resolution.

(a) Mandatory preliminary conference. (1) Participation. Subsequent to service of a Complaint, parties must participate in a preliminary conference with the Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) as to whether the matter may be resolved through mediation. The preliminary conference may be conducted either in person or via telephone, video conference, or other forum.


(2) Timing. Within fifteen (15) days of the filing of an answer, the parties must contact the Director of CADRS to schedule the preliminary conference. The Director of CADRS or his/her designees will conduct the preliminary conference and may confer with each party separately at any time.


(b) Continued availability of dispute resolution services to resolve procedural and other disputes. Pursuant to subpart U of this part, the parties mutually may agree, at any time prior to the termination of a Commission proceeding, to initiate or reopen a mediation proceeding to explore resolution of procedural or substantive issues.


(c) Proceeding not stayed during dispute resolution process. Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, a mediation proceeding does not stay or delay the procedural time requirements set forth by rule or order of the presiding officer.


(d) Confidentiality. The preliminary conference will be confidential. [Rule 64.]


§ 502.65 Decision on default.

(a) A party to a proceeding may be deemed to be in default if that party fails:


(1) To appear, in person or through a representative, at a hearing or conference of which that party has been notified;


(2) To answer, to respond to a dispositive motion within the time provided, or otherwise to defend the proceeding; or


(3) To cure a deficient filing within the time specified by the Commission or the presiding officer.


(b) When a party is found to be in default, the Commission or the presiding officer may issue a decision on default upon consideration of the record, including the complaint or Order of Investigation and Hearing.


(c) The presiding officer may require additional information or clarification when needed to issue a decision on default, including a determination of the amount of reparations or civil penalties where applicable.


(d) A respondent who has defaulted may file with the Commission a petition to set aside a decision on default. Such a petition must be made within 22 days of the service date of the decision, state in detail the reasons for failure to appear or defend, and specify the nature of the proposed defense. In order to prevent injustice, the Commission may for good cause shown set aside a decision on default. [Rule 65.]


§ 502.66 Amendments or supplements to pleadings.

(a) Amendments or supplements to any pleading (complaint, Order of Investigation and Hearing, counterclaim, crossclaim, third-party complaint, and answers thereto) will be permitted or rejected, either in the discretion of the Commission or presiding officer. No amendment will be allowed that would broaden the issues, without opportunity to reply to such amended pleading and to prepare for the broadened issues. The presiding officer may direct a party to state its case more fully and in more detail by way of amendment.


(b) A response to an amended pleading must be filed and served in conformity with the requirements of subpart H and § 502.69 of this part, unless the Commission or the presiding officer directs otherwise. Amendments or supplements allowed prior to hearing will be served in the same manner as the original pleading, except that the presiding officer may authorize the service of amended complaints directly by the parties rather than by the Secretary of the Commission.


(c) Whenever by the rules in this part a pleading is required to be verified, the amendment or supplement must also be verified. [Rule 66.]


§ 502.67 Motion for more definite statement.

If a pleading (including a complaint, counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party complaint filed pursuant to § 502.62) to which a responsive pleading is permitted is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably prepare a response, the party may move for a more definite statement before filing a responsive pleading. The motion must be filed within 15 days of the pleading and must point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the motion is granted and the order of the presiding officer is not obeyed within 10 days after service of the order or within such time as the presiding officer sets, the presiding officer may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or issue any other appropriate order. If the motion is denied, the time for responding to the pleading must be extended to a date 10 days after service of the notice of denial. [Rule 67.]


§ 502.68 Motion for leave to intervene.

(a) Filing. A motion for leave to intervene may be filed in any proceeding.


(b) Procedure for intervention. (1) Upon request, the Commission will furnish a service list to any member of the public pursuant to part 503 of this chapter.


(2) The motion must:


(i) Comply with all applicable provisions of subpart A of this part;


(ii) Indicate the type of intervention sought;


(iii) Describe the interest and position of the person seeking intervention, and address the grounds for intervention set forth in paragraph (c) of this section;


(iv) Describe the nature and extent of its proposed participation, including the use of discovery, presentation of evidence, and examination of witnesses;


(v) State the basis for affirmative relief, if affirmative relief is sought; and


(vi) Be served on existing parties by the person seeking intervention pursuant to subpart H of this part.


(3) A response to a motion to intervene must be served and filed within 15 days after the date of service of the motion.


(c)(1) Intervention of right. The presiding officer or Commission must permit anyone to intervene who claims an interest relating to the property or transaction that is subject of the proceeding, and is so situated that disposition of the proceeding may as a practical matter impair or impede the ability of such person to protect its interest, unless existing parties adequately represent that interest.


(2) Permissive intervention. (i) In general. The presiding officer or Commission may permit anyone to intervene who shows that a common issue of law or fact exists between such person’s interest and the subject matter of the proceeding; that intervention would not unduly delay or broaden the scope of the proceeding, prejudice the adjudication of the rights, or be duplicative of the positions of any existing party; and that such person’s participation may reasonably be expected to assist in the development of a sound record.


(ii) By a government department, agency, or the Commission’s Bureau of Enforcement. The presiding officer or Commission may permit intervention by a Federal or State government department or agency or the Commission’s Bureau of Enforcement upon a showing that its expertise is relevant to one or more issues involved in the proceeding and may assist in the consideration of those issues.


(3) The timeliness of the motion will also be considered in determining whether a motion will be granted under paragraph (b)(2) of this section and should be filed no later than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register of the Commission’s order instituting the proceeding or the notice of the filing of the complaint. Motions filed after that date must show good cause for the failure to file within the 30-day period.


(d) Use of discovery by an intervenor. (1) Absent good cause shown, an intervenor desiring to utilize the discovery procedures provided in subpart L must commence doing so no more than 15 days after its motion for leave to intervene has been granted.


(2) The Commission or presiding officer may impose reasonable limitations on an intervenor’s participation in order to:


(i) Restrict irrelevant or duplicative discovery, evidence, or argument;


(ii) Have common interests represented by a spokesperson; and


(iii) Retain authority to determine priorities and control the course of the proceeding.


(3) The use of discovery procedures by an intervenor whose motion was filed more than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register of the Commission’s order instituting the proceeding or the notice of the filing of the complaint will not be allowed if the presiding officer determines that the use of the discovery by the intervenor will unduly delay the proceeding. [Rule 68.]


§ 502.69 Motions.

(a) In any adjudication, an application or request for an order or ruling not otherwise specifically provided for in this part must be by motion. After the assignment of a presiding officer to a proceeding and before the issuance of his or her recommended or initial decision, all motions must be addressed to and ruled upon by the presiding officer unless the subject matter of the motion is beyond his or her authority, in which event the matter must be referred to the Commission. If the proceeding is not before the presiding officer, motions must be designated as petitions and must be addressed to and ruled upon by the Commission.


(b) Motions must be in writing, except that a motion made at a hearing may be sufficient if stated orally upon the record.


(c) Oral argument upon a written motion may be permitted at the discretion of the presiding officer or the Commission.


(d) A repetitious motion will not be entertained.


(e) All written motions must state clearly and concisely the purpose of and the relief sought by the motion, the statutory or principal authority relied upon, and the facts claimed to constitute the grounds supporting the relief requested; and must conform with the requirements of subpart H of this part.


(f) Any party may file and serve a response to any written motion, pleading, petition, application, etc., permitted under this part except as otherwise provided respecting answers (§ 502.62), briefs (§ 502.214), exceptions (§ 502.227), and reply to petitions for attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (§ 502.503(b)(1)).


(g) Dispositive and non-dispositive motions defined. For the purpose of these rules, dispositive motion means a motion for decision on the pleadings; motion for summary decision or partial summary decision; motion to dismiss all or part of a proceeding or party to a proceeding; motion for involuntary dismissal; motion for initial decision on default; or any other motion for a final determination of all or part of a proceeding. All other motions, including all motions related to discovery, are non-dispositive motions. [Rule 69.]


[77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012, as amended at 81 FR 93835, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.70 Procedure for dispositive motions.

(a) A dispositive motion as defined in § 502.69(g) of this subpart must include a concise statement of the legal basis of the motion with citation to legal authority and a statement of material facts with exhibits as appropriate.


(b) A response to a dispositive motion must be served and filed within 15 days after the date of service of the motion. The response must include a concise statement of the legal basis of the response with citation to legal authority and specific responses to any statements of material facts with exhibits as appropriate.


(c) A reply to the response to a dispositive motion may be filed within 7 days after the date of service of the response to the motion. A reply may not raise new grounds for relief or present matters that do not relate to the response and must not reargue points made in the opening motion.


(d) The non-moving party may not file any further reply unless requested by the Commission or presiding officer, or upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances.


(e) Page limits. Neither the motion nor the response may exceed 30 pages, excluding exhibits or appendices, without leave of the presiding officer. A reply may not exceed 15 pages. [Rule 70.]


§ 502.71 Procedure for non-dispositive motions.

(a) Duty to confer. Before filing a non-dispositive motion as defined in § 502.69(g) of this subpart, the parties must attempt to discuss the anticipated motion with each other in a good faith effort to determine whether there is any opposition to the relief sought and, if there is opposition, to narrow the areas of disagreement. The moving party must state within the body of the motion what attempt was made or that the discussion occurred and whether the motion is opposed.


(b) Response to a non-dispositive motion. A response to a non-dispositive motion must be served and filed within 7 days after the date of service of the motion.


(c) Response replies. The moving party may not file a reply to a response to a non-dispositive motion unless requested by the Commission or presiding officer, or upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances.


(d) Page limits. Neither the motion nor the response may exceed 10 pages, excluding exhibits or appendices, without leave of the presiding officer. [Rule 71.]


§ 502.72 Dismissals.

(a) Voluntary dismissal. (1) By the complainant. When no settlement agreement is involved, the complainant may dismiss an action without an order from the presiding officer by filing a notice of dismissal before the opposing party serves either an answer, a motion to dismiss, or a motion for summary decision. Unless the notice or stipulation states otherwise, the dismissal is without prejudice.


(2) By stipulation of the parties. The parties may dismiss an action at any point without an order from the presiding officer by filing a stipulation of dismissal signed by all parties who have appeared. In the stipulation the parties must certify that no settlement on the merits was reached. Unless the stipulation states otherwise, the dismissal is without prejudice.


(3) By order of the presiding officer. Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section, an action may be dismissed at the complainant’s request only by order of the presiding officer, on terms the presiding officer considers proper. If the motion is based on a settlement by the parties, the settlement agreement must be submitted with the motion for determination as to whether the settlement appears to violate any law or policy and to ensure the settlement is free of fraud, duress, undue influence, mistake, or other defects which might make it unapprovable. Unless the order states otherwise, a dismissal under this paragraph is without prejudice.


(b) Involuntary dismissal; effect. If the complainant fails to prosecute or to comply with these rules or an order in the proceeding, a respondent may move to dismiss the action or any claim against it, or the presiding officer, after notice to the parties, may dismiss the proceeding on its own motion. Unless the dismissal order states otherwise, a dismissal under this subpart, except one for lack of jurisdiction or failure to join a party, operates as an adjudication on the merits.


(c) Dismissing a counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party claim. This rule applies to dismissals of any counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party claim.


[79 FR 76902, Dec. 23, 2014]


§ 502.73 Brief of an amicus curiae.

(a) A brief of an amicus curiae may be filed only by leave of the Commission or the presiding officer granted on motion with notice to the parties, or at the request of the Commission or the presiding officer, except that leave must not be required when the brief is presented by the United States or any agency or officer of the United States. The brief may be conditionally filed with the motion for leave. A brief of an amicus curiae must be limited to questions of law or policy.


(b) A motion for leave to file an amicus brief must identify the interest of the applicant and must state the reasons why such a brief is desirable.


(c) Except as otherwise permitted by the Commission or the presiding officer, an amicus curiae must file its brief no later than 7 days after the initial brief of the party it supports is received at the Commission. An amicus curiae that is not supporting either party must file its brief no later than 7 days after the initial brief of the first party filing a brief is received at the Commission. The Commission or the presiding officer must grant leave for a later filing only for cause shown, in which event the period within which an opposing party may answer must be specified.


(d) A motion of an amicus curiae to participate in oral argument will be granted only in accordance with the requirements of § 502.241. [Rule 78.]


[77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.74 Consolidation of proceedings.

The Commission or the Chief Administrative Law Judge (or designee) may order two or more proceedings which involve substantially the same issues consolidated and heard together.


[78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.75 Opportunity for informal settlement.

(a) Parties are encouraged to make use of all the procedures of this part that are designed to simplify or avoid formal litigation, and to assist the parties in reaching settlements whenever it appears that a particular procedure would be helpful.


(b) Where time, the nature of the proceeding, and the public interest permit, all interested parties will have the opportunity for the submission and consideration of facts, argument, offers of settlement, or proposal of adjustment, without prejudice to the rights of the parties.


(c) No settlement offer, or proposal will be admissible in evidence over the objection of any party in any hearing on the matter.


(d) As soon as practicable after the commencement of any proceeding, the presiding officer will direct the parties or their representatives to consider the use of alternative dispute resolution, including but not limited to mediation, and may direct the parties or their representatives to consult with the Federal Maritime Commission Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist about the feasibility of alternative dispute resolution.


(e) Any party may request that a mediator or other neutral be appointed to assist the parties in reaching a settlement. If such a request or suggestion is made and is not opposed, the presiding officer will appoint a mediator or other neutral who is acceptable to all parties, coordinating with the Federal Maritime Commission Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist. The mediator or other neutral will convene and conduct one or more mediation or other sessions with the parties and will inform the presiding officer, within the time prescribed by the presiding officer, whether the dispute resolution proceeding resulted in a resolution or not, and may make recommendations as to future proceedings. If settlement is reached, it will be submitted to the presiding officer who will issue an appropriate decision or ruling. All such dispute resolution proceedings are subject to the provisions of subpart U of this part.


(f) Any party may request that a settlement judge be appointed to assist the parties in reaching a settlement. If such a request or suggestion is made and is not opposed, the presiding officer will advise the Chief Administrative Law Judge who may appoint a settlement judge who is acceptable to all parties. The settlement judge will convene and preside over conferences and settlement negotiations and will report to the presiding officer within the time prescribed by the Chief Administrative Law Judge, on the results of settlement discussions with appropriate recommendations as to future proceedings. If settlement is reached, it must be submitted to the presiding officer who will issue an appropriate decision or ruling. [Rule 75.]


[81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


Subpart F—Petitions, Exemptions, and Orders to Show Cause

§ 502.91 Order to show cause.

The Commission may institute a proceeding by order to show cause. The order will be served upon all persons named therein, will include the information specified in § 502.221, will require the person named therein to answer, and may require such person to appear at a specified time and place and present evidence upon the matters specified. [Rule 91.]


[81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.92 Exemption procedures—general.

(a) Authority. The Commission, upon application or on its own motion, may by order or regulation exempt for the future any class of agreements between persons subject to the Shipping Act of 1984 or any specified activity of those persons from any requirement of the Act if the Commission finds that the exemption will not result in substantial reduction in competition or be detrimental to commerce. The Commission may attach conditions to any exemption and may, by order, revoke any exemption.


(b) Application for exemption. Any person may petition the Commission for an exemption or revocation of an exemption of any class of agreements or an individual agreement or any specified activity pursuant to section 16 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40103). A petition for exemption must state the particular requirement of the Shipping Act of 1984 for which exemption is sought. The petition must also include a statement of the reasons why an exemption should be granted or revoked, must provide information relevant to any finding required by the Act and must comply with § 502.76. Where a petition for exemption of an individual agreement is made, the application must include a copy of the agreement. Unless a petition specifically requests an exemption by regulation, the Commission must evaluate the petition as a request for an exemption by order.


(c) Participation by interested persons. No order or regulation of exemption or revocation of exemption may be issued unless opportunity for hearing has been afforded interested persons and departments and agencies of the United States.


(d) Federal Register notice. Notice of any proposed exemption or revocation of exemption, whether upon petition or the Commission’s own motion, must be published in the Federal Register. The notice must include when applicable:


(1) A short title for the proposed exemption or the title of the existing exemption;


(2) The identity of the party proposing the exemption or seeking revocation;


(3) A concise summary of the agreement or class of agreements or specified activity for which exemption is sought, or the exemption which is to be revoked;


(4) A statement that the petition and any accompanying information are available for inspection in the Commission’s offices in Washington, DC; and


(5) The final date for filing comments regarding the proposal. [Rule 74.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.93 Declaratory orders and fee.

(a)(1) The Commission may, in its discretion, issue a declaratory order to terminate a controversy or to remove uncertainty.


(2) Petitions for the issuance thereof must: state clearly and concisely the controversy or uncertainty; name the persons and cite the statutory authority involved; include a complete statement of the facts and grounds prompting the petition, together with full disclosure of petitioner’s interest; be served upon all parties named therein; and conform to the requirements of subpart H of this part.


(3) Petitions must be accompanied by remittance of a $450 filing fee.


(b) Petitions under this section must be limited to matters involving conduct or activity regulated by the Commission under statutes administered by the Commission. The procedures of this section must be invoked solely for the purpose of obtaining declaratory rulings which will allow persons to act without peril upon their own view. Controversies involving an allegation of violation by another person of statutes administered by the Commission, for which coercive rulings such as payment of reparation or cease and desist orders are sought, are not proper subjects of petitions under this section. Such matters must be adjudicated either by filing of a complaint under section 11 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)) and § 502.62, or by filing of a petition for investigation under § 502.76.


(c) Petitions under this section must be accompanied by the complete factual and legal presentation of petitioner as to the desired resolution of the controversy or uncertainty, or a detailed explanation why such can only be developed through discovery or evidentiary hearing.


(d) Responses to the petition must contain the complete factual and legal presentation of the responding party as to the desired resolution, or a detailed explanation why such can only be developed through discovery or evidentiary hearing. Responses must conform to the requirements of § 502.69 and must be served pursuant to subpart H of this part.


(e) No additional submissions will be permitted unless ordered or requested by the Commission or the presiding officer. If discovery or evidentiary hearing on the petition is deemed necessary by the parties, such must be requested in the petition or responses. Requests must state in detail the facts to be developed, their relevance to the issues, and why discovery or hearing procedures are necessary to develop such facts.


(f)(1) A notice of filing of any petition which meets the requirements of this section must be published in the Federal Register. The notice will indicate the time for filing of responses to the petition. If the controversy or uncertainty is one of general public interest, and not limited to specifically named persons, opportunity for response will be given to all interested persons including the Commission’s Bureau of Enforcement.


(2) In the case of petitions involving a matter limited to specifically named persons, participation by persons not named therein will be permitted only upon grant of intervention by the Commission pursuant to § 502.68.


(3) Petitions for leave to intervene must be submitted on or before the response date and must be accompanied by intervenor’s complete response including its factual and legal presentation in the matter.


(g) Petitions for declaratory order which conform to the requirements of this section will be referred to a formal docket. Referral to a formal docket is not to be construed as the exercise by the Commission of its discretion to issue an order on the merits of the petition. [Rule 75.]


[77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012, as amended at 81 FR 59143, Aug. 29, 2016. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016, as amended at 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 85 FR 72578, Nov. 13, 2020; 88 FR 16897, Mar. 21, 2023]


§ 502.94 Petitions—general and fee.

(a) Except when submitted in connection with a formal proceeding, all claims for relief or other affirmative action by the Commission, including appeals from Commission staff action, except as otherwise provided in this part, must be by written petition, which must state clearly and concisely the petitioner’s grounds of interest in the subject matter, the facts relied upon and the relief sought, must cite by appropriate reference the statutory provisions or other authority relied upon for relief, must be served upon all parties named therein, and must conform otherwise to the requirements of subpart H of this part. Responses thereto must conform to the requirements of § 502.67.


(b) Petitions must be accompanied by remittance of a $450 filing fee. [Rule 94.]


[77 FR 61524, Oct. 10, 2012, as amended at 81 FR 59143, Aug. 29, 2016. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016, as amended at 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 85 FR 72578, Nov. 13, 2020; 88 FR 16897, Mar. 21, 2023]


§ 502.95 Proceedings involving assessment agreements.

(a) In complaint proceedings involving assessment agreements filed under section 5(e) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40301(e), 40305), the Notice of Filing of Complaint and Assignment will specify a date before which the initial decision will be issued, which date will not be more than eight months from the date the complaint was filed.


(b) Any party to a proceeding conducted under this section who desires to utilize the prehearing discovery procedures provided by subpart L of this part must commence doing so at the time it files its initial pleading, i.e., complaint, answer, or petition for leave to intervene. Discovery matters accompanying complaints must be filed with the Secretary of the Commission for service pursuant to § 502.113. Answers or objections to discovery requests must be subject to the normal provisions set forth in subpart L.


(c) Exceptions to the decision of the presiding officer, filed pursuant to § 502.227, must be filed and served no later than 15 days after date of service of the initial decision. Replies thereto must be filed and served no later than 15 days after date of service of exceptions. In the absence of exceptions, the decision of the presiding officer must be final within 30 days from the date of service, unless within that period, a determination to review is made in accordance with the procedures outlined in § 502.227. [Rule 77.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


Subpart G—Time


Source:80 FR 57306, Sept. 23, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

§ 502.101 Computation.

In computing any time period prescribed or allowed under the rules in this part, the period begins on the day following the act, event, or default that triggers the period and includes the last day of the time period. If the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the time period continues to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. If the presiding officer prescribes or allows an act, event, or default by reference to a specific date, that date shall govern. If the Commission’s offices are inaccessible on the last day for a filing, the time for filing is extended to the first accessible day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. [Rule101]


§ 502.102 Enlargement or reduction of time to file documents.

(a) Motions for enlargement or reduction of time for the filing of any pleading or other document, or in connection with the procedures of subpart L of this part, may be granted upon a showing of good cause. Motions must set forth the reasons for the request and be received at least seven (7) days before the scheduled filing date. Motions filed less than seven (7) days before the scheduled filing date may be considered where reasonable grounds are found for the failure to meet this requirement.


(b) Motions submitted after the scheduled filing date will be considered a request to accept late filing and must be accompanied by the document. These motions will only be considered when exceptional circumstances are shown or as justice may require.


(c) Motions and responses to motions filed under this section are subject to the requirements of §§ 502.69 and 502.71, except that responses to motions must be served and filed within five (5) days after the date of service of the motion. [Rule 102.]


§ 502.103 [Reserved]

§ 502.104 Postponement of hearing.

(a) Motions for postponement of any hearing date may be granted upon a showing of good cause. Motions must set forth the reasons for the request and be received at least seven (7) days before the scheduled hearing date. Motions filed less than seven (7) days before the scheduled hearing date may be considered where reasonable grounds are found for the failure to meet this requirement.


(b) Motions and responses filed under this section are subject to the requirements of §§ 502.69 and 502.71, except that responses to motions must be served and filed within five (5) days after the date or service of the motion. [Rule 104.]


§ 502.105 Waiver of rules governing enlargement of time and postponement of hearings.

Except as otherwise provided by law the presiding officer, for good cause, may reduce or enlarge any time limit prescribed in the rules of this Part, may waive the requirements of §§ 502.102 and 502.104 for replies, and may rule ex parte on requests submitted under those rules. [Rule 105.]


Subpart H—Service of Documents

§§ 502.111-502.112 [Reserved]

§ 502.113 Service of private party complaints.

(a) Complaints filed pursuant to § 502.62, amendments to complaints (unless otherwise authorized by the presiding officer pursuant to § 502.66(b)), small claims complaints filed pursuant to § 502.304, and Complainant’s memoranda filed in shortened procedure cases pursuant to § 502.182, will be served by the Secretary of the Commission.


(b) The Secretary will serve the complaint using first class mail or express mail service at the Respondent’s address provided by the Complainant. If the complaint cannot be delivered, for example if the complaint is returned as undeliverable or not accepted for delivery, the Secretary will notify the Complainant.


(c) Alternative service by Complainant. The Complainant may serve the Complaint at any time after it has been filed with the Commission. If Complainant serves the complaint, an affidavit setting forth the method, time and place of service must be filed with the Secretary within five days following service.


(d) The presiding officer may dismiss a complaint that has not been served within thirty (30) days after the complaint was filed. [Rule 113.]


[80 FR 14319, Mar. 19, 2015]


§ 502.114 Serving documents in Commission proceedings.

(a) Except where a different method of service is specifically required by the rules in this Part, all pleadings, documents and papers of every kind (except requests for subpoenas under § 502.131, documents served by the Commission under § 502.113, and documents submitted at a hearing or prehearing conference) in proceedings before the Commission, when delivered to the Commission or the presiding officer for filing, must show that service has been made upon all parties to the proceeding and upon any other persons required to be served by the rules in this Part. Such service must be made by delivering one copy to each party; by email; in-person hand delivery; or United States mail service, and be properly addressed with postage prepaid; by courier; or by facsimile. Service should be made in the same manner in which any pleading or document is filed with the Commission. For example, if a pleading is filed by email pursuant to § 502.2(f)(3), service should also be made by email.


(b) When a party has appeared by attorney or other representative, service upon each attorney or other representative of record will be deemed service upon the party, except that, if two or more attorneys of record are partners or associates of the same firm, only one of them need be served.


[80 FR 57306, Sept. 23, 2015, as amended at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.115 Service in rulemaking and petition proceedings.

Service on all prior participants in a rulemaking or a petition proceeding must be shown when submitting comments or replies beyond the initial round, including those involving disposition of petitions for rulemaking (Rule 51), petitions for declaratory order (Rule 75), petitions general (Rule 76), notices of proposed rulemaking (Rule 52), proceedings under section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, (46 U.S.C. 42101) (Part 550), and proceedings under section 13(b)(6) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U. S.C. 41108(d)) (Part 560). A list of all participants may be obtained from the Secretary of the Commission.


[80 FR 57306, Sept. 23, 2015]


§ 502.116 Date of service.

The date of service of documents served by the Commission will be the date shown in the service stamp placed on the first page of the document. The date of service of documents served by parties will be the date when the document served is transmitted by email, deposited in the United States mail, delivered to a courier, or delivered in person. If service is made by more than one method, for example email and also U.S. mail service, the date of service will be the earlier of the two dates. In computing the time from such dates, the provisions of § 502.101 shall apply. [Rule 116.]


[80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015]


§ 502.117 Certificate of service.

The original of every document filed with the Commission and required to be served upon all parties to a proceeding shall be accompanied by a certificate of service signed by the party making service, stating that such service has been made upon each party to the proceeding. Certificates of service may be in substantially the following form:



Certificate of Service

I hereby certify that I have this day served the foregoing document upon [all parties of record or name of person(s)] by [mailing, delivering to courier or delivering in person] a copy to each such person.


Dated at, ______ this ______ day of ______ 19—.


(Signature)

(For)

[Rule 117.]

Subpart I—Subpoenas

§ 502.131 Requests; issuance.

Subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses or the production of evidence shall be issued upon request of any party, without notice to any other party. Requests for subpoenas must be submitted in writing to the Office of Administrative Law Judges. The party requesting the subpoena shall tender an original and one copy of such subpoena. Where it appears that the subpoena sought may be unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, the administrative law judge may in his or her discretion, as a condition precedent to the issuance of the subpoena, require the person seeking the subpoena to show the general relevance and reasonable scope of the testimony or other evidence sought. [Rule 131.]


[76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.132 Motions to quash or modify.

(a) Except when issued at a hearing, or in connection with the taking of a deposition, within ten (10) days after service of a subpoena for attendance of a witness or a subpoena for production of evidence, but in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance therewith, the person to whom the subpoena is directed may, by motion with notice to the party requesting the subpoena, petition the presiding officer to quash or modify the subpoena.


(b) If served at the hearing, the person to whom the subpoena is directed may, by oral application at the hearing, within a reasonable time fixed by the presiding officer, petition the presiding officer to revoke or modify the subpoena.


(c) If served in connection with the taking of a deposition pursuant to § 502.143 unless otherwise agreed to by all parties or otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, the party who has requested the subpoena shall arrange that it be served at least twenty (20) days prior to the date specified in the subpoena for compliance therewith, the person to whom the subpoena is directed may move to quash or modify the subpoena within ten (10) days after service of the subpoena, and a reply to such motion shall be served within seven (7) days thereafter. [Rule 132.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011; 80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015; 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.133 Attendance and mileage fees.

Witnesses summoned by subpoena to a hearing or deposition are entitled to the same fees and mileage that are paid to witnesses in courts of the United States. Fees and mileage shall be paid, upon request, by the party at whose instance the witness appears. [Rule 133.]


[64 FR 7809, Feb. 17, 1999, as amended at 76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.134 Service of subpoenas.

If service of a subpoena is made by a United States marshal, or his or her deputy, or an employee of the Commission, such service shall be evidenced by his or her return thereon. If made by any other person, such person shall make affidavit thereto, describing the manner in which service is made, and return such affidavit on or with the original subpoena. In case of failure to make service, the reasons for the failure shall be stated on the original subpoena. In making service, the original subpoena shall be exhibited to the person served, shall be read to him or her if he or she is unable to read, and a copy thereof shall be left with him or her. The original subpoena, bearing or accompanied by required return, affidavit, or statement, shall be returned without delay to the Commission, or if so directed on the subpoena, to the presiding officer before whom the person named in the subpoena is required to appear. [Rule 134.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.135 Subpoena of Commission staff personnel, documents or things.

(a) A subpoena for the attendance of Commission staff personnel or for the production of documentary materials in the possession of the Commission shall be served upon the Secretary. If the subpoena is returnable at hearing, a motion to quash may be filed within seven (7) days of service and attendance shall not be required until the presiding officer rules on said motion. If the subpoena is served in connection with prehearing depositions, the procedure to be followed with respect to motions to quash and replies thereto will correspond to the procedures established with respect to motions and replies in § 502.132(c).


(b) The General Counsel shall designate an attorney to represent any Commission staff personnel subpoenaed under this section. The attorney so designated shall not thereafter participate in the Commission’s decision-making process concerning any issue in the proceeding.


(c) Rulings of the presiding officer issued under § 502.135(a) shall become final rulings of the Commission unless an appeal is filed within ten (10) days after date of issuance of such rulings or unless the Commission, on its own motion, reverses, modifies, or stays such rulings within twenty (20) days of their issuance. Replies to appeals may be filed within ten (10) days. No ruling of the presiding officer shall be effective until twenty (20) days from date of issuance unless the Commission otherwise directs. [Rule 135.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011; 80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015]


§ 502.136 Enforcement.

In the event of failure to comply with any subpoena or order issued in connection therewith, the Commission may seek enforcement as provided in § 502.150(b). [Rule 136.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011; 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


Subpart J—Disclosures and Discovery

§ 502.141 Duty to disclose; general provisions governing discovery.

(a) Applicability. Unless otherwise stated in subpart S, T, or any other subpart of this part, the procedures described in this subpart are available in all adjudicatory proceedings under the Shipping Act of 1984.


(b) Initial disclosures. Except as otherwise stipulated or ordered by the Commission or presiding officer, and except as provided in this subpart related to disclosure of expert testimony, all parties must, within 7 days of service of a respondent’s answer to the complaint or Order of Investigation and Hearing and without awaiting a discovery request, provide to each other:


(1) The name and, if known, the address and telephone number of each individual likely to have discoverable information that the disclosing party may use to support its claims or defenses, unless the use would be solely for impeachment;


(2) A copy, or a description by category and location, of all documents, electronically stored information, and tangible things that the disclosing party has in its possession, custody, or control and may use to support its claims or defenses, unless the use would be solely for impeachment;


(3) An estimate of any damages claimed by the disclosing party who must also make available for inspection and copying the documents or other evidentiary material, unless privileged or protected from disclosure, on which the estimate is based, including materials bearing on the nature and extent of injuries suffered.


(c) For parties served or joined later. A party that is first served or otherwise joined after the answer is made must make the initial disclosures within seven (7) days after an order of intervention is granted, unless a different time is set by stipulation or order of presiding officer. All parties must also produce to the late-joined party any initial disclosures previously made.


(d) Disclosure of expert testimony. (1) In general. A party must disclose to the other parties the identity of any witness it may use in the proceeding to present evidence as an expert.


(2) Witnesses who are required to provide a written report. Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the presiding officer, if the witness is one retained or specially employed to provide expert testimony in the proceeding or one whose duties as the party’s employee regularly involve giving expert testimony, the disclosure must be accompanied by a written report, prepared and signed by the witness. The report must contain:


(i) A complete statement of all opinions the witness will express and the basis and reasons for them;


(ii) The facts or data considered by the witness in forming them;


(iii) Any exhibits that will be used to summarize or support them;


(iv) The witness’s qualifications, including a list of all publications authored in the previous 10 years;


(v) A list of all other proceedings or cases in which, during the previous 4 years, the witness testified as an expert in a trial, an administrative proceeding, or by deposition; and


(vi) A statement of the compensation to be paid for the study and testimony in the proceeding.


(3) Witnesses who are not required to provide a written report. Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the presiding officer, if the witness is not required to provide a written report under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the disclosure must state:


(i) The subject matter on which the witness is expected to present evidence as an expert; and


(ii) Summary of the facts and opinions to which the witness is expected to testify.


(4) Time to disclose expert testimony. The time for disclosure of expert testimony must be addressed by the parties when they confer as provided in paragraph (h) of this section and, if applicable, must be included in the proposed discovery schedule submitted to the presiding officer.


(e) Scope of discovery and limits. (1) Unless otherwise limited by the presiding officer, or as otherwise provided in this subpart, the scope of discovery is as follows: Parties may obtain discovery regarding any nonprivileged matter that is relevant to any party’s claim or defense—including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any documents or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons who know of any discoverable matter. For good cause, the presiding officer may order discovery of any matter relevant to the subject matter involved in the action. Relevant information need not be admissible at hearing if the discovery appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.


(2) Limitations on frequency and extent. (i) Specific limitations on electronically stored information. A party need not provide discovery of electronically stored information from sources that the party identifies as not reasonably accessible because of undue burden or cost. On motion to compel discovery or for a protective order, the party from whom discovery is sought must show that the information is not reasonably accessible because of undue burden or cost. If that showing is made, the presiding officer may nonetheless order discovery from such sources if the requesting party shows good cause. The presiding officer may specify conditions for the discovery.


(ii) When required. On motion or on its own, the presiding officer may limit the frequency or extent of discovery otherwise allowed by these rules if the presiding officer determines that:


(A) The discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, or can be obtained from some other source that is more convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive;


(B) The party seeking discovery has had ample opportunity to obtain the information by discovery in the action; or


(C) The burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit, considering the needs of the proceeding, the amount in controversy, the parties’ resources, the importance of the issues at stake in the action, and the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues.


(f) Scope of discovery and limits—experts. (1) A party may depose any person who has been identified as an expert whose opinions may be presented in a proceeding. If a report is required of the witness, the deposition may be conducted only after the report is provided.


(2) Drafts of any report or disclosure required by these rules are not discoverable regardless of the form in which the draft is recorded.


(3) Communications between the party’s attorney and any expert witness required to provide a report are not discoverable regardless of the form of communications, except to the extent that the communications relate to compensation for the expert’s study or testimony; identify facts or data that the party’s attorney provided and that the expert considered in forming the opinions to be expressed; or identify assumptions that the party’s attorney provided and that the expert relied on in forming the opinions to be expressed.


(4) A party may not by interrogatories or deposition discover facts known or opinions held by an expert who has been retained or specially employed by another party in anticipation of litigation or to prepare for a proceeding and who is not expected to be presented as a witness; provided, however, that the presiding officer may permit such discovery and may impose such conditions as deemed appropriate upon a showing of exceptional circumstances under which it is impracticable for the party to obtain facts or opinions on the same subject by other means.


(g) Completion of discovery. Discovery must be completed within 150 days of the service of a respondent’s answer to the complaint or Order of Investigation and Hearing.


(h) Duty of the parties to confer. In all proceedings in which the procedures of this subpart are used, it is the duty of the parties to confer within 15 days after receipt of a respondent’s answer to a complaint or Order of Investigation and Hearing in order to: establish a schedule for the completion of discovery, including disclosures and discovery related to experts, within the 150-day period prescribed in paragraph (g) of this section; resolve to the fullest extent possible disputes relating to discovery matters; and expedite, limit, or eliminate discovery by use of admissions, stipulations and other techniques. The parties must submit the schedule to the presiding officer not later than 5 days after the conference. Nothing in this rule should be construed to preclude the parties from conducting discovery and conferring at an earlier date.


(i)(1) Conferences by order of the presiding officer. The presiding officer may at any time order the parties or their attorneys to participate in a conference at which the presiding officer may direct the proper use of the procedures of this subpart or make such orders as may be necessary to resolve disputes with respect to discovery and to prevent delay or undue inconvenience.


(2) Resolution of disputes. After making every reasonable effort to resolve discovery disputes, a party may request a conference or rulings from the presiding officer on such disputes. If necessary to prevent undue delay or otherwise facilitate conclusion of the proceeding, the presiding officer may order a hearing to commence before the completion of discovery.


(j) Protective orders. (1) In general. A party or any person from whom discovery is sought may move for a protective order. The motion must include a certification that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with other affected parties in an effort to resolve the dispute without Commission or presiding officer action. The Commission or presiding officer may, for good cause, issue an order to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:


(i) Forbidding the disclosure or discovery;


(ii) Specifying terms, including time and place, for the disclosure or discovery;


(iii) Prescribing a discovery method other than the one selected by the party seeking discovery;


(iv) Forbidding inquiry into certain matters, or limiting the scope of disclosure or discovery to certain matters;


(v) Designating the persons who may be present while the discovery is conducted;


(vi) Requiring that a deposition be sealed and opened only on Commission or presiding officer order;


(vii) Requiring that a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a specified way; or


(viii) Requiring that the parties simultaneously file specified documents or information in sealed envelopes, to be opened as the Commission or presiding officer directs.


(2) Ordering discovery. If a motion for a protective order is denied in whole or in part, the Commission or presiding officer may, on just terms, order that any party or person provide or permit discovery.


(k) Supplementing responses. A party who has made a disclosure under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section, or who has responded to an interrogatory, request for production, or request for admission, must supplement or correct its disclosure or response:


(1) In a timely manner if the party learns that in some material respect the disclosure or response is incomplete or incorrect, and if the additional or corrective information has not otherwise been made known to the other parties during the discovery process or in written communication; or


(2) As ordered by the presiding officer.


(l) Stipulations. Unless the presiding officer orders otherwise, the parties may stipulate that other procedures governing or limiting discovery be modified, but a stipulation extending the time for any form of discovery must have presiding officer’s approval if it would interfere with the time set for completing discovery, for adjudicating a motion, or for hearing. [Rule 201.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 78 FR 45071, July 26, 2013; 80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.142 Persons before whom depositions may be taken.

(a) Within the United States. (1) In general. Within the United States or a territory or insular possession subject to United States jurisdiction, a deposition must be taken before:


(i) An officer authorized to administer oaths either by federal law or by the law in the place of examination; or


(ii) A person appointed by the Commission or the presiding officer to administer oaths and take testimony.


(b) In a foreign country. (1) In general. A deposition may be taken in a foreign country:


(i) Under an applicable treaty or convention;


(ii) under a letter of request, whether or not captioned a “letter rogatory”;


(iii) On notice, before a person authorized to administer oaths either by federal law or by the law in the place of examination; or


(iv) Before a person authorized by the Commission or the presiding officer to administer any necessary oath and take testimony.


(2) Issuing a letter of request or an authorization. A letter of request, an authorization, or both may be issued:


(i) On appropriate terms after an application and notice of it; and


(ii) Without a showing that taking the deposition in another manner is impracticable or inconvenient.


(3) Form of a request, notice, or authorization. When a letter of request or any other device is used according to a treaty or convention, it must be captioned in the form prescribed by that treaty or convention. A letter of request may be addressed “To the Appropriate Authority in [name of country].” A deposition notice or an authorization must designate by name or descriptive title the person before whom the deposition is to be taken.


(4) Letter of request—admitting evidence. Evidence obtained in response to a letter of request need not be excluded merely because it is not a verbatim transcript, because the testimony was not taken under oath, or because of any similar departure from the requirements for depositions taken within the United States.


(c) Disqualification. A deposition must not be taken before a person who is any party’s relative, employee, or attorney; who is related to or employed by any party’s attorney; or who is financially interested in the action. [Rule 202.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.143 Depositions by oral examination.

(a) When a deposition may be taken. (1) Without leave. A party may, by oral questions, depose any person, including a party, without leave of the presiding officer except as provided in § 502.143(a)(2). The deponent’s attendance may be compelled by subpoena under subpart I of this part.


(2) With leave. A party must obtain leave of the presiding officer, if the parties have not stipulated to the deposition and:


(i) The deposition would result in more than 20 depositions being taken under this rule or § 502.144 by any party; or


(ii) The deponent has already been deposed in the case.


(b) Notice of the deposition; other formal requirements. (1) Notice in general. A party who wants to depose a person by oral questions must give reasonable written notice to every other party. The notice must state the time and place of the deposition and, if known, the deponent’s name and address. If the name is unknown, the notice must provide a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which the person belongs.


(2) Producing documents. If a subpoena duces tecum is to be served on the deponent, the materials designated for production, as set out in the subpoena, must be listed in the notice or in an attachment. The notice to a party deponent may be accompanied by a request under § 502.146 to produce documents and tangible things at the deposition.


(3) Method of recording. (i) Method stated in the notice. The party who notices the deposition must state in the notice the method for recording the testimony. Unless the presiding officer orders otherwise, testimony may be recorded by audio, audiovisual, or stenographic means. The noticing party bears the recording costs. Any party may arrange to transcribe a deposition.


(ii) Additional method. With prior notice to the deponent and other parties, any party may designate another method for recording the testimony in addition to that specified in the original notice. That party bears the expense of the additional record or transcript unless the presiding officer orders otherwise.


(4) By remote means. The parties may stipulate, or the presiding officer may on motion order, that a deposition be taken by telephone or other remote means.


(5) Officer’s duties. (i) Before the deposition. Unless the parties stipulate otherwise, a deposition must be conducted before an officer appointed or designated under § 502.142. The officer must begin the deposition with an on-the-record statement that includes:


(A) The officer’s name and business address;


(B) The date, time, and place of the deposition;


(C) The deponent’s name;


(D) The officer’s administration of the oath or affirmation to the deponent; and


(E) The identity of all persons present.


(ii) Conducting the deposition; avoiding distortion. If the deposition is recorded nonstenographically, the officer must repeat the items in § 502.143(b)(5)(i)(A) through (C) at the beginning of each unit of the recording medium. The deponent’s and attorneys’ appearance or demeanor must not be distorted through recording techniques.


(iii) After the deposition. At the end of a deposition, the officer must state on the record that the deposition is complete and must set out any stipulations made by the attorneys about custody of the transcript or recording and of the exhibits, or about any other pertinent matters.


(6) Notice or subpoena directed to an organization. In its notice or subpoena, a party may name as the deponent a public or private corporation, a partnership, an association, a governmental agency, or other entity and must describe with reasonable particularity the matters for examination. The named organization must then designate one or more officers, directors, or managing representatives, or designate other persons who consent to testify on its behalf; and it may set out the matters on which each person designated will testify. A subpoena must advise a nonparty organization of its duty to make this designation. The persons designated must testify about information known or reasonably available to the organization. This paragraph (6) does not preclude a deposition by any other procedure allowed by these rules.


(c) Examination and cross-examination; record of the examination; objections; written questions. (1) Examination and cross-examination. The examination and cross-examination of a deponent proceed as they would at hearing under the provisions of § 502.202. After putting the deponent under oath or affirmation, the officer must record the testimony by the method designated under § 502.143(b)(3). The testimony must be recorded by the officer personally or by a person acting in the presence and under the direction of the officer.


(2) Objections. An objection at the time of the examination, whether to evidence, to a party’s conduct, to the officer’s qualifications, to the manner of taking the deposition, or to any other aspect of the deposition, must be noted on the record, but the examination still proceeds; the testimony is taken subject to any objection. An objection must be stated concisely in a nonargumentative and nonsuggestive manner. A person may instruct a deponent not to answer only when necessary to preserve a privilege, to enforce a limitation ordered by the presiding officer, or to present a motion under § 502.143(d)(2).


(3) Participating through written questions. Instead of participating in the oral examination, a party may serve written questions in a sealed envelope on the party noticing the deposition, who must deliver them to the officer. The officer must ask the deponent those questions and record the answers verbatim.


(d) Duration; sanction; motion to terminate or limit. (1) Duration. Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the presiding officer, a deposition is limited to 1 day of 7 hours. The presiding officer must allow additional time consistent with § 502.141(e) if needed to fairly examine the deponent or if the deponent, another person, or any other circumstance impedes or delays the examination.


(2) Motion to terminate or limit. (i) Grounds. At any time during a deposition, the deponent or a party may move to terminate or limit it on the ground that it is being conducted in bad faith or in a manner that unreasonably annoys, embarrasses, or oppresses the deponent or party. The motion may be filed with the presiding officer. If the objecting deponent or party so demands, the deposition must be suspended for the time necessary to obtain an order.


(ii) Order. The presiding officer may order that the deposition be terminated or may limit its scope and manner as provided in § 502.141(j). If terminated, the deposition may be resumed only by order of the Commission or presiding officer.


(e) Review by the witness; changes. (1) Review; statement of changes. On request by the deponent or a party before the deposition is completed, the deponent must be allowed 15 days after being notified by the officer that the transcript or recording is available in which:


(i) To review the transcript or recording; and


(ii) If there are changes in form or substance, to sign a statement listing the changes and the reasons for making them.


(2) Changes indicated in the officer’s certificate. The officer must note in the certificate prescribed by § 502.143(f)(1) whether a review was requested and, if so, must attach any changes the deponent makes during the 15-day period.


(f) Certification and delivery; exhibits; copies of the transcript or recording. (1) Certification and delivery. The officer must certify in writing that the witness was duly sworn and that the deposition, transcript or recording accurately records the witness’s testimony. The certificate must accompany the record of the deposition. Unless the presiding officer orders otherwise, the officer must seal the deposition in an envelope or package bearing the title of the action and marked “Deposition of [witness’s name]” and must promptly send it to the attorney who arranged for the transcript or recording. The attorney must store it under conditions that will protect it against loss, destruction, tampering, or deterioration.


(2) Documents and tangible things. (i) Originals and copies. Documents and tangible things produced for inspection during a deposition must, on a party’s request, be marked for identification and attached to the deposition. Any party may inspect and copy them. But if the person who produced them wants to keep the originals, the person may:


(A) Offer copies to be marked, attached to the deposition, and then used as originals, after giving all parties a fair opportunity to verify the copies by comparing them with the originals; or


(B) Give all parties a fair opportunity to inspect and copy the originals after they are marked, in which event the originals may be used as if attached to the deposition.


(ii) Order regarding the originals. Any party may move for an order that the originals be attached to the deposition pending final disposition of the case.


(3) Copies of the transcript or recording. Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the presiding officer, the officer must retain the stenographic notes of a deposition taken stenographically or a copy of the recording of a deposition taken by another method. When paid reasonable charges, the officer must furnish a copy of the transcript or recording to any party or the deponent. [Rule 203.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated and amended at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.144 Depositions by written questions.

(a) When a deposition may be taken. (1) Without leave. A party may, by written questions, depose any person, including a party, without leave of the presiding officer except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The deponent’s attendance may be compelled by subpoena under subpart I of this part.


(2) With leave. A party must obtain leave of the presiding officer, if the parties have not stipulated to the deposition and:


(i) The deposition would result in more than 20 depositions being taken under this rule or § 502.143 by any party;


(ii) The deponent has already been deposed in the case.


(3) Service; required notice. A party who wants to depose a person by written questions must serve them on every other party, with a notice stating, if known, the deponent’s name and address. If the name is unknown, the notice must provide a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which the person belongs. The notice must also state the name or descriptive title and the address of the officer before whom the deposition will be taken.


(4) Questions directed to an organization. A public or private corporation, a partnership, an association, or a governmental agency may be deposed by written questions in accordance with § 502.143(b)(6).


(5) Questions from other parties. Any questions to the deponent from other parties must be served on all parties as follows: Cross-questions, within 14 days after being served with the notice and direct questions; redirect questions, within 7 days after being served with cross-questions; and recross-questions, within 7 days after being served with redirect questions. The presiding officer may, for good cause, extend or shorten these times.


(b) Delivery to the officer; officer’s duties. The party who noticed the deposition must deliver to the officer before whom the deposition will be taken a copy of all the questions served and of the notice. The officer must promptly proceed to:


(1) Take the deponent’s testimony in response to the questions;


(2) Prepare and certify the deposition; and


(3) Send it to the party, attaching a copy of the questions and of the notice.


(c) Notice of completion or filing. (1) Completion. The party who noticed the deposition must notify all other parties when it is completed.


(2) Filing. A party who files the deposition must promptly notify all other parties of the filing. [Rule 204.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016; 81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.145 Interrogatories to parties.

(a) In general. (1) Number. Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the presiding officer, a party may serve on any other party no more than 50 written interrogatories, including all discrete subparts. Leave to serve additional interrogatories may be granted to the extent consistent with § 502.141(e)(2).


(2) Scope. An interrogatory may relate to any matter that may be inquired into under § 502.141(e) and (f). An interrogatory is not objectionable merely because it asks for an opinion or contention that relates to fact or the application of law to fact, but the presiding officer may order that the interrogatory need not be answered until designated discovery is complete, or until a prehearing conference or some other time.


(b) Answers and objections. (1) Responding party. The interrogatories must be answered:


(i) By the party to whom they are directed; or


(ii) If that party is a public or private corporation, a partnership, an association, or a governmental agency, by any officer or representative, who must furnish the information available to the party.


(2) Time to respond. The responding party must serve its answers and any objections within 30 days after being served with the interrogatories. A shorter or longer time may be stipulated to as provided in § 502.141(l) of this subpart or be ordered by the presiding officer.


(3) Answering each interrogatory. Each interrogatory must, to the extent it is not objected to, be answered separately and fully in writing under oath.


(4) Objections. The grounds for objecting to an interrogatory must be stated with specificity. Any ground not stated in a timely objection is waived unless the presiding officer, for good cause, excuses the failure.


(5) Signature. The person who makes the answers must sign them, and the attorney who objects must sign any objections.


(c) Use. An answer to an interrogatory may be used to the extent allowed by the rules in this part.


(d) Option to produce business records. If the answer to an interrogatory may be determined by examining, auditing, compiling, abstracting, or summarizing a party’s business records (including electronically stored information), and if the burden of deriving or ascertaining the answer will be substantially the same for either party, the responding party may answer by:


(1) Specifying the records that must be reviewed, in sufficient detail to enable the interrogating party to locate and identify them as readily as the responding party could; and


(2) Giving the interrogating party a reasonable opportunity to examine and audit the records and to make copies, compilations, abstracts, or summaries. [Rule 205.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016; 81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.146 Producing documents, electronically stored information, and tangible things, or entering onto land, for inspection and other purposes.

(a) In general. A party may serve on any other party a request within the scope of § 502.141(e) and (f):


(1) To produce and permit the requesting party or its representative to inspect, copy, test, or sample the following items in the responding party’s possession, custody, or control:


(i) Any designated documents or electronically stored information, including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, sound recordings, images, and other data or data compilations, stored in any medium from which information can be obtained either directly or, if necessary, after translation by the responding party into a reasonably usable form; or


(ii) Any designated tangible things; or


(2) To permit entry onto designated land or other property possessed or controlled by the responding party, so that the requesting party may inspect, measure, survey, photograph, test, or sample the property or any designated object or operation on it.


(b) Procedure. (1) Contents of the request. The request:


(i) Must describe with reasonable particularity each item or category of items to be inspected;


(ii) Must specify a reasonable time, place, and manner for the inspection and for performing the related acts; and


(iii) May specify the form or forms in which electronically stored information is to be produced.


(2) Responses and objections. (i) Time to respond. The party to whom the request is directed must respond in writing within 30 days after being served. A shorter or longer time may be stipulated to as provided in § 502.141(l) of this subpart or be ordered by the presiding officer.


(ii) Responding to each item. For each item or category, the response must either state that inspection and related activities will be permitted as requested or state an objection to the request, including the reasons.


(iii) Objections. An objection to part of a request must specify the part and permit inspection of the rest.


(iv) Responding to a request for production of electronically stored information. The response may state an objection to a requested form for producing electronically stored information. If the responding party objects to a requested form, or if no form was specified in the request, the party must state the form or forms it intends to use.


(v) Producing the documents or electronically stored information. Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the presiding officer, these procedures apply to producing documents or electronically stored information:


(A) A party must produce documents as they are kept in the usual course of business or must organize and label them to correspond to the categories in the request;


(B) If a request does not specify a form for producing electronically stored information, a party must produce it in a form or forms in which it is ordinarily maintained or in a reasonably usable form or forms; and


(C) A party need not produce the same electronically stored information in more than one form.


(c) Nonparties. By subpoena under subpart I of this part, a nonparty may be compelled to produce documents and tangible things or to permit an inspection. [Rule 206.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016; 81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.147 Requests for admission.

(a) Scope and procedure. (1) Scope. A party may serve on any other party a written request to admit, for the purposes of the pending action only, the truth of any nonprivileged relevant matters relating to facts, the application of law to fact, or opinions about either, and the genuineness of any described documents.


(2) Form; copies of documents. Each matter must be separately stated. A request to admit the genuineness of a document must be accompanied by a copy of the document unless it is, or has been, otherwise furnished or made available for inspection and copying.


(3) Time to respond; effect of failure to respond. A matter is admitted unless, within 30 days after being served, the party to whom the request is directed serves on the requesting party a written answer or objection addressed to the matter and signed by the party or its attorney. A shorter or longer time for responding may be stipulated to as provided in § 502.141(l) of this subpart or be ordered by the presiding officer.


(4) Answer. If a matter is not admitted, the answer must specifically deny it or state in detail why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny it. A denial must fairly respond to the substance of the matter; and when good faith requires that a party qualify an answer or deny only a part of a matter, the answer must specify the part admitted and qualify or deny the rest. The answering party may assert lack of knowledge or information as a reason for failing to admit or deny only if the party states that it has made reasonable inquiry and that the information it knows or can readily obtain is insufficient to enable it to admit or deny.


(5) Objections. The grounds for objecting to a request must be stated. A party may not object solely on the ground that the request presents a genuine issue for adjudication.


(6) Motion regarding the sufficiency of an answer or objection. The requesting party may move for a determination of the sufficiency of an answer or objection. Unless the presiding officer finds an objection justified, the presiding officer must order that an answer be served. On finding that an answer does not comply with this rule, the presiding officer may order either that the matter is admitted or that an amended answer be served. The presiding officer may defer a decision until a prehearing conference or a specified time prior to hearing.


(b) Effect of admission; withdrawal or amendment of admission. A matter admitted under this rule is conclusively established unless the presiding officer, on motion, permits the admission to be withdrawn or amended. The presiding officer may permit withdrawal or amendment if it would promote the presentation of the merits of the action and if the presiding officer is not persuaded that it would prejudice the requesting party in maintaining or defending the action on the merits. An admission under this rule is not an admission for any other purpose and cannot be used against the party in any other proceeding. [Rule 207.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016; 81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.148 Use of discovery procedures directed to Commission staff personnel.

(a) Discovery procedures described in §§ 502.142 through 502.147, directed to Commission staff personnel must be permitted and must be governed by the procedures set forth in those sections except as modified by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. All notices to take depositions, written interrogatories, requests for production of documents and other things, requests for admissions, and any motions in connection with the foregoing, must be served on the Secretary of the Commission.


(b) The General Counsel must designate an attorney to represent any Commission staff personnel to whom any discovery requests or motions are directed. The attorney so designated must not thereafter participate in the Commission’s decision-making process concerning any issue in the proceeding.


(c) Rulings of the presiding officer issued under paragraph (a) of this section must become final rulings of the Commission unless an appeal is filed within 10 days after date of issuance of such rulings or unless the Commission on its own motion reverses, modifies, or stays such rulings within 20 days of their issuance. Replies to appeals may be filed within 10 days. No motion for leave to appeal is necessary in such instances and no ruling of the presiding officer must be effective until 20 days from date of issuance unless the Commission otherwise directs. [Rule 208.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016; 81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.149 Use of depositions at hearings.

(a) Using depositions. (1) In general. At a hearing, all or part of a deposition may be used against a party on these conditions:


(i) The party was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or had reasonable notice of it;


(ii) It is used to the extent it would be admissible if the deponent were present and testifying; and


(iii) The use is allowed by § 502.149(a)(2) through (7).


(2) Impeachment and other uses. Any party may use a deposition to contradict or impeach the testimony given by the deponent as a witness, or for any other purpose allowed by § 502.204 of subpart L of this part.


(3) Deposition of party, representative, or designee. An adverse party may use for any purpose the deposition of a party or anyone who, when deposed, was the party’s officer, director, managing representative, or designee under § 502.143(b)(6) or § 502.144(a)(4).


(4) Unavailable witness. A party may use for any purpose the deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, if the Commission or presiding officer finds:


(i) That the witness is dead;


(ii) That the witness cannot attend or testify because of age, illness, infirmity, or imprisonment;


(iii) That the party offering the deposition could not procure the witness’s attendance by subpoena; or


(iv) On motion and notice, that exceptional circumstances make it desirable, in the interest of justice and with due regard to the importance of live testimony at a hearing, to permit the deposition to be used.


(5) Using part of a deposition. If a party offers in evidence only part of a deposition, an adverse party may require the offeror to introduce other parts that in fairness should be considered with the part introduced, and any party may itself introduce any other parts.


(6) Substituting a party. Substituting a party does not affect the right to use a deposition previously taken.


(7) Deposition taken in an earlier action. A deposition lawfully taken and, if required, filed in any Federal or State court action may be used in a later action involving the same subject matter between the same parties, or their representatives or successors in interest, to the same extent as if taken in the later action. A deposition previously taken may also be used as allowed by § 502.204 of subpart L of this part.


(b) Objections to admissibility. Subject to § 502.142(b) and § 502.149(d)(3), an objection may be made at a hearing to the admission of any deposition testimony that would be inadmissible if the witness were present and testifying.


(c) Form of presentation. Unless the presiding officer orders otherwise, a party must provide a transcript of any deposition testimony the party offers, but may provide the presiding officer with the testimony in nontranscript form as well.


(d) Waiver of objections. (1) To the notice. An objection to an error or irregularity in a deposition notice is waived unless promptly served in writing on the party giving the notice.


(2) To the officer’s qualification. An objection based on qualification of the officer before whom a deposition is to be taken is waived if not made:


(i) Before the deposition begins; or


(ii) Promptly after the basis for disqualification becomes known or, with reasonable diligence, could have been known.


(3) To the taking of the deposition. (i) Objection to competence, relevance, or materiality. An objection to a deponent’s competence, or to the competence, relevance, or materiality of testimony, is not waived by a failure to make the objection before or during the deposition, unless the ground for it might have been corrected at that time.


(ii) Objection to an error or irregularity. An objection to an error or irregularity at an oral examination is waived if:


(A) It relates to the manner of taking the deposition, the form of a question or answer, the oath or affirmation, a party’s conduct, or other matters that might have been corrected at that time; and


(B) It is not timely made during the deposition.


(iii) Objection to a written question. An objection to the form of a written question under § 502.144 of this subpart is waived if not served in writing on the party submitting the question within the time for serving responsive questions or, if the question is a recross-question, within 7 days after being served with it.


(4) To completing and returning the deposition. An objection to how the officer transcribed the testimony, or prepared, signed, certified, sealed, endorsed, sent, or otherwise dealt with the deposition, is waived unless a motion to suppress is made promptly after the error or irregularity becomes known or, with reasonable diligence, could have been known. [Rule 209.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016; 81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.150 Motions to compel initial disclosures or compliance with discovery requests; failure to comply with order to make disclosure or answer or produce documents; sanctions; enforcement.

(a) Motion for order to compel initial disclosures or compliance with discovery requests. (1) A party may file a motion pursuant to § 502.69 for an order compelling compliance with the requirement for initial disclosures provided in § 502.141 or with its discovery requests as provided in this subpart, if a deponent fails to answer a question asked at a deposition or by written questions; a corporation or other entity fails to make a designation of an individual who will testify on its behalf; a party fails to answer an interrogatory; or a party fails to respond that inspection will be permitted, or fails to permit inspection, as requested under § 502.146 of this subpart. For purposes of this section, a failure to make a disclosure, answer, or respond includes an evasive or incomplete disclosure, answer, or response.


(2) A motion to compel must include:


(i) A certification that the moving party has conferred in good faith or attempted to confer with the party failing to make initial disclosure or respond to discovery requests as provided in this subpart in an effort to obtain compliance without the necessity of a motion;


(ii) A copy of the discovery requests that have not been answered or for which evasive or incomplete responses have been given. If the motion is limited to specific discovery requests, only those requests are to be included;


(iii) If a disclosure has been made or an answer or response has been given, a copy of the disclosure, answer, or response in its entirety;


(iv) A copy of the certificate of service that accompanied the discovery request; and


(v) A request for relief and supporting argument, if any.


(3) A party may file a response to the motion within 7 days of the service date of the motion. Unless there is a dispute with respect to the accuracy of the versions of the discovery requests, responses thereto, or the disclosures submitted by the moving party, the response must not include duplicative copies of them.


(4) A reply to a response is not allowed unless requested by the presiding officer, or upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances.


(b) Failure to comply with order compelling disclosures or discovery. If a party or a party’s officer or authorized representative fails or refuses to obey an order requiring it to make disclosures or to respond to discovery requests, the presiding officer upon his or her own initiative or upon motion of a party may make such orders in regard to the failure or refusal as are just. A motion must include a certification that the moving party has conferred in good faith or attempted to confer with the disobedient party in an effort to obtain compliance without the necessity of a motion. An order of the presiding officer may:


(1) Direct that the matters included in the order or any other designated facts must be taken to be established for the purposes of the action as the party making the motion claims;


(2) Prohibit the disobedient party from supporting or opposing designated claims or defenses, or from introducing designated matters in evidence; or


(3) Strike pleadings in whole or in part; staying further proceedings until the order is obeyed; or dismissing the action or proceeding or any party thereto, or rendering a decision by default against the disobedient party.


(c) Enforcement of orders and subpoenas. In the event of refusal to obey an order or failure to comply with a subpoena, the Attorney General at the request of the Commission, or any party injured thereby may seek enforcement by a United States district court having jurisdiction over the parties. Any action with respect to enforcement of subpoenas or orders relating to depositions, written interrogatories, or other discovery matters must be taken within 20 days of the date of refusal to obey or failure to comply. A private party must advise the Commission 5 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) before applying to the court of its intent to seek enforcement of such subpoenas and discovery orders.


(d) Persons and documents located in a foreign country. Orders of the presiding officer directed to persons or documents located in a foreign country must become final orders of the Commission unless an appeal to the Commission is filed within 10 days after date of issuance of such orders or unless the Commission on its own motion reverses, modifies, or stays such rulings within 20 days of their issuance. Replies to appeals may be filed within 10 days. No motion for leave to appeal is necessary in such instances and no orders of the presiding officer must be effective until 20 days from date of issuance unless the Commission otherwise directs. [Rule 210.]


[77 FR 61529, Oct. 10, 2012. Redesignated at 81 FR 93836, Dec. 22, 2016; 81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016]


§§ 502.151-502.169 [Reserved]

Subpart K [Reserved]

§§ 502.181-502.187 [Reserved]

Subpart L—Presentation of Evidence


Source:81 FR 93837, Dec. 22, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

§ 502.201 Applicability and scope.

(a) The rules in this subpart apply to adjudicatory proceedings conducted under the statutes administered by the Commission involving matters which require determination after notice and opportunity for hearing. Adjudicatory proceedings are formal proceedings commenced upon the filing of a sworn complaint or by Order of the Commission. Such proceedings will be conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 551-559, and the rules in this subpart.


(b) The term hearing means a formal adjudicatory proceeding in which evidence is presented orally, or through written statements, or by combination thereof. The term oral hearing means a hearing at which evidence is presented through oral testimony of a witness. [Rule 201].


§ 502.202 Right of parties to present evidence.

Every party has the right to present its case or defense by oral or documentary evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and to conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts. The presiding officer, however, has the right and duty to limit the introduction of evidence and the examination and cross-examination of witnesses when, in his or her judgment, such evidence or examination is irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious. [Rule 202.]


§ 502.203 Burden of proof.

In all cases governed by the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 556(d), the burden of proof is on the proponent of the motion or the order. [Rule 203.]


§ 502.204 Evidence admissible.

(a) In any proceeding under the rules in this part and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, all evidence which is relevant, material, reliable and probative, and not unduly repetitious or cumulative, will be admissible. All other evidence will be excluded. The presiding officer may consider the Federal Rules of Evidence for guidance.


(b) A party who objects to a ruling of the presiding officer rejecting or excluding proffered evidence may make an offer of proof. If the ruling excludes proffered oral testimony, an offer of proof may consist of a statement by counsel of the substance of the evidence that would be adduced, or in the discretion of the presiding officer, testimony of the witness. If the ruling excludes documents offered as evidence or reference to documents or records, the documents or records shall be marked for identification and will constitute the offer of proof. [Rule 204.]


§ 502.205 Records in other proceedings.

Portions of the record of other proceedings may be received in evidence. A true copy of the records sought to be admitted must be presented in the form of an exhibit unless the presiding officer accepts the parties’ stipulation that such records may be incorporated by reference. [Rule 205.]


§ 502.206 Documents incorporated into the record by reference.

Any matter contained in a document on file with the Commission that is available to the public may be received in evidence through incorporation by reference without producing such document, provided that the matter so offered is specified in such manner as to be clearly identified, with sufficient particularity, and readily located electronically. [Rule 206.]


§ 502.207 Stipulations.

The parties may, and are encouraged to, stipulate any facts involved in the proceeding and include them in the record with the consent of the presiding officer. A stipulation may be admitted even if all parties do not agree, provided that any party who does not agree to the stipulation has the right to cross-examine and offer rebuttal evidence. [Rule 207.]


§ 502.208 Objection to public disclosure of information.

(a) If any party wishes to present confidential information or upon objection to public disclosure of any information sought to be elicited, the requirements and procedures in § 502.5 will apply.


(b) In an oral hearing, the presiding officer may in his or her discretion order that a witness will disclose such information only in the presence of the parties and those designated and authorized by the presiding officer. Any transcript of such testimony will be held confidential to the extent the presiding officer determines. Copies of transcripts will be served only to authorized parties or their representatives or other parties as the presiding officer may designate.


(c) Any information given pursuant to this section may be used by the presiding officer or the Commission if deemed necessary to a correct decision in the proceeding. [Rule 208.]


§ 502.209 Prehearing conference.

(a)(1) Prior to any hearing, the Commission or presiding officer may direct all interested parties, by written notice, to attend one or more prehearing conferences for the purpose of considering any settlement under § 502.91, formulating the issues in the proceeding, and determining other matters to aid in its disposition. In addition to any offers of settlement or proposals of adjustment, the following may be considered:


(i) Simplification of the issues;


(ii) The necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings;


(iii) The possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of documents that will avoid unnecessary proof;


(iv) Limitation of the number of witnesses;


(v) The procedure to be used at the hearing;


(vi) The distribution to the parties prior to the hearing of written testimony and exhibits;


(vii) Consolidation of the examination of witnesses by counsel;


(viii) Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the proceeding.


(2) Prior to the hearing, the presiding officer may require exchange of exhibits and any other material that may expedite the hearing. The presiding officer will assume the responsibility of accomplishing the purposes of the notice of prehearing conference so far as this may be possible without prejudice to the rights of any party.


(3) The presiding officer will rule upon all matters presented for decision, orally upon the record when feasible, or by subsequent ruling in writing. If a party determines that a ruling made orally does not cover fully the issue presented, or is unclear, such party may file a motion requesting a further ruling within ten (10) days after receipt of the transcript.


(b) In any proceeding under the rules in this part, the presiding officer hold an informal conference prior to the taking of testimony, or may recess the hearing for such a conference, with a view to carrying out the purposes of this section.


(c) At any prehearing conference, consideration may be given to whether the use of alternative dispute resolution would be appropriate or useful for the disposition of the proceeding whether or not there has been previous consideration of such use. [Rule 209.]


§ 502.210 Prehearing statements.

(a) Unless a waiver is granted by the presiding officer, it is the duty of all parties to a proceeding to prepare a statement or statements at a time and in the manner to be established by the presiding officer provided that there has been reasonable opportunity for discovery. To the extent possible, joint statements should be prepared.


(b) The prehearing statement must state the name of the party or parties on whose behalf it is presented and briefly set forth the following matters, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer:


(1) Issues involved in the proceeding.


(2) Facts stipulated pursuant to the procedures together with a statement that the party or parties have communicated or conferred in a good faith effort to reach stipulation to the fullest extent possible.


(3) Facts in dispute.


(4) Witnesses and exhibits by which disputed facts will be litigated.


(5) A brief statement of applicable law.


(6) The conclusion to be drawn.


(7) Suggested time and location of hearing and estimated time required for presentation of the party’s or parties’ case.


(8) Any appropriate comments, suggestions, or information which might assist the parties in preparing for the hearing or otherwise aid in the disposition of the proceeding.


(c) The presiding officer may, for good cause shown, permit a party to introduce facts or argue points of law outside the scope of the facts and law outlined in the prehearing statement. Failure to file a prehearing statement, unless waiver has been granted by the presiding officer, may result in dismissal of a party from the proceeding, dismissal of a complaint, judgment against respondents, or imposition of such other sanctions as may be appropriate under the circumstances.


(d) Following the submission of prehearing statements, the presiding officer may, upon motion or otherwise, convene a prehearing conference for the purpose of further narrowing issues and limiting the scope of the hearing if, in his or her opinion, the prehearing statements indicate lack of dispute of material fact not previously acknowledged by the parties or lack of legitimate need for cross-examination and is authorized to issue appropriate orders consistent with the purposes stated in this section. [Rule 210.]


§ 502.211 Notice of time and place of oral hearing; postponement of hearing.

(a) The notice of an oral hearing will designate the time and place the person or persons who will preside, and the type of decision to be issued. The date or place of a hearing for which notice has been issued may be changed when warranted. Reasonable notice will be given to the parties or their representatives of the time and place of the change thereof, due regard being had for the public interest and the convenience and necessity of the parties or their representatives. Notice may be served by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.


(b) Motions for postponement of any hearing date must be filed in accordance with § 502.104. [Rule 211.]


§ 502.212 Exceptions to rulings of presiding officer unnecessary.

A formal exception to a ruling or order is unnecessary. When the ruling or order is requested or made, the party doing so need only state the action that it wants the presiding officer to take or that it objects to, along with the grounds for the request or objection. Failing to object does not prejudice a party who had no opportunity to do so when the ruling or order was made. [Rule 212.]


§ 502.213 Official transcript.

(a) The Commission will designate the official reporter for all hearings. The official transcript of testimony taken, together with any exhibits and any briefs or memoranda of law filed therewith, will be filed with the Commission. Transcripts of testimony will be available in any proceeding under the rules in this part, at actual cost of duplication.


(b)(1) Where the Commission does not request daily copy service, any party requesting such service must bear the incremental cost of transcription above the regular copy transcription cost borne by the Commission, in addition to the actual cost of duplication. Where the requesting party applies for and demonstrates that the furnishing of daily copy is indispensable to the protection of a vital right or interest in achieving a fair hearing, the presiding officer in the proceeding in which the application is made will order that daily copy service be provided the requesting party at the actual cost of duplication, with the full cost of transcription being borne by the Commission.


(2) In the event a request for daily copy is denied by the presiding officer, the requesting party, in order to obtain daily copy, must pay the cost of transcription over and above that borne by the Commission, i.e., the incremental cost between that paid by the Commission when it requests regular copy and when it requests daily copy. The decision of the presiding officer in this situation is interpreted as falling within the scope of the functions and powers of the presiding officer, as defined in § 502.25(a).


(c) Motions made at the hearing to correct the transcript will be acted upon by the presiding officer. Motions made after an oral hearing to correct the record must be filed with the presiding officer within twenty-five (25) days after the last day of hearing or any session thereof, unless otherwise directed by the presiding officer, and must be served on all parties. If no objections are received within ten (10) days after date of service, the transcript will, upon approval of the presiding officer, be changed to reflect such corrections. If objections are received, the motion will be acted upon with due consideration of the stenographic record of the hearing. [Rule 213.]


§ 502.214 Briefs; requests for findings.

(a) The presiding officer will determine the time and manner of filing briefs and any enlargement of time.


(b) Briefs will be served upon all parties pursuant to subpart H of this part.


(c) Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, opening or initial briefs must contain the following matters in separately captioned sections:


(1) Introductory section describing the nature and background of the case;


(2) Proposed findings of fact in serially numbered paragraphs with reference to exhibit numbers and pages of the transcript;


(3) Argument based upon principles of law with appropriate citations of the authorities relied upon; and


(4) Conclusions.


(d) All briefs must contain a subject index or table of contents with page references and a list of authorities cited.


(e) All briefs filed pursuant to this section must ordinarily be limited to eighty (80) pages in length, exclusive of pages containing the table of contents, table of authorities, and certificate of service, unless the presiding officer allows the parties to exceed this limit for good cause shown and upon application filed not later than seven (7) days before the time fixed for filing of such a brief or reply. [Rule 214.]


§ 502.215 Requests for enlargement of time for filing briefs.

Requests for enlargement of time to file briefs must conform to the requirements of § 502.102. [Rule 215.]


§ 502.216 Supplementing the record.

A motion to supplement the record, pursuant to § 502.69, should be filed if submission of evidence is desired after the parties’ presentation in a proceeding, but before issuance by the presiding officer of an initial decision. [Rule 216.]


§ 502.217 Record of decision.

The transcript of testimony and exhibits, together with all filings and motions filed in the proceeding, will constitute the exclusive record for decision. [Rule 217.]


Subpart M—Decisions; Appeals; Exceptions

§ 502.221 Appeal from ruling of presiding officer other than orders of dismissal in whole or in part.

(a) Rulings of the presiding officer may not be appealed prior to or during the course of the hearing, or subsequent thereto, if the proceeding is still before him or her, except where the presiding officer finds it necessary to allow an appeal to the Commission to prevent substantial delay, expense, or detriment to the public interest, or undue prejudice to a party.


(b) Any party seeking to appeal must file a motion for leave to appeal no later than fifteen (15) days after written service or oral notice of the ruling in question, unless the presiding officer, for good cause shown, enlarges or shortens the time. Any such motion must contain the grounds for leave to appeal and the appeal itself.


(c) Replies to the motion for leave to appeal and the appeal may be filed within fifteen (15) days after date of service thereof, unless the presiding officer, for good cause shown, enlarges or shortens the time. If the motion is granted, the presiding officer must certify the appeal to the Commission.


(d) Unless otherwise provided, the certification of the appeal will not operate as a stay of the proceeding before the presiding officer.


(e) The provisions of § 502.10 do not apply to this section. [Rule 221.]


[81 FR 93839, Dec. 22, 2016]


§ 502.222 [Reserved]

§ 502.223 Decisions—Administrative law judges.

To the administrative law judges is delegated the authority to make and serve initial or recommended decisions. All initial and recommended decisions will include a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all the material issues presented on the record, and the appropriate rule, order, sanction, relief, or denial thereof. Where appropriate, the statement of findings and conclusions should be numbered. Initial decisions should address only those issues necessary to a resolution of the material issues presented on the record. A copy of each decision when issued shall be served on the parties to the proceeding. In proceedings involving overcharge claims, the presiding officer may, where appropriate, require that the carrier publish notice in its tariff of the substance of the decision. This provision shall also apply to decisions issued pursuant to subpart T of this part. [Rule 223.]


[64 FR 7810, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.224 Separation of functions.

The separation of functions as required by 5 U.S.C. 554(d) shall be observed in proceedings under subparts A to Q inclusive, of this part. [Rule 224.]


§ 502.225 Decisions—Commission.

All final decisions will include a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all the material issues presented on the record, and the appropriate rule, order, sanction, relief, or denial thereof. A copy of each decision when issued shall be served on the parties to the proceeding. This provision shall also apply to decisions issued pursuant to subpart T of this part. [Rule 225.]


[64 FR 7810, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.226 Decision based on official notice; public documents.

(a) Official notice may be taken of such matters as might be judicially noticed by the courts, or of technical or scientific facts within the general knowledge of the Commission as an expert body, provided, that where a decision or part thereof rests on the official notice of a material fact not appearing in the evidence in the record, the fact of official notice shall be so stated in the decision, and any party, upon timely request, shall be afforded an opportunity to show the contrary.


(b) Whenever there is offered in evidence (in whole or in part) a public document, such as an official report, decision, opinion, or published scientific or economic statistical data issued by any of the executive departments (or their subdivisions), legislative agencies or committees, or administrative agencies of the Federal Government (including Government-owned corporations), or a similar document issued by a state or its agencies, and such document (or part thereof) has been shown by the offeror to be reasonably available to the public, such document need not be produced or marked for identification, but may be offered in evidence as a public document by specifying the document or relevant part thereof. [Rule 226.]


§ 502.227 Exceptions to decisions or orders of dismissal of administrative law judge; replies thereto; review of decisions or orders of dismissal by Commission; and judicial review.

(a)(1) Within twenty-two (22) days after date of service of the initial decision, unless a shorter period is fixed under § 502.103, any party may file a memorandum excepting to any conclusions, findings, or statements contained in such decision, and a brief in support of such memorandum. Such exceptions and brief shall constitute one document, shall indicate with particularity alleged errors, shall indicate transcript page and exhibit number when referring to the record, and shall be served on all parties pursuant to subpart H of this part.


(2) Any adverse party may file and serve a reply to such exceptions within twenty-two (22) days after the date of service thereof, which shall contain appropriate transcript and exhibit references.


(3) Whenever the officer who presided at the reception of the evidence, or other qualified officer, makes an initial decision, such decision shall become the decision of the Commission thirty (30) days after date of service thereof (and the Secretary shall so notify the parties), unless within such 30-day period, or greater time as enlarged by the Commission for good cause shown, request for review is made in exceptions filed or a determination to review is made by the Commission on its own initiative.


(4) A decision or order of dismissal by an administrative law judge shall only be considered final for purposes of judicial review if the party has first sought review by the Commission pursuant to this section.


(5) Upon the filing of exceptions to, or review of, an initial decision, such decision shall become inoperative until the Commission determines the matter.


(6) Where exceptions are filed to, or the Commission reviews, an initial decision, the Commission, except as it may limit the issues upon notice or by rule, will have all the powers which it would have in making the initial decision. Whenever the Commission shall determine to review an initial decision on its own initiative, notice of such intention shall be served upon the parties.


(7) The time periods for filing exceptions and replies to exceptions, prescribed by this section, shall not apply to proceedings conducted under § 502.75.


(b)(1) If an administrative law judge has granted a motion for dismissal of the proceeding in whole or in part, any party desiring to appeal must file such appeal no later than twenty-two (22) days after service of the ruling on the motion in question.


(2) Any adverse party may file and serve a reply to an appeal under this paragraph within twenty-two (22) days after the appeal is served.


(3) The denial of a petition to intervene or withdrawal of a grant of intervention shall be deemed to be a dismissal within the meaning of this paragraph.


(c) Whenever an administrative law judge orders dismissal of a proceeding in whole or in part, such order, in the absence of appeal, shall become the order of the Commission thirty (30) days after date of service of such order (and the Secretary shall so notify the parties), unless within such 30-day period the Commission decides to review such order on its own motion, in which case notice of such intention shall be served upon the parties.


(d) The Commission shall not, on its own initiative, review any initial decision or order of dismissal unless such review is requested by an individual Commissioner. Any such request must be transmitted to the Secretary within thirty (30) days after date of service of the decision or order. Such request shall be sufficient to bring the matter before the Commission for review.


(e) All briefs and replies filed pursuant to this section shall ordinarily be limited to fifty (50) pages in length, exclusive of pages containing the table of contents, table of authorities, and certificate of service, unless the Commission allows the parties to exceed this limit for good cause shown and upon application filed not later than seven (7) days before the time fixed for filing of such a brief or reply. [Rule 227.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993; 61 FR 66617, Dec. 18, 1996; 64 FR 7810, Feb. 17, 1999; 80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015]


§ 502.228 Request for enlargement of time to file exceptions and replies to exceptions.

Requests for enlargement of time to file exceptions, and briefs in support of such exceptions, or replies to exceptions, must conform to the applicable provisions of § 502.102. Any enlargement of time granted will automatically extend by the same period, the date for the filing of notice or review by the Commission. [Rule 228.]


[80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015]


Editorial Note:At 80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015, § 502.228 was amended; however, the amendment could not be incorporated due to inaccurate amendatory instruction.

§ 502.229 Certification of record by presiding or other officer.

The presiding or other officer shall certify and transmit the entire record to the Commission when (a) exceptions are filed or the time therefor has expired, (b) notice is given by the Commission that the initial decision will be reviewed on its own initiative, or (c) the Commission requires the case to be certified to it for initial decision. [Rule 229.]


§ 502.230 Reopening by Commission.

(a) Reopening by the Commission. After an initial decision by the presiding officer, or in a matter otherwise pending before the Commission, but before issuance of a Commission decision, the Commission may, after petition and reply in conformity with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, or upon its own motion, reopen a proceeding for the purpose of taking further evidence.


(b) Motion to reopen. A motion to reopen shall be served in conformity with the requirements of subpart H and will set forth the grounds requiring reopening of the proceeding, including material changes of fact or law alleged to have occurred.


(c) Reply. Within ten (10) days following service of a motion to reopen, any party may reply to such motion.


(d) Remand by the Commission. Nothing contained in this rule precludes the Commission from remanding a proceeding to the presiding officer for the taking of addition evidence or determining points of law. [Rule 230.]


[81 FR 93839, Dec. 22, 2016]


Subpart N—Oral Argument; Submission for Final Decision

§ 502.241 Oral argument.

(a) The Commission may hear oral argument either on its own motion or upon the written request of a party. If oral argument before the Commission is desired on exceptions to an initial or recommended decision, or on a motion, petition, or application, a request therefor shall be made in writing. Any party may make such a request irrespective of its filing exceptions under § 502.227. If a brief on exceptions is filed, the request for oral argument shall be incorporated in such brief. Requests for oral argument on any motion, petition, or application shall be made in the motion, petition, or application, or in the reply thereto. If the Commission determines to hear oral argument, a notice will be issued setting forth the order of presentation and the amount of time allotted to each party.


(b)(1) Requests for oral argument will be granted or denied in the discretion of the Commission.


(2) Parties requesting oral argument shall set forth the specific issues they propose to address at oral argument.


(c) Those who appear before the Commission for oral argument shall confine their argument to points of controlling importance raised on exceptions or replies thereto. Where the facts of a case are adequately and accurately dealt with in the initial or recommended decision, parties should, as far as possible, address themselves in argument to the conclusions.


(d) Effort should be made by parties taking the same position to agree in advance of the argument upon those persons who are to present their side of the case, and the names of such persons and the amount of time requested should be received by the Commission not later than ten (10) days before the date set for the argument. The fewer the number of persons making the argument the more effectively can the parties’ interests be presented in the time allotted. [Rule 241.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 52 FR 4144, Feb. 10, 1987]


§ 502.242 Submission to Commission for final decision.

A proceeding will be deemed submitted to the Commission for final decision as follows: (a) If oral argument is had, the date of completion thereof, or if memoranda on points of law are permitted to be filed after argument, the last date of such filing; (b) if oral argument is not had, the last date when exceptions or replies thereto are filed, or if exceptions are not filed, the expiration date for such exceptions; (c) in the case of an initial decision, the date of notice of the Commission’s intention to review the decision, if such notice is given. [Rule 242.]


§ 502.243 Participation of absent Commissioner.

Any Commissioner who is not present at oral argument and who is otherwise authorized to participate in a decision shall participate in making that decision after reading the transcript of oral argument unless he or she files in writing an election not to participate. [Rule 243.]


Subpart O—Reparation; Attorney Fees

§ 502.251 Proof on award of reparation.

If many shipments or points of origin or destination are involved in a proceeding in which reparation is sought (See § 502.63), the Commission will determine in its decision the issues as to violations, injury to complainant, and right to reparation. If complainant is found entitled to reparation, the parties thereafter will be given an opportunity to agree or make proof respecting the shipments and pecuniary amount of reparation due before the order of the Commission awarding reparation is entered. In such cases, freight bills and other exhibits bearing on the details of all shipments, and the amount of reparation on each, need not be produced at the original hearing unless called for or needed to develop other pertinent facts. [Rule 251.]


§ 502.252 Reparation statements.

When the Commission finds that reparation is due, but that the amount cannot be ascertained upon the record before it, the complainant shall immediately prepare a statement in accordance with the approved reparation statement in Exhibit No. 1 to this subpart, showing details of the shipments on which reparation is claimed. This statement shall not include any shipments not covered by the findings of the Commission. Complainant shall forward the statement, together with the paid freight bills on the shipments, or true copies thereof, to the respondent or other person who collected the charges for checking and certification as to accuracy. Statements so prepared and certified shall be filed with the Commission for consideration in determining the amount of reparation due. Disputes concerning the accuracy of amounts may be assigned for conference by the Commission, or in its discretion referred for further hearing. [Rule 252.]


§ 502.253 Interest in reparation proceedings.

Except as to applications for refund or waiver of freight charges under § 502.271 and claims which are settled by agreement of the parties, and absent fraud or misconduct of a party, interest granted on awards of reparation in complaint proceedings instituted under the Shipping Act of 1984 will accrue from the date of injury to the date specified in the Commission order awarding reparation. Compounding will be daily from the date of injury to the date specified in the Commission order awarding reparation. Normally, the date specified within which payment must be made will be fifteen (15) days subsequent to the date of service of the Commission order. Interest shall be computed on the basis of the average monthly secondary market rate on six-month U.S. Treasury bills commencing with the rate for the month that the injury occurred and concluding with the latest available monthly U.S. Treasury bill rate at the date of the Commission order awarding reparation. The monthly secondary market rates on six-month U.S. Treasury bills for the reparation period will be summed up and divided by the number of months for which interest rates are available in the reparation period to determine the average interest rate applicable during the period. [Rule 253.]


[64 FR 7810, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.254 Attorney fees in complaint proceedings.

(a) General. In any complaint proceeding brought under 46 U.S.C. 41301 (sections 11(a)-(b) of the Shipping Act of 1984), the Commission may, upon petition, award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees.


(b) Definitions.


Attorney fees means the fair market value of the services of any person permitted to appear and practice before the Commission in accordance with subpart B of this part.


Decision means:


(1) An initial decision or dismissal order issued by an administrative law judge;


(2) A final decision issued by a small claims officer; or


(3) A final decision issued by the Commission.


(c) Filing petitions for attorney fees. (1) In order to recover attorney fees, the prevailing party must file a petition within 30 days after a decision becomes final. For purposes of this section, a decision is considered final when the time for seeking judicial review has expired or when a court appeal has terminated.


(2) The prevailing party must file the petition with either:


(i) The administrative law judge or small claims officer, if that official’s decision became administratively final under § 502.227(a)(3), § 502.227(c), § 502.304(g), or § 502.318(a); or


(ii) The Commission, if the Commission reviewed the decision of the administrative law judge or small claims officer under § 502.227, § 502.304, or § 502.318.


(d) Content of petitions. (1) The petition must:


(i) Explain why attorney fees should be awarded in the proceeding;


(ii) Specify the number of hours claimed by each person representing the prevailing party at each identifiable stage of the proceeding; and


(iii) Include supporting evidence of the reasonableness of the hours claimed and the customary rates charged by attorneys and associated legal representatives in the community where the person practices.


(2) The petition may request additional compensation, but any such request must be supported by evidence that the customary rates for the hours reasonably expended on the case would result in an unreasonably low fee award.


(e) Replies to petitions. The opposing party may file a reply to the petition within 20 days of the service date of the petition. The reply may address the reasonableness of any aspect of the prevailing party’s claim and may suggest adjustments to the claim under the criteria stated in paragraph (d) of this section.


(f) Rulings on petitions. (1) Upon consideration of a petition and any reply thereto, the Commission, administrative law judge, or small claims officer will issue an order granting or denying the petition.


(i) If the order awards the prevailing party attorney fees, the order will state the total amount of attorney fees awarded, specify the compensable hours and appropriate rate of compensation, and explain the basis for any additional adjustments.


(ii) If the order denies the prevailing party attorney fees, the order will explain the reasons for the denial.


(2) The Commission, administrative law judge, or small claims officer may adopt a stipulated settlement of attorney fees.


(g) Timing of rulings. An order granting or denying a petition for attorney fees will be served within 60 days of the date of the filing of the reply to the petition or expiration of the reply period, except that in cases involving a substantial dispute of facts critical to the determination of an award, the Commission, administrative law judge, or small claims officer may hold a hearing on such issues and extend the time for issuing an order by an additional 30 days.


(h) Appealing rulings by administrative law judge or small claims officer. The relevant rules governing appeal and Commission review of decisions by administrative law judges (§§ 502.227; 502.318) and small claims officers (§ 502.304) apply to orders issued by those officers under this section. [Rule 254.]


[81 FR 10518, Mar. 1, 2016]


Exhibit No. 1 to Subpart O [§ 502.252] of Part 502—Reparation Statement To Be Filed Pursuant to Rule 252

Claim of ____________________ under the decision of the Federal Maritime Commission in Docket No. ____________________.

Date of B/L
Date of delivery or tender of delivery
Date charges paid
Vessel
Voyage No.
Port of origin
Destination port
Route
Commodity
Weight or measurement
As charged
Should be
Reparation
Charges paid by *
Rate
Amount
Rate
Amount


*Here insert name of person paying charges in the first instance, and state whether as consignor, consignee, or in what other capacity.


Total amount of reparation $________________________________________.
The undersigned hereby certifies that this statement has been checked against the records of this company and found correct.
Date ________________________________________.
________________________________________ Steamship Company, Collecting Carrier Respondent,
By ________________________________________, Auditor
By ________________________________________, Claimant
________________________________________, Attorney
(address and date)

Subpart P—Reconsideration of Proceedings

§ 502.261 Petitions for reconsideration and stay.

(a) Within thirty (30) days after issuance of a final decision or order by the Commission, any party may file a petition for reconsideration. Such petition shall be limited to 25 pages in length and shall be served in conformity with the requirements of subpart H of this part. A petition will be subject to summary rejection unless it:


(1) Specifies that there has been a change in material fact or in applicable law, which change has occurred after issuance of the decision or order;


(2) Identifies a substantive error in material fact contained in the decision or order; or


(3) Addresses a finding, conclusion or other matter upon which the party has not previously had the opportunity to comment or which was not addressed in the briefs or arguments of any party. Petitions which merely elaborate upon or repeat arguments made prior to the decision or order will not be received. A petition shall be verified if verification of the original pleading is required and shall not operate as a stay of any rule or order of the Commission.


(b) A petition for stay of a Commission order which directs the discontinuance of statutory violations will not be received.


(c) The provisions of this section are not applicable to decisions issued pursuant to subpart S of this part. [Rule 261.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993]


§ 502.262 Reply to petition for reconsideration or stay.

Any party may file a reply in opposition to a petition for reconsideration or stay within fifteen (15) days after the date of service of the petition in accordance with § 502.74. The reply shall be limited to 25 pages in length and shall be served in conformity with subpart H of this part. [Rule 262.]


[58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993]


Subpart Q—Refund or Waiver of Freight Charges


Source:64 FR 7811, Feb. 17, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

§ 502.271 Special docket application for permission to refund or waive freight charges.

(a)(1) A common carrier or a shipper may file a special docket application seeking permission for a common carrier or conference to refund or waive collection of a portion of freight charges if there is:


(i) An error in the tariff;


(ii) An error in failing to publish a new tariff; or


(iii) An error in quoting a tariff .


(2) Such refund or waiver must not result in discrimination among shippers, ports, or carriers.


(b) Such application must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of sailing of the vessel from the port at which the cargo was loaded. An application is filed when it is placed in the mail, delivered to a courier, or, if delivered by another method, when it is received by the Commission. Filings by mail or courier must include a certification as to date of mailing or delivery to the courier.


(c) Prior to submission of the application for a refund for an error in a tariff or a failure to publish a new tariff, the carrier or conference must publish a new tariff which sets forth the rate on which refund or waiver would be based.


(d) Such application must be in accordance with Exhibit 1 to this Subpart and must also comply with the following requirements:


(1) Applications must be submitted to the Office of the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573-0001.


(2) Applications must be submitted in an original and one (1) copy.


(3) Applications must be sworn to before a notary public or otherwise verified in accordance with § 502.112.


(4) When a rate published in a conference tariff is involved, the carrier or shipper must serve a copy of the application on the conference and so certify in accordance with § 502.117 to that service in the application. A shipper must also make a similar service and certification with respect to the common carrier.


(5) Applications must be accompanied by remittance of a $187 filing fee.


(e) Any application which does not furnish the information required by this Subpart may be returned to the applicant by the Secretary without prejudice to resubmission within the 180-day limitation period.


(f)(1) The Secretary in his discretion shall either forward an application to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services, for assignment to a Special Dockets Officer, or assign an application to the Office of Administrative Law Judges. Authority to issue decisions under this subpart is delegated to the assigned Special Dockets Officer or Administrative Law Judge.


(2) Applicants will be notified as to the assignment of a deciding official, and the assignment of a special docket number. Formal proceedings as described in other rules of this part need not be conducted. The deciding official may, in his or her discretion, require the submission of additional information.


(g) The deciding official shall issue a decision which, pursuant to § 501.21 of this chapter, shall become final ten (10) days after service of such decision, unless the Commission in its discretion chooses to review such decision within that time, or the applicant chooses to file exceptions to such decision within that time. [Rule 271.]


[64 FR 7811, Feb. 17, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 81759, Dec. 27, 2000; 67 FR 39859, June 11, 2002; 70 FR 7669, Feb. 15, 2005; 70 FR 10329, Mar. 3, 2005; 70 FR 44867, Aug. 4, 2005; 81 FR 59144, Aug. 29, 2016; 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 85 FR 72578, Nov. 13, 2020; 88 FR 16897, Mar. 21, 2023]


Exhibit No. 1 to Subpart Q [§ 502.271(d)] of Part 502—Application for Refund or Waiver of Freight Charges Due to Tariff or Quoting Error

Federal Maritime Commission Special Docket No. __________ [leave blank].


Amount of Freight Charges to be refunded or waived:


Application of (Name of carrier or shipper) for the benefit of (Name of person who paid or is responsible for payment of freight charges).


1. Shipment(s). Here fully describe:


(a) Commodity (according to tariff description).


(b) Number of shipments.


(c) Weight or measurement, container size, and number of containers of individual shipment, as well as all shipments.


(d)(1) Date(s) of receipt of shipment(s) by the carrier;


(2) Date(s) of sailing(s) (furnish supporting evidence).


(e) Shipper and place of origin.


(f) Consignee, place of destination and routing of shipment(s).


(g) Name of carrier and date shown on bill of lading (furnish legible copies of bill(s) of lading).


(h) Names of participating ocean carrier(s).


(i) Name(s) of vessel(s) involved in carriage.


(j) Amount of freight charges actually collected (furnish legible copies of rated bill(s) of lading or freight bill(s), as appropriate) broken down (i) per shipment, (ii) in the aggregate, (iii) by whom paid, (iv) who is responsible for payment if different, and (v) date(s) of collection.


(k) Rate and tariff commodity description applicable at time of shipment (furnish legible copies of tariff materials).


(l) Rate and commodity description sought to be applied (furnish legible copies of applicable tariff materials).


(m)(1) Amount of applicable freight charges, per shipment and in the aggregate;


(2) Amount of freight charges at rate sought to be applied, per shipment and in the aggregate.


(n) Amount of freight charges sought to be (refunded) (waived), per shipment and in the aggregate.


2. Furnish docket numbers of other special docket applications or decided or pending formal proceedings involving the same rate situations.


3. Fully explain the basis for the application, i.e., the error, failure to publish, or misquote, showing why the application should be granted. Furnish affidavits, if appropriate, and legible copies of all supporting documents. If the error is due to failure to publish a tariff, specify the date when the carrier and/or conference intended or agreed to publish a new tariff. If the application is based on a misquote, the application must include the affidavit of the person who made the misquote describing the circumstances surrounding such misquote along with any other supporting documentary evidence available.


4. Furnish any information or evidence as to whether granting the application may result in discrimination among shippers, ports or carriers. List any shipments of other shippers of the same commodity which (i) moved via the carrier(s) or conference involved in this application during the period of time beginning on the date the intended rate would have become effective and ending on the day before the effective date of the conforming tariff; (ii) moved on the same voyage(s) of the vessel(s) carrying the shipment(s) described in No. 1, above; or (iii), in the case of a misquote, moved between the date of receipt of shipment(s) described in No. 1 above, and the date(s) of sailing(s).


(Here set forth Name of Applicant, Signature of Authorized Person, Typed or Printed Name of Person, Title of Person and Date)


State of , County of . ss:


I,______ , on oath declare that I am ______ of the above-named applicant, that I have read this application and know its contents, and that they are true. Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public in and for the State of ____________ , County of ____________, this ______ day of ______ .


(Seal)



Notary Public


My Commission expires.


CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE (if applicable)

I hereby certify that I have this day served the foregoing document upon the (insert the conference name if a conference tariff is involved; or the name of the carrier if the applicant is a shipper) by delivering a copy (insert means by which copy delivered).


Dated in (insert city, county, state) this ______ day of ______. (signature)


For:


CERTIFICATE OF MAILING

I certify that the date shown below is the date of mailing (or date of delivery to courier) of the original and one (1) copy of this application to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC, 20573-0001.


Dated at ______, this ______ day of ______ .


(Signature) .


For.


Subpart R—Nonadjudicatory Investigations

§ 502.281 Investigational policy.

The Commission has extensive regulatory duties under the various acts it is charged with administering. The conduct of investigations is essential to the proper exercise of the Commission’s regulatory duties. It is the purpose of this subpart to establish procedures for the conduct of such investigations which will insure protection of the public interest in the proper and effective administration of the law. The Commission encourages voluntary cooperation in its investigations where such can be effected without delay or without prejudice to the public interest. The Commission may, in any matter under investigation, invoke any or all of the compulsory processes authorized by law. [Rule 281.]


§ 502.282 Initiation of investigations.

Commission inquiries and nonadjudicatory investigations are originated by the Commission upon its own motion when in its discretion the Commission determines that information is required for the purposes of rulemaking or is necessary or helpful in the determination of its policies or the carrying out of its duties, including whether to institute formal proceedings directed toward determining whether any of the laws which the Commission administers have been violated. [Rule 282.]


§ 502.283 Order of investigation.

When the Commission has determined that an investigation is necessary, an Order of Investigation shall be issued. [Rule 283.]


§ 502.284 By whom conducted.

Investigations are conducted by Commission representatives designated and duly authorized for the purpose. (See § 502.25.) Such representatives are authorized to exercise the duties of their office in accordance with the laws of the United States and the regulations of the Commission, including the resort to all compulsory processes authorized by law, and the administration of oaths and affirmances in any matters under investigation by the Commission. [Rule 284.]


§ 502.285 Investigational hearings.

(a) Investigational hearings, as distinguished from hearings in adjudicatory proceedings, may be conducted in the course of any investigation undertaken by the Commission, including inquiries initiated for the purpose of determining whether or not a person is complying with an order of the Commission.


(b) Investigational hearings may be held before the Commission, one or more of its members, or a duly designated representative, for the purpose of hearing the testimony of witnesses and receiving documents and other data relating to any subject under investigation. Such hearings shall be stenographically reported and a transcript thereof shall be made a part of the record of investigation. [Rule 285.]


§ 502.286 Compulsory process.

The Commission, or its designated representative may issue orders or subpoenas directing the person named therein to appear before a designated representative at a designated time and place to testify or to produce documentary evidence relating to any matter under investigation, or both. Such orders and subpoenas shall be served in the manner provided in § 502.134. [Rule 286.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 502.287 Depositions.

The Commission, or its duly authorized representative, may order testimony to be taken by deposition in any investigation at any stage of such investigation. Such depositions may be taken before any person designated by the Commission having the power to administer oaths. Such testimony shall be reduced to writing by the person taking the deposition or under his or her direction, and shall then be subscribed by the deponent. Any person may be compelled to appear and be deposed and to produce evidence in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce documentary evidence as provided in § 502.131. [Rule 287.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47394, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 502.288 Reports.

The Commission may issue an order requiring a person to file a report or answers in writing to specific questions relating to any matter under investigation. [Rule 288.]


§ 502.289 Noncompliance with investigational process.

In case of failure to comply with Commission investigational processes, appropriate action may be initiated by the Commission, including actions for enforcement by the Commission or the Attorney General and forfeiture of penalties or criminal actions by the Attorney General. [Rule 289.]


§ 502.290 Rights of witness.

Any person required to testify or to submit documentary evidence shall be entitled to retain or, on payment of lawfully prescribed cost, procure a copy of any document produced by such person and of his or her own testimony as stenographically reported or, in the depositions, as reduced to writing by or under the direction of the person taking the deposition. Any party compelled to testify or to produce documentary evidence may be accompanied and advised by counsel, but counsel may not, as a matter or right, otherwise participate in the investigation. [Rule 290.]


§ 502.291 Nonpublic proceedings.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, all investigatory proceedings shall be nonpublic. [Rule 291.]


Subpart S—Informal Procedure for Adjudication of Small Claims

§ 502.301 Statement of policy.

(a) Section 11(a) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 41301(a)) permits any person to file a complaint with the Commission claiming a violation occurring in connection with the foreign commerce of the United States and to seek reparation for any injury caused by that violation.


(b) With the consent of both parties, claims filed under this subpart in the amount of $50,000 or less will be decided by a Small Claims Officer appointed by the Federal Maritime Commission’s Chief Administrative Law Judge, without the necessity of formal proceedings under the rules of this part. Authority to issue decisions under this subpart is delegated to the appointed Small Claims Officer.


(c) Determination of claims under this subpart shall be administratively final and conclusive. [Rule 301.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999; 66 FR 43513, Aug. 20, 2001; 74 FR 50716, Oct. 1, 2009; 79 FR 46715, Aug. 11, 2014]


§ 502.302 Limitations of actions.

(a) Claims alleging violations of the Shipping Act of 1984 must be filed within three years from the time the cause of action accrues.


(b) A claim is deemed filed on the date it is received by the Commission. [Rule 302.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.303 [Reserved]

§ 502.304 Procedure and filing fee.

(a) A sworn claim under this subpart shall be filed in the form prescribed in Exhibit No. 1 to this subpart. Three (3) copies of this claim must be filed, together with the same number of copies of such supporting documents as may be deemed necessary to establish the claim. Copies of tariff pages need not be filed; reference to such tariffs or to pertinent parts thereof will be sufficient. Supporting documents may consist of affidavits, correspondence, bills of lading, paid freight bills, export declarations, dock or wharf receipts, or of such other documents as, in the judgment of the claimant, tend to establish the claim. The Small Claims Officer may, if deemed necessary, request additional documents or information from claimants. Claimant may attach a memorandum, brief or other document containing discussion, argument, or legal authority in support of its claim. If a claim filed under this subpart involves any shipment which has been the subject of a previous claim filed with the Commission, formally or informally, full reference to such previous claim must be given.


(b) Claims under this subpart shall be addressed to the Office of the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Such claims must be accompanied by remittance of a $176 filing fee.


(c) Each claim under this subpart will be acknowledged with a reference to the Informal Docket Number assigned. The number shall consist of a numeral(s) followed by capital “I” in parentheses. All further correspondence pertaining to such claims must refer to the assigned Informal Docket Number. If the documents filed fail to establish a claim for which relief may be granted, the parties affected will be so notified in writing. The claimant may thereafter, but only if the period of limitation has not run, resubmit its claim with such additional proof as may be necessary to establish the claim. In the event a complaint has been amended because it failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, it will be considered as a new complaint.


(d) A copy of each claim filed under this subpart, with attachments, shall be served by the Secretary on the respondent named in the claim.


(e) Within twenty-five (25) days from the date of service of the claim, the respondent shall serve upon the claimant and file with the Commission its response to the claim, together with an indication, in the form prescribed in Exhibit No. 2 to this subpart, as to whether the informal procedure provided in this subpart is consented to. Failure of the respondent to indicate refusal or consent in its response will be conclusively deemed to indicate such consent. The response shall consist of documents, arguments, legal authorities, or precedents, or any other matters considered by the respondent to be a defense to the claim. The Small Claims Officer may request the respondent to furnish such further documents or information as deemed necessary, or he or she may require the claimant to reply to the defenses raised by the respondent.


(f) If the respondent refuses to consent to the claim being informally adjudicated pursuant to this subpart, the claim will be considered a complaint under § 502.311 and will be adjudicated under subpart T of this part.


(g) Both parties shall promptly be served with the Small Claims Officer’s decision which shall state the basis upon which the decision was made. Where appropriate, the Small Claims Officer may require that the respondent publish notice in its tariff of the substance of the decision. This decision shall be final, unless, within thirty (30) days from the date of service of the decision, the Commission exercises its discretionary right to review the decision. The Commission shall not, on its own initiative, review any decision or order of dismissal unless such review is requested by an individual Commissioner. Any such request must be transmitted to the Secretary within thirty (30) days after date of service of the decision or order. Such request shall be sufficient to bring the matter before the Commission for review.


(h) Within thirty (30) days after service of a final decision by a Small Claims Officer, any party may file a petition for reconsideration. Such petition shall be directed to the Small Claims Officer and shall act as a stay of the review period prescribed in paragraph (g) of this section. A petition will be subject to summary rejection unless it: (1) Specifies that there has been a change in material fact or in applicable law, which change has occurred after issuance of the decision or order; (2) identifies a substantive error in material fact contained in the decision or order; (3) addresses a material matter in the Small Claims Officer’s decision upon which the petitioner has not previously had the opportunity to comment. Petitions which merely elaborate upon or repeat arguments made prior to the decision or order will not be received. Upon issuance of a decision or order on reconsideration by the Small Claims Officer, the review period prescribed in paragraph (g) of this section will recommence. [Rule 304.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 59 FR 59170, Nov. 16, 1994; 67 FR 39859, June 11, 2002; 70 FR 10329, Mar. 3, 2005; 79 FR 46715, Aug. 11, 2014; 80 FR 14319, Mar. 19, 2015; 81 FR 59144, Aug. 29, 2016; 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 85 FR 72578, Nov. 13, 2020; 88 FR 16897, Mar. 21, 2023]


§ 502.305 Applicability of other rules of this part.

(a) Except otherwise specifically provided in this subpart or in paragraph (b) of this section, the sections in subparts A through Q, inclusive, of this part do not apply to situations covered by this subpart.


(b) The following sections in subparts A through Q of this part apply to situations covered by this subpart: §§ 502.2(a) (Requirement for filing); 502.2(f)(1) (Email transmission of filings); 502.2(i) (Continuing obligation to provide contact information); 502.7 (Documents in foreign languages); 502.21 through 502.23 (Appearance, Authority for representation, Notice of appearance; substitution and withdrawal of representative); 502.43 (Substitution of parties); 502.101 (Computation); 502.113 (Service of private party complaints); 502.117 (Certificate of service); 502.253 (Interest in reparation proceedings); and 502.254 (Attorney fees in complaint proceedings). [Rule 305.]


[76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011, as amended at 80 FR 14319, Mar. 19, 2015; 81 FR 10519, Mar. 1, 2016]


Exhibit No. 1 to Subpart S [§ 502.304(a)] of Part 502—Small Claim Form for Informal Adjudication and Information Checklist

Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC.

Informal Docket No.______




(Claimant)

vs.




(Respondent)

I. The claimant is [state in this paragraph whether claimant is an association, corporation, firm or partnership, and if a firm or partnership, the names of the individuals composing the same. State the nature and principal place of business.]


II. The respondent named above is [state in this paragraph whether respondent is an association, corporation, firm or partnership, and if a firm or partnership, the names of the individuals composing the same. State the nature and principal place of business.]


III. That [state in this and subsequent paragraphs to be lettered A, B, etc., the matters that gave rise to the claim. Name specifically each rate, charge, classification, regulation or practice which is challenged. Refer to tariffs, tariff items or rules, or agreement numbers, if known. If claim is based on the fact that a firm is a common carrier, state where it is engaged in transportation by water and which statute(s) it is subject to under the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission].


IV. If claim is for overcharges, state commodity, weight and cube, origin, destination, bill of lading description, bill of lading number and date, rate and/or charges assessed, date of delivery, date of payment, by whom paid, rate or charge claimed to be correct and amount claimed as overcharges. [Specify tariff item for rate or charge claimed to be proper].


V. State section of statute claimed to have been violated. (Not required if claim is for overcharges).


VI. State how claimant was injured and amount of damages requested.


VII. The undersigned authorizes the Small Claims Officer to determine the above-stated claim pursuant to the informal procedure outlined in subpart S (46 CFR 502.301-502.305) of the Commission’s informal procedure for adjudication of small claims subject to discretionary Commission review.


Attach memorandum or brief in support of claim. Also attach bill of lading, copies of correspondence or other documents in support of claim.




(Date)



(Claimant’s signature)



(Claimant’s address)



(Signature of agent or attorney)



(Agent’s or attorney’s address)

Verification

State of ______, County of ______, ss: ______, being first duly sworn on oath deposes and says that he or she is




The claimant [or if a firm, association, or corporation, state the capacity of the affiant] and is the person who signed the foregoing claim, that he or she has read the foregoing and that the facts set forth without qualification are true and that the facts stated therein upon information received from others, affiant believes to be true.



Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public in and for the State of ______, County of ______, this ____ day of ______ 19—. (Seal)



(Notary Public)

My Commission expires,

Information To Assist in Filing Informal Complaints

Informal Docket procedures are limited to claims of $50,000 or less and are appropriate only in instances when an evidentiary hearing on disputed facts is not necessary. Where, however, a respondent elects not to consent to the informal procedures [See Exhibit No. 2 to subpart S], the claim will be adjudicated by an administrative law judge under subpart T of Part 502.


Under the Shipping Act of 1984 [for foreign commerce], the claim must be filed within three (3) years from the time the cause of action accrues and may be brought against any person alleged to have violated the 1984 Act to the injury of claimant.


A violation of a specific section of a particular shipping statute must be alleged.


The format of Exhibit No. 1 must be followed and a verification must be included. (See §§ 502.21-502.32, 502.112, and 502.304.) An original and two (2) copies of the claim and all attachments, including a brief in support of the claim, must be submitted.


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47394, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 55 FR 28400, July 11, 1990; 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999; 76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011; 79 FR 46715, Aug. 11, 2014]


Exhibit No. 2 to Subpart S [§ 502.304(e)] of Part 502—Respondent’s Consent Form for Informal Adjudication

Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC.

Informal Docket No. ______

Respondent’s Affidavit

I authorize the Small Claims Officer to determine the above-numbered claim in accordance with subpart S (46 CFR 502) of the Commission’s informal procedure for adjudication of small claims subject to discretionary Commission Review.


(Date)

(Signed)

(Capacity)

Verification

State of ______________________, County of ____________________, ss: ____________, being first duly sworn on oath deposes and says that he or she is __________________, (Title or Position) and is the person who signed the foregoing and agrees without qualification to its truth.




Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public in and for the State of ________________, County of ________________, this ____________ day of ____________________, 19____.


(Seal)



(Notary Public)

My Commission expires.

Certificate of Service [See § 502.320]

[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 79 FR 46715, Aug. 11, 2014]


Subpart T—Formal Procedure for Adjudication of Small Claims

§ 502.311 Applicability.

In the event the respondent elects not to consent to determination of the claim under subpart S of this part, it shall be adjudicated by the administrative law judges of the Commission under procedures set forth in this subpart, if timely filed under § 502.302. The previously assigned Docket Number shall be used except that it shall now be followed by capital “F” instead of “I” in parentheses (See § 502.304(c)). The complaint shall consist of the documents submitted by the claimant under subpart S of this part. [Rule 311.]


§ 502.312 Answer to complaint.

The respondent shall file with the Commission an answer within twenty-five (25) days of service of the complaint and shall serve a copy of said answer upon complainant. The answer shall admit or deny each matter set forth in the complaint. Matters not specifically denied will be deemed admitted. Where matters are urged in defense, the answer shall be accompanied by appropriate affidavits, other documents, and memoranda. [Rule 312.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47394, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 502.313 Reply of complainant.

Complainant may, within twenty (20) days of service of the answer filed by respondent, file with the Commission and serve upon the respondent a reply memorandum accompanied by appropriate affidavits and supporting documents. [Rule 313.]


§ 502.314 Additional information.

The administrative law judge may require the submission of additional affidavits, documents, or memoranda from complainant or respondent. [Rule 314.]


§ 502.315 Request for oral hearing.

In the usual course of disposition of complaints filed under this subpart, no oral hearing will be held, but, the administrative law judge, in his or her discretion, may order such hearing. A request for oral hearing may be incorporated in the answer or in complainant’s reply to the answer. Requests for oral hearing will not be entertained unless they set forth in detail the reasons why the filing of affidavits or other documents will not permit the fair and expeditious disposition of the claim, and the precise nature of the facts sought to be proved at such oral hearing. The administrative law judge shall rule upon a request for oral hearing within ten (10) days of its receipt. In the event an oral hearing is ordered, it will be held in accordance with the rules applicable to other formal proceedings, as set forth in subparts A through Q of this part. [Rule 315.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47394, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 502.316 Intervention.

Intervention will ordinarily not be permitted. [Rule 316.]


§ 502.317 Oral argument.

No oral argument will be held unless otherwise directed by the administrative law judge. [Rule 317.]


§ 502.318 Decision.

(a) The decision of the administrative law judge shall be final, unless, within twenty-two (22) days from the date of service of the decision, either party requests review of the decision by the Commission, asserting as grounds therefor that a material finding of fact or a necessary legal conclusion is erroneous or that prejudicial error has occurred, or unless, within thirty (30) days from the date of service of the decision, the Commission exercises its discretionary right to review the decision. The Commission shall not, on its own initiative, review any decision or order of dismissal unless such review is requested by an individual Commissioner. Any such request must be transmitted to the Secretary within thirty (30) days after date of service of the decision or order. Such request shall be sufficient to bring the matter before the Commission for review. [Rule 318.]


(b) Attorney fees may be awarded to the prevailing party in accordance with § 502.254. [Rule 318.]


[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 52 FR 6332, Mar. 3, 1987; 74 FR 50717, Oct. 1, 2009; 81 FR 10519, Mar. 1, 2016]


§ 502.319 Date of service and computation of time.

(a) The date of service of documents served by the Commission will be the date shown in the service stamp placed on the first page of the document. The date of service of documents served by parties will be the date when the document served is transmitted by email, deposited in the United States mail, delivered to a courier, or delivered in person. If service is made by more than one method, for example email and also U.S. mail service, the date of service will be the earlier of the two actions. In computing the time from such dates, the provisions of § 502.101 shall apply. [Rule 319.]


(b) In computing any time period prescribed or allowed under the rules in this Part, the period begins on the day following the act, event, or default that triggers the period and includes the last day of the time period. If the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the time period continues to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. If the presiding officer prescribes or allows an act, event, or default by reference to a specific date, that date will govern. If the Commission’s offices are inaccessible on the last day for a filing, the time for filing is extended to the first accessible day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.


[80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015]


§ 502.320 Service.

All claims, resubmitted claims, petitions to intervene and rulings thereon, notices of oral hearings, notices of oral arguments (if necessary), decisions of the administrative law judge, notices of review, and Commission decisions shall be served by the administrative law judge or the Commission. All other pleadings, documents and filings shall, when tendered to the Commission, evidence service upon all parties to the proceeding. Such certificate shall be in substantially the following form:



Certificate of Service

I hereby certify that I have this day served the foregoing document upon all parties of record in this proceeding by [mailing, delivering to courier, or delivering in person], a copy to each such person in sufficient time to reach such person on the date the document is due to be filed with the Commission.


Dated at ____________________ this ________________ day of __________________, 19____.


(Signature)

(For)

[Rule 320.]

§ 502.321 Applicability of other rules of this part.

(a) Except otherwise specifically provided in this subpart or in paragraph (b) of this section, the sections in subparts A through Q, inclusive, of this part do not apply to situations covered by this subpart.


(b) The following sections in subparts A through Q apply to situations covered by this subpart: §§ 502.2(a) (Requirement for filing); 502.2(f)(1) (Email transmission of filings); 502.2(i) (Continuing obligation to provide contact information); 502.7 (Documents in foreign languages); 502.21-502.23 (Appearance, Authority for representation, Notice of appearance; substitution and withdrawal of representative); 502.43 (Substitution of parties); 502.253 (Interest in reparation proceedings); and 502.254 (Attorney fees in complaint proceedings). [Rule 321.]


[76 FR 10262, Feb. 24, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 10519, Mar. 1, 2016]


Subpart U—Alternative Dispute Resolution


Source:66 FR 43513, Aug. 20, 2001, unless otherwise noted.

§ 502.401 Policy.

It is the policy of the Federal Maritime Commission to use alternative means of dispute resolution to the fullest extent compatible with the law and the agency’s mission and resources. The Commission will consider using ADR in all areas including workplace issues, formal and informal adjudication, issuance of regulations, enforcement and compliance, issuing and revoking licenses and permits, contract award and administration, litigation brought by or against the Commission, and other interactions with the public and the regulated community. The Commission will provide learning and development opportunities for its employees to develop their ability to use conflict resolution skills, instill knowledge of the theory and practice of ADR, and to facilitate appropriate use of ADR. To this end, all parties to matters under this part are required to consider use of a wide range of alternative means to resolve disputes at an early stage. Parties are encouraged to pursue use of alternative means through the Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services in lieu of or prior to initiating a Commission proceeding. All employees and persons who interact with the Commission are encouraged to identify opportunities for collaborative, consensual approaches to dispute resolution or rulemaking.


[66 FR 43513, Aug. 20, 2001, as amended at 70 FR 7669, Feb. 15, 2005; 70 FR 44867, Aug. 4, 2005]


§ 502.402 Definitions.

(a) Alternative means of dispute resolution means any procedure that is used to resolve issues in controversy, including, but not limited to, conciliation, facilitation, mediation, factfinding, minitrials, arbitration, and use of ombuds, or any combination thereof;


(b) Award means any decision by an arbitrator resolving the issues in controversy;


(c) Dispute resolution communication means any oral or written communication prepared for the purposes of a dispute resolution proceeding, including any memoranda, notes or work product of the neutral, parties or nonparty participant; except that a written agreement to enter into a dispute resolution proceeding, or final written agreement or arbitral award reached as a result of a dispute resolution proceeding, is not a dispute resolution communication;


(d) Dispute resolution proceeding means any process in which an alternative means of dispute resolution is used to resolve an issue in controversy in which a neutral is appointed and specified parties participate;


(e) In confidence means, with respect to information, that the information is provided—


(1) With the expressed intent of the source that it not be disclosed; or


(2) Under circumstances that would create the reasonable expectation on behalf of the source that the information will not be disclosed;


(f) Issue in controversy means an issue which is material to a decision concerning a program of the Commission, and with which there is disagreement—


(1) Between the Commission and persons who would be substantially affected by the decision; or


(2) Between persons who would be substantially affected by the decision;


(g) Neutral means an individual who, with respect to an issue in controversy, functions specifically to aid the parties in resolving the controversy; and


(h) Person has the same meaning as in 5 U.S.C. 551(2).


§ 502.403 General authority.

(a) The Commission intends to consider using a dispute resolution proceeding for the resolution of an issue in controversy, if the parties agree to a dispute resolution proceeding.


(b) The Commission will consider not using a dispute resolution proceeding if—


(1) A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required for precedential value, and such a proceeding is not likely to be accepted generally as an authoritative precedent;


(2) The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made, and such a proceeding would not likely serve to develop a recommended policy for the agency;


(3) Maintaining established policies is of special importance, so that variations among individual decisions are not increased and such a proceeding would not likely reach consistent results among individual decisions;


(4) The matter significantly affects persons or organizations who are not parties to the proceeding;


(5) A full public record of the proceeding is important, and a dispute resolution proceeding cannot provide such a record; and


(6) The Commission must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in the light of changed circumstances, and a dispute resolution proceeding would interfere with the Commission’s fulfilling that requirement.


(c) Alternative means of dispute resolution authorized under this subpart are voluntary procedures which supplement rather than limit other available agency dispute resolution techniques.


§ 502.404 Neutrals.

(a) A neutral may be a permanent or temporary officer or employee of the Federal Government or any other individual who is acceptable to the parties to a dispute resolution proceeding. A neutral shall have no official, financial, or personal conflict of interest with respect to the issues in controversy, unless such interest is fully disclosed in writing to all parties and all parties agree that the neutral may serve.


(b) A neutral who serves as a conciliator, facilitator, or mediator serves at the will of the parties.


(c) With consent of the parties, the Federal Maritime Commission Dispute Resolution Specialist will seek to provide a neutral in dispute resolution proceedings through Commission staff, arrangements with other agencies, or on a contractual basis.


(d) Fees. Should the parties choose a neutral other than an official or employee of the Commission, fees and expenses shall be borne by the parties as the parties shall agree.


§ 502.405 Confidentiality.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, a neutral in a dispute resolution proceeding shall not voluntarily disclose or through discovery or compulsory process be required to disclose any dispute resolution communication or any communication provided in confidence to the neutral, unless—


(1) All parties to the dispute resolution proceeding and the neutral consent in writing, and, if the dispute resolution communication was provided by a nonparty participant, that participant also consents in writing;


(2) The dispute resolution communication has already been made public;


(3) The dispute resolution communication is required by statute to be made public, but a neutral should make such communication public only if no other person is reasonably available to disclose the communication; or


(4) A court determines that such testimony or disclosure is necessary to—


(i) Prevent a manifest injustice;


(ii) Help establish a violation of law; or


(iii) Prevent harm to the public health or safety, of sufficient magnitude in the particular case to outweigh the integrity of dispute resolution proceedings in general by reducing the confidence of parties in future cases that their communications will remain confidential.


(b) A party to a dispute resolution proceeding shall not voluntarily disclose or through discovery or compulsory process be required to disclose any dispute resolution communication, unless—


(1) The communication was prepared by the party seeking disclosure;


(2) All parties to the dispute resolution proceeding consent in writing;


(3) The dispute resolution communication has already been made public;


(4) The dispute resolution communication is required by statute to be made public;


(5) A court determines that such testimony or disclosure is necessary to—


(i) Prevent a manifest injustice;


(ii) Help establish a violation of law; or


(iii) Prevent harm to the public health and safety, of sufficient magnitude in the particular case to outweigh the integrity of dispute resolution proceedings in general by reducing the confidence of parties in future cases that their communications will remain confidential;


(6) The dispute resolution communication is relevant to determining the existence or meaning of an agreement or award that resulted from the dispute resolution proceeding or to the enforcement of such an agreement or award; or


(7) Except for dispute resolution communications generated by the neutral, the dispute resolution communication was provided to or was available to all parties to the dispute resolution proceeding.


(c) Any dispute resolution communication that is disclosed in violation of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section shall not be admissible in any proceeding relating to the issues in controversy with respect to which the communication was made.


(d) (1) The parties may agree between or amongst themselves to alternative confidential procedures for disclosures by a neutral, and shall inform the neutral before commencement of the dispute resolution proceeding of any modifications to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section that will govern the confidentiality of the dispute resolution proceeding, in accordance with the guidance on confidentiality in federal proceedings published by the Interagency ADR Working Group and adopted by the ADR Council (http://www.financenet.gov/financenet/fed/iadrwg/confid.pdf). If the parties do not so inform the neutral, paragraph (a) of this section shall apply.


(2) To qualify for the exemption under paragraph (j) of this section, an alternative confidential procedure under this subsection may not provide for less disclosure than the confidential procedures otherwise provided under this section.


(e) If a demand for disclosure, by way of discovery request or other legal process, is made upon a neutral regarding a dispute resolution communication, the neutral shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parties and any affected nonparty participants of the demand. Any party or affected nonparty participant who receives such notice and within 15 calendar days does not offer to defend a refusal of the neutral to disclose the requested information shall have waived any objection to such disclosure.


(f) Nothing in this section shall prevent the discovery or admissibility of any evidence that is otherwise discoverable, merely because the evidence was presented in the course of a dispute resolution proceeding.


(g) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall have no effect on the information and data that are necessary to document an agreement reached or order issued pursuant to a dispute resolution proceeding.


(h) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall not prevent the gathering of information for research or educational purposes, in cooperation with other agencies, governmental entities, or dispute resolution programs, so long as the parties and the specific issues in controversy are not identifiable.


(i) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall not prevent use of a dispute resolution communication to resolve a dispute between the neutral in a dispute resolution proceeding and a party to or participant in such proceeding, so long as such dispute resolution communication is disclosed only to the extent necessary to resolve such dispute.


(j) A dispute resolution communication which is between a neutral and a party and which may not be disclosed under this section shall also be exempt from disclosure under 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(3).


§ 502.406 Arbitration.

(a)(1) Arbitration may be used as an alternative means of dispute resolution whenever all parties consent, except that arbitration may not be used when the Commission or one of its components is a party. Consent may be obtained either before or after an issue in controversy has arisen. A party may agree to—


(i) Submit only certain issues in controversy to arbitration; or


(ii) Arbitration on the condition that the award must be within a range of possible outcomes.


(2) The arbitration agreement that sets forth the subject matter submitted to the arbitrator shall be in writing. Each such arbitration agreement shall specify a maximum award that may be issued by the arbitrator and may specify other conditions limiting the range of possible outcomes.


(b) With the concurrence of the Federal Maritime Commission Dispute Resolution Specialist, binding arbitration may be used to resolve any and all disputes that could be the subject of a Commission administrative proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge. The Federal Maritime Commission Dispute Resolution Specialist may withhold such concurrence after considering the factors specified in § 502.403, should the Commission’s General Counsel object to use of binding arbitration.


(c)(1) The Federal Maritime Commission Dispute Resolution Specialist will appoint an arbitrator of the parties’ choosing for an arbitration proceeding.


(2) A Commission officer or employee selected as an arbitrator by the parties and appointed by the Federal Maritime Commission Dispute Resolution Specialist shall have authority to settle an issue in controversy through binding arbitration pursuant to the arbitration agreement; provided, however, that decisions by arbitrators shall not have precedential value with respect to decisions by Administrative Law Judges or the Commission. Administrative Law Judges may be appointed as arbitrators with the concurrence of the Chief Administrative Law Judge.


(d) The arbitrator shall be a neutral who meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 573.


§ 502.407 Authority of the arbitrator.

An arbitrator to whom a dispute is referred may—


(a) Regulate the course of and conduct arbitral hearings;


(b) Administer oaths and affirmations;


(c) Compel the attendance of witnesses and production of evidence at the hearing under the provisions of 9 U.S.C. 7 only to the extent the Commission is otherwise authorized by law to do so; and


(d) Make awards.


§ 502.408 Conduct of arbitration proceedings.

(a) The arbitrator shall set a time and place for the hearing on the dispute and shall notify the parties not less than seven (7) days before the hearing.


(b) Any party wishing a record of the hearing shall—


(1) Be responsible for the preparation of such record;


(2) Notify the other parties and the arbitrator of the preparation of such record;


(3) Furnish copies to all identified parties and the arbitrator; and


(4) Pay all costs for such record, unless the parties agree otherwise or the arbitrator determines that the costs should be apportioned.


(c)(1) The parties to the arbitration are entitled to be heard, to present evidence material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses appearing at the hearing.


(2) The arbitrator may, with the consent of the parties, conduct all or part of the hearing by telephone, television, computer, or other electronic means, if each party has an opportunity to participate.


(3) The hearing shall be conducted expeditiously and in an informal manner.


(4) The arbitrator may receive any oral or documentary evidence, except that irrelevant, immaterial, unduly repetitious, or privileged evidence may be excluded by the arbitrator.


(5) The arbitrator shall interpret and apply relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, legal precedents, and policy directives.


(d) The provisions of § 502.11 regarding ex parte communications apply to all arbitration proceedings. No interested person shall make or knowingly cause to be made to the arbitrator an unauthorized ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding, unless the parties agree otherwise. If a communication is made in violation of this subsection, the arbitrator shall ensure that a memorandum of the communication is prepared and made a part of the record, and that an opportunity for rebuttal is allowed. Upon receipt of a communication made in violation of this subsection, the arbitrator may, to the extent consistent with the interests of justice and the policies underlying this subchapter, require the offending party to show cause why the claim of such party should not be resolved against such party as a result of the improper conduct.


(e) The arbitrator shall make an award within 30 days after the close of the hearing, or the date of the filing of any briefs authorized by the arbitrator, whichever date is later, unless the parties agree to some other time limit.


[66 FR 43513, Aug. 20, 2001, as amended at 80 FR 57307, Sept. 23, 2015]


§ 502.409 Arbitration awards.

(a)(1) The award in an arbitration proceeding under this subchapter shall include a brief, informal discussion of the factual and legal basis for the award, but formal findings of fact or conclusions of law shall not be required.


(2) Exceptions to or an appeal of an arbitrator’s decision may not be filed with the Commission.


(b) An award entered in an arbitration proceeding may not serve as an estoppel in any other proceeding for any issue that was resolved in the proceeding. Such an award also may not be used as precedent or otherwise be considered in any factually unrelated proceeding.


§ 502.410 Representation of parties.

(a) The provisions of § 502.21 apply to the representation of parties in dispute resolution proceedings, as do the provisions of § 502.27 regarding the representation of parties by nonattorneys.


(b) A neutral in a dispute resolution proceeding may require participants to demonstrate authority to enter into a binding agreement reached by means of a dispute resolution proceeding.


§ 502.411 Mediation and other alternative means of dispute resolution.

(a) Parties are encouraged to utilize mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution in all formal proceedings. The Commission also encourages those with disputes to pursue mediation in lieu of, or prior to, the initiation of a Commission proceeding.


(b) Any party may request, at any time, that a mediator or other neutral be appointed to assist the parties in reaching a settlement. If such a request is made in a proceeding assigned to an Administrative Law Judge, the provisions of § 502.91 apply. For all other matters, alternative dispute resolution services may be requested directly from the Federal Maritime Commission Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist, who may serve as the neutral if the parties agree or who will arrange for the appointment of a neutral acceptable to all parties.


(c) The neutral shall convene and conduct mediation or other appropriate dispute resolution proceedings with the parties.


(d) Ex parte Communications. Except with respect to arbitration, the provisions of § 502.11 do not apply to dispute resolution proceedings, and mediators are expressly authorized to conduct private sessions with parties.


Subpart V—Implementation of the Equal Access to Justice Act in Commission Proceedings


Source:52 FR 28264, July 29, 1987, unless otherwise noted.

§ 502.501 General provisions.

(a) Purpose. The Equal Access to Justice Act, 5 U.S.C. 504 (“EAJA”), provides for the award of attorney fees and other expenses to eligible individuals and entities who are parties to certain administrative proceedings (called “adversary adjudications”) before the Federal Maritime Commission (“the Commission”). An eligible party may receive an award when it prevails over an agency, unless the agency’s position was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust. The rules in this subpart describe the parties eligible for awards and the proceedings that are covered. They also explain how to apply for awards, and the procedures and standards that the Commission will use to make them.


(b) When EAJA applies. EAJA applies to any adversary adjudication:


(1) Pending or commenced before the Commission on or after August 5, 1985;


(2) Commenced on or after October 1, 1984, and finally disposed of before August 5, 1985, provided that an application for fees and expenses, as described in § 502.502 of this subpart, has been filed with the Commission within 30 days after August 5, 1985; or


(3) Pending on or commenced on or after October 1, 1981, in which an application for fees and other expenses was timely filed and was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.


(c) Proceedings covered. (1)(i) EAJA applies to adversary adjudications conducted by the Commission under this part. These are adjudications under 5 U.S.C. 554 in which the position of this or any other agency of the United States, or any component of any agency, is presented by an attorney or other representative who enters an appearance and participates in the proceeding.


(ii) Any proceeding in which the Commission may prescribe a lawful present or future rate is not covered by the Act.


(iii) Proceedings to grant or renew licenses are also excluded, but proceedings to modify, suspend, or revoke licenses are covered if they are otherwise “adversary adjudications.”


(2) The Commission’s failure to identify a type of proceeding as an adversary adjudication shall not preclude the filing of an application by a party who believes the proceeding is covered by the EAJA; whether the proceeding is covered will then be an issue for resolution in proceedings on the application.


(3) If a proceeding includes both matters covered by EAJA and matters specifically excluded from coverage, any award made will include only fees and expenses related to covered issues.


(d) Eligibility of applicants. (1) To be eligible for an award of attorney fees and other expenses under EAJA, the applicant must be a party to the adversary adjudication for which it seeks an award. The term “party” is defined in 5 U.S.C. 551(3). The applicant must show that it meets all conditions of eligibility set out in this section and § 502.502.


(2) The types of eligible applicants are:


(i) An individual with a net worth of not more than $2 million;


(ii) The sole owner of an unincorporated business who has a net worth of not more than $7 million, including both personal and business interests, and not more than 500 employees;


(iii) A charitable or other tax-exempt organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) with not more than 500 employees;


(iv) A cooperative association as defined in section 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a)) with not more than 500 employees; and


(v) Any other partnership, corporation, association, unit of local government, or organization with a net worth of not more than $7 million and not more than 500 employees.


(vi) For purposes of paragraph (e)(3) of this section, a small entity as defined in 5 U.S.C. 601.


(3) For the purpose of eligibility, the net worth and number of employees of an applicant shall be determined as of the date the proceeding was initiated.


(4) An applicant who owns an unincorporated business will be considered as an “individual” rather than a “sole owner of an unincorporated business” if the issues on which the applicant prevails are related primarily to personal interests rather than to business interests.


(5) The employees of an applicant include all persons who regularly perform services for remuneration for the applicant, under the applicant’s direction and control. Part-time employees shall be included on a proportional basis.


(6) The net worth and number of employees of the applicant and all of its affiliates shall be aggregated to determine eligibility. Any individual corporation or other entity that directly or indirectly controls or owns a majority of the voting shares or other interests of the applicant, or any corporation or other entity of which the applicant directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the voting shares or other interests, will be considered an affiliate for purposes of this subpart, unless the adjudicative officer determines that such treatment would be unjust and contrary to the purposes of EAJA in light of the actual relationship between the affiliated entities. In addition, the adjudicative officer may determine that financial relationships of the applicant other than those described in this paragraph constitute special circumstances that would make an award unjust.


(7) An applicant that participates in a proceeding primarily on behalf of one or more other persons or entities that would be ineligible is not itself eligible for an award.


(e) Standards for awards. (1) A prevailing applicant may receive an award for fees and expenses incurred in connection with a proceeding or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, unless the position of the agency over which the applicant has prevailed was substantially justified. The position of the agency includes, in addition to the position taken by the agency in the adversary adjudication, the action or failure to act by the agency upon which the adversary adjudication is based. The burden of proof that an award should not be made to an eligible prevailing applicant is on agency counsel.


(2) An award will be reduced or denied if the applicant has unduly or unreasonably protracted the proceeding or if special circumstances make the award sought unjust.


(3) In an adversary adjudication arising from a Commission action to enforce a party’s compliance with a statutory or regulatory requirement, if the demand by the Commission is substantially in excess of the decision of the presiding officer and is unreasonable under the facts and circumstances of the case, the presiding officer shall award to the party fees and other expenses related to defending against the excessive demand, unless the party has committed a willful violation of law or otherwise acted in bad faith, or special circumstances make an award unjust.


(f) Allowable fees and expenses. (1) Awards will be based on rates customarily charged by the persons engaged in the business of acting as attorneys, agents and expert witnesses, even if the services were made available without charge or at a reduced rate to the applicant.


(2) No award for the fee of an attorney or agent under this subpart may exceed $125 per hour. No award to compensate an expert witness may exceed the highest rate at which the Commission pays expert witnesses. However, an award may also include the reasonable expenses of the attorney, agent, or witness as a separate item, if the attorney, agent or witness ordinarily charges clients separately for such expenses.


(3) In determining the reasonableness of the fee sought for an attorney, agent or expert witness, the adjudicative officer shall consider the following:


(i) If the attorney, agent or witness is in private practice, his or her customary fees for similar services, or, if an employee of the applicant, the fully allocated costs of the services;


(ii) The prevailing rate for similar services in the community in which the attorney, agent or witness ordinarily performs services;


(iii) The time actually spent in the representation of the applicant;


(iv) The time reasonably spent in light of the difficulty or complexity of the issues in the proceeding; and


(v) Such other factors as may bear on the value of the services provided.


(4) The reasonable cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test project or similar matter prepared on behalf of a party may be awarded, to the extent that the charge for the services does not exceed the prevailing rate for similar services, and the study or other matter was necessary for preparation of applicant’s case.


(g) Awards against other agencies. If an applicant is entitled to an award because it prevails over another agency of the United States that participates in a proceeding before the Commission and takes a position that is not substantially justified, the award or an appropriate portion of the award shall be made against that agency. [Rule 501.]


[52 FR 28264, July 29, 1987, as amended at 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.502 Information required from applicants.

(a) Contents of petition. (1) An application for an award of fees and expenses under EAJA shall be by petition under § 502.69 of this part, shall clearly indicate that the application is made under EAJA, and shall identify the applicant and the proceeding (including docket number) for which an award is sought. The application shall show that the applicant has prevailed and identify the position of an agency or agencies that the applicant alleges was not substantially justified. Unless the applicant is an individual, the application shall also state the number of employees of the applicant and describe briefly the type and purpose of its organization or business.


(2) The petition shall also include a statement that the applicant’s net worth does not exceed $2 million (if an individual) or $7 million (for all other applicants, including their affiliates). However, an applicant may omit this statement if:


(i) It attaches a copy of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service that it qualifies as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) or, in the case of a tax-exempt organization not required to obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on its exempt status, a statement that describes the basis for the applicant’s belief that it qualifies under such section; or


(ii) It states that it is a cooperative association as defined in section 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a)).


(3) The petition shall state the amount of fees and expenses for which an award is sought.


(4) The petition may also include any other matters that the applicant wishes the Commission to consider in determining whether and in what amount an award should be made.


(5) The petition shall be signed by the applicant or an authorized officer or attorney of the applicant. It shall also contain or be accompanied by a written verification under oath or under penalty of perjury that the information provided in the application is true and correct.


(b) Net worth exhibit. (1) Each applicant except a qualified tax-exempt organization or cooperative association must provide with its petition a detailed exhibit showing the net worth of the applicant and any affiliates (as defined in § 502.501(d)(6) of this subpart) when the proceeding was initiated. The exhibit may be in any form convenient to the applicant that provides full disclosure of the applicant’s and its affiliates’ assets and liabilities and is sufficient to determine whether the applicant qualifies under the standards in this subpart. The adjudicative officer may require an applicant to file additional information to determine its eligibility for an award.


(2) Ordinarily, the net worth exhibit will be included in the public record of the proceeding. However, an applicant that objects to public disclosure of information in any portion of the exhibit and believes there are legal grounds for withholding it from disclosure may submit that portion of the exhibit directly to the adjudicative officer in a sealed envelope labeled “Confidential Financial Information,” accompanied by a motion to withhold the information from public disclosure. The motion shall describe the information sought to be withheld and explain, in detail, why it falls within one or more of the specific exemptions from mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(1)-(9), why public disclosure of the information would adversely affect the applicant, and why disclosure is not required in the public interest. The material in question shall be served on counsel representing the agency against which the applicant seeks an award, but need not be served on any other party to the proceeding. If the adjudicative officer finds that the information should not be withheld from disclosure, it shall be placed in the public record of the proceeding. Otherwise, any request to inspect or copy the exhibit shall be disposed of in accordance with the Commission’s established procedures under the Freedom of Information Act under §§ 503.31-503.43 of this chapter.


(c) Documentation of fees and expenses. The petition shall be accompanied by full documentation of the fees and expenses, including the cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, project or similar matter, for which an award is sought. A separate itemized statement shall be submitted for each professional firm or individual whose services are covered by the application, showing the hours spent in connection with the proceeding by each individual, a description of the specific services performed, the rates at which each fee has been computed, any expenses for which reinbursement is sought, the total amount claimed, and the total amount paid or payable by the applicant or by any other person or entity for the services provided. The adjudicative officer may require the applicant to provide vouchers, receipts, or other substantiation for any expenses claimed.


(d) When a petition may be filed. (1) A petition may be filed whenever the applicant has prevailed in the proceeding or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, but in no case later than 30 days after the Commission’s final disposition of the proceeding.


(2) For purposes of this subpart, final disposition means the date on which a decision or order disposing of the merits of the proceeding or any other complete resolution of the proceeding, such as a settlement or voluntary dismissal, becomes final and unappealable, both within the Commission and to the courts.


(3) If review or reconsideration is sought or taken of a decision as to which an applicant believes it has prevailed, proceedings for the award of fees shall be stayed pending final disposition of the underlying controversy. When the United States appeals the underlying merits of an adversary adjudication to a court, no decision on an application for fees and other expenses in connection with that adversary adjudication shall be made until a final and unreviewable decision is rendered by the court on the appeal or until the underlying merits of the case have been finally determined pursuant to the appeal. [Rule 502.]


[52 FR 28264, July 29, 1987, as amended at 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999]


§ 502.503 Procedures for considering petitions.

(a) Filing and service of documents. (1) Any petition for an award or other pleading or document related to a petition shall be filed and served on all parties to the proceeding in the same manner as other pleadings in the proceeding, except as provided in § 502.502(b)(2) (confidential financial information).


(2) The petition and all other pleadings or documents related to the petition will be referred to an Administrative Law Judge to initially decide the matter as adjudicative officer.


(b) Reply to petition. (1) Within 30 days after service of a petition, counsel representing the agency against which an award is sought may file a reply to the petition. Unless counsel requests an extension of time for filing or files a statement of intent to negotiate under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, failure to file a reply within the 30-day period may be treated as a consent to the award requested.


(2) If agency counsel and the applicant believe that the issues in the fee application can be settled, they may jointly file a statement of their intent to negotiate a settlement. The filing of this statement shall extend the time for filing a reply for an additional 30 days, and further extension may be granted by the adjudicative officer upon request by agency counsel and the applicant.


(3) The reply shall explain in detail any objections to the award requested and identify the facts relied on in support of counsel’s position. If the reply is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, agency counsel shall include with the reply either supporting affidavits or a request for further proceedings under paragraph (f) of this section.


(c) Response to reply. Within 15 days after service of a reply, the applicant may file a response. If the response is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, the applicant shall include with the response either supporting affidavits or a request for further proceedings under paragraph (f) of this section.


(d) Comments by other parties. Any party to a proceeding other than the applicant and agency counsel may file comments on an application within 30 days after it is served, or on a reply, within 15 days after it is served. A commenting party may not participate further in proceedings on the application unless the adjudicative officer determines that the public interest requires such participation in order to permit full exploration of matters raised in the comments.


(e) Settlement. The applicant and agency counsel may agree on a proposed settlement of the award before final action on the application, either in connection with a settlement of the underlying proceeding, or after the underlying proceeding has been concluded in accordance with the rules of this subpart pertaining to settlement. If a prevailing party and agency counsel agree on a proposed settlement of an award before a petition is filed, the petition shall be filed with the proposed settlement.


(f) Further proceedings. (1) Ordinarily, the determination of an award will be made on the basis of the written record. However, on request of either the applicant or agency counsel, or on his or her own initiative, the adjudicative officer may order further proceedings, such as an informal conference, oral argument, additional written submissions or, as to issues other than substantial justification (such as the applicant’s eligibility or substantiation of fees and expenses), pertinent discovery or an evidentiary hearing. Such further proceedings shall be held only when necessary for full and fair resolution of the issues arising from the application, and shall be conducted as promptly as possible. Whether or not the position of the agency was substantially justified shall be determined on the basis of the administrative record, as a whole, which is made in the adversary adjudication for which fees and other expenses are sought.


(2) A request that the adjudicative officer order further proceedings under this section shall specifically identify the information sought or the disputed issues and shall explain why the additional proceedings are necessary to resolve the issues.


(g) Decision. The adjudicative officer shall serve an initial decision on the application within 60 days after completion of proceedings on the application. The decision shall include written findings and conclusions on the applicant’s eligibility and status as a prevailing party, and an explanation of the reasons for any difference between the amount requested and the amount awarded. The decision shall also include, if at issue, findings on whether the agency’s position was substantially justified, whether the applicant unduly protracted the proceedings, or whether special circumstances make an award unjust. If the applicant has sought an award against more than one agency, the decision shall allocate responsibility for payment of any award made among the agencies, and shall explain the reason for the allocation made.


(h) Commission review. Either the applicant or agency counsel may seek review of the initial decision on the fee application, or the Commission may decide to review the decision on its own initiative, in accordance with § 502.227 of this part. If neither the applicant nor agency counsel seeks review and the Commission does not take review on its own initiative, the initial decision on the application shall become a final decision of the Commission 30 days after it is issued. Whether to review a decision is a matter within the discretion of the Commission. If review is taken, the Commission will issue a final decision on the application or remand the application to the adjudicative officer for further proceedings.


(i) Judicial review. Judicial review of final Commission decisions on awards may be sought as provided in 5 U.S.C. 504(c)(2).


(j) Payment of award. (1)(i) An applicant seeking payment of an award shall submit to the comptroller or other disbursing officer of the paying agency a copy of the Commission’s final decision granting the award, accompanied by a certification that the applicant will not seek review of the decision in the United States courts.


(ii) The agency will pay the amount awarded to the applicant within 60 days.


(2) Where the Federal Maritime Commission is the paying agency, the application for payment of award shall be submitted to: Office of Budget and Financial Management, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. [Rule 503.]


[52 FR 28264, July 29, 1987, as amended at 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999]


Subpart W—Compromise, Assessment, Mitigation, Settlement, and Collection of Civil Penalties


Source:49 FR 44418, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993.

§ 502.601 Purpose and scope.

The purpose of this subpart is to implement the statutory provisions of section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. 42101-42109), section 13 of the Shipping Act of 1984 as amended (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109), and sections 2(c) and 3(c) of Public Law 89-777 (46 U.S.C. 44104) by establishing rules and regulations governing the compromise, assessment, settlement and collection of civil penalties arising under certain designated provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, the Shipping Act of 1984, Public Law 89-777, and/or any order, rule, or regulation (except for procedural rules and regulations contained in this part) issued or made by the Commission in the exercise of its powers, duties and functions under those statutes.


[88 FR 16574, Mar. 20, 2023]


§ 502.602 Definitions.

For the purposes of this subpart:


(a) Assessment means the imposition of a civil penalty by order of the Commission after a formal docketed proceeding.


(b) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


(c) Compromise means the process whereby a civil penalty for a violation is agreed upon by the respondent and the Commission outside of a formal, docketed proceeding.


(d) Mitigation means the reduction, in whole or in part, of the amount of a civil penalty.


(e) Person includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, and associations existing under or authorized by the laws of the United States or of a foreign country.


(f) Respondent means any person charged with a violation.


(g) Settlement means the process whereby a civil penalty or other disposition of the case for a violation is agreed to in a formal, docketed proceeding instituted by order of the Commission.


(h) Violation includes any violation of sections 19(f)(4), 19(g)(4) and 19(k) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. 42104(a), 42104(d), and 42108); any provision of the Shipping Act of 1984 as amended (46 U.S.C. 40101-41310); sections 2 and 3 of Public Law 89-777 (46 U.S.C. 44101-44106); and/or any order, rule or regulation (except for procedural rules and regulations contained in this part) issued or made by the Commission in the exercise of its powers, duties and functions under the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, the Shipping Act of 1984 as amended, or Public Law 89-777.


(i) Words in the plural form shall include the singular and vice versa; and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and vice versa. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude matters not listed but which are in the same general class. The word “and” includes “or”, except where specifically stated or where the context requires otherwise. [Rule 602.]


[49 FR 44418, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999; 74 FR 50717, Oct. 1, 2009; 88 FR 16574, Mar. 20, 2023]


§ 502.603 Assessment of civil penalties: Procedure; criteria for determining amount; limitations; relation to compromise.

(a) Procedure for assessment of penalty. The Commission may assess a civil penalty or, in addition to or in lieu of a civil penalty, a refund of a charge, only after notice and opportunity for hearing. Civil penalty assessment proceedings, including settlement negotiations, shall be governed by the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure in this part. All settlements must be approved by the Presiding Officer. The full text of any settlement must be included in the final order of the Commission.


(b) Determination of amount—(1) Factors for consideration. In determining the amount of a civil penalty assessed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the Federal Maritime Commission shall take into consideration:


(i) The nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation committed;


(ii) With respect to the violator:


(A) The degree of culpability;


(B) Any history of prior offenses;


(C) The ability to pay; and


(D) Such other matters as justice may require; and


(iii) The amount of any refund of money ordered under 46 U.S.C. 41310.


(2) Commensurate reduction in civil penalty—(i) In general. In any case in which the Federal Maritime Commission orders a refund of money in addition to assessing a civil penalty, the amount of the civil penalty assessed shall be decreased by any additional amounts included in the refund of money in excess of the actual injury (as defined in 46 U.S.C. 41305(a)).


(ii) Treatment of refunds. A refund of money ordered shall be:


(A) Considered to be compensation paid to the applicable claimant; and


(B) Deducted from the total amount of damages awarded to that claimant in a civil action against the violator relating to the applicable violation.


(c) Limitations; relation to compromise. When the Commission, in its discretion, determines that policy, justice or other circumstances warrant, a civil penalty assessment proceeding may be instituted at any time for any violation which occurred within five years prior to the issuance of the order of investigation. Such proceeding may also be instituted at any time after the initiation of informal compromise procedures, except where a compromise agreement for the same violations under the compromise procedures has become effective under § 502.604). [Rule 603.]


[49 FR 44418, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 7812, Feb. 17, 1999; 84 FR 54040, Oct. 9, 2019; 88 FR 16574, Mar. 20, 2023]


§ 502.604 Compromise of penalties: Relation to assessment proceedings.

(a) Scope. Except in pending civil penalty assessment proceedings provided for in § 502.603, the Commission, when it has reason to believe a violation has occurred, may invoke the informal compromise procedures of this section.


(b) Notice. When the Commission considers it appropriate to afford an opportunity for the compromise of a civil penalty, it will, except when circumstances render it unnecessary, send a Notice of Violations (NOV) to the respondent by electronic and registered or certified mail, or by other means reasonably calculated to give notice. The NOV will describe specific violation(s) on which the claim is based, including the particular facts, dates, and other elements necessary for the respondent to identify the specific conduct constituting the alleged violation; the amount of the penalty demanded; and the names of Commission personnel with whom the demand may be discussed, if the person desires to compromise the penalty. The NOV also will state the deadlines for the institution and completion of compromise negotiations. If a compromise agreement is not reached between the parties and BEIC intends to recommend that the Commission institute a formal proceeding pursuant to § 502.63(a), then BEIC shall provide notice of its intent to the respondent and provide the respondent with the opportunity to make a written submission within 15 days for consideration by the Commission.


(c) Request for compromise. Any person receiving an NOV provided for in paragraph (b) of this section may, within the time specified, request opportunity for informal resolution, deny the violation, or submit materials explaining, mitigating, or showing extenuating circumstances, as well as make voluntary disclosures of information and documents.


(d) Criteria for compromise. In addition to the factors set forth in § 502.603(b), in compromising a penalty claim, the Commission may consider litigative concerns, the cost of collecting the claim, and enforcement policy.


(e) Disposition of claims in compromise procedures. (1) When a penalty is compromised and the respondent agrees to settle, a compromise agreement shall be executed by the respondent. This agreement, after reciting the nature of the claim, will include a statement evidencing the respondent’s agreement to the compromise of the Commission’s penalty claim for the amount set forth in the agreement and will also embody an approval and acceptance provision which is to be signed by the appropriate Commission official subsequent to Commission review under § 501.11, if any. Upon compromise of the penalty in the agreed amount, a duplicate original of the fully executed agreement shall be furnished to the respondent.


(2) Upon completion of the compromise, the Commission may issue a public notice thereof, the terms and language of which are not subject to negotiation.


(f) Relation to assessment proceedings. Except by order of the Commission, no compromise procedure shall be initiated or continued after institution of a Commission assessment proceeding directed to the same violations. Any offer of compromise submitted by the respondent pursuant to this section shall be deemed to have been furnished by the respondent without prejudice and shall not be used against the respondent in any proceeding.


(g) Delegation of compromise authority. The compromise authority set forth in this subpart is delegated to the Director, Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance. The Director, Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance, has the authority to negotiate the terms of compromise agreements, provided that any compromise agreement shall not become effective until the Commission has had the opportunity to review pursuant to § 501.11(f)(2). [Rule 604.]


[88 FR 23363, Apr. 17, 2023]


§ 502.605 Payment of penalty: Method; default.

(a) Method. Payment of penalties by the respondent is to be made by bank cashier’s check or other instrument acceptable to the Commission.


(b) All checks or other instruments submitted in payment of claims shall be made payable to the Federal Maritime Commission.


(c) Default in payment. Where a respondent fails or refuses to pay a penalty properly assessed under § 502.603, or compromised and agreed to under § 502.604, appropriate collection efforts will be made by the Commission, including, but not limited to referral to the Department of Justice for collection. Where such defaulting respondent is a licensed ocean transportation intermediary, such default also may be grounds for revocation or suspension of the respondent’s license, after notice and opportunity for hearing, unless such notice and hearing have been waived by the respondent in writing.


[49 FR 44418, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 7813, Feb. 17, 1999; 88 FR 16574, Mar. 20, 2023]


Appendix A to Subpart W of Part 502—Example of Compromise Agreement To Be Used Under 46 CFR 502.604

Compromise Agreement

FMC File No. ________

This Agreement is entered into between:


(1) the Federal Maritime Commission, hereinafter referred to as Commission, and


(2) ________________, hereinafter referred to as Respondent.


Whereas, the Commission is considering the institution of an assessment proceeding against Respondent for the recovery of civil penalties provided under the [appropriate statute], for alleged violations of section ________;


Whereas, this course of action is the result of practices believed by the Commission to have been engaged in by Respondent, to wit:


[General description of practices and dates or time period involved]


Whereas, the Commission has authority under the Shipping Act of 1984 to compromise and collect civil penalties; and,


Whereas, Respondent has terminated the practices which are the basis for the allegations of violation set forth herein, and has instituted and indicated its willingness to maintain measures designed to eliminate these practices by Respondent, its officers, directors or employees.


Now Therefore, in consideration of the premises herein, and in compromise of all civil penalties arising from the alleged violations, Respondent and the Commission hereby agree upon the following terms and conditions of compromise and settlement:


1. Respondent shall make a monetary payment to the Commission herewith, by bank cashier’s check, in the total amount of $________.


2. Upon acceptance in writing of this Agreement by the Director of the Bureau of Enforcement of the Commission, this instrument shall forever bar the commencement or institution of any assessment proceeding or other claim for recovery of civil penalties from the Respondent arising from the alleged violations set forth above.


3. It is expressly understood and agreed that this Agreement is not, and is not to be construed as, an admission by Respondent to the alleged violations set forth above.


(Respondent’s Name)

By:

Title:

Date:

Approval and Acceptance

The above terms, conditions and consideration are hereby approved and accepted:


By the Federal Maritime Commission:


Director, Bureau of Enforcement

Date:

[49 FR 44418, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 51233, Oct. 1, 1996; 65 FR 81759, Dec. 27, 2000]


Subpart X—Hearing Procedure Governing Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of OTI License


Source:85 FR 5582, Jan. 31, 2020, unless otherwise noted.

§ 502.701 Purpose and scope.

(a) The purpose of this subpart is to provide the hearing procedures for the denial, suspension, or revocation of an ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) license applied for or issued under part 515 of this chapter when the Bureau of Certification and Licensing has issued a notice of intent to deny under § 515.15 of this chapter or notice of revocation or suspension under § 515.16 of this chapter and the applicant or licensee timely requests a hearing under those sections.


(b) Denial, suspension, and revocation proceedings under this subpart will be adjudicated by the administrative law judges of the Commission under the procedures set forth in this subpart. [Rule 701.]


§ 502.702 Hearing requests.

(a) Upon receipt of a timely hearing request under § 515.17 of this chapter, the Secretary will transmit the request to the Office of Administrative Law Judges.


(b) The assigned administrative law judge will notify the Bureau of Certification and Licensing (BCL) and the Bureau of Enforcement of the hearing request, and the Bureau of Enforcement must file with the administrative law judge and serve on the applicant or licensee a copy of the notice given to the applicant or licensee and a copy of BCL materials supporting the notice. [Rule 702.]


§ 502.703 Applicant or licensee response.

Upon receiving the materials described in § 502.702(b), the administrative law judge will issue a notice advising the applicant or licensee of the right to respond in support of an OTI application or continuation of a current OTI license. The response must be:


(a) Filed with the administrative law judge within 30 days of the administrative law judge’s notice; and


(b) Include any supporting information or documents, such as affidavits of fact, memoranda, or written argument. [Rule 703.]


§ 502.704 Reply.

The Bureau of Enforcement may, within twenty (20) days of service of the response filed by the applicant or licensee, file with the administrative law judge and serve upon the applicant or licensee a reply memorandum accompanied by appropriate affidavits and supporting documents.


§ 502.705 Additional information.

The administrative law judge may require the submission of additional affidavits, documents, or memoranda from the Bureau of Enforcement or the licensee or applicant. [Rule 705.]


§ 502.706 Request for an oral hearing or argument.

(a) In the usual course of disposition of matters filed under this subpart, no oral hearing or argument will be held, but the administrative law judge, in their discretion, may order such hearing or argument.


(b) A request for oral hearing or argument may be incorporated in the applicant or licensee’s response or in the Bureau of Enforcement’s reply to the response. Requests for oral hearing or argument will not be entertained unless they set forth in detail the reasons why the filing of affidavits or other documents will not permit the fair and expeditious disposition of the matter, and the precise nature of the facts sought to be proved or issues to be addressed at an oral hearing or argument.


(c) The administrative law judge will rule upon a request for oral hearing or argument within ten (10) days of its receipt.


(d) In the event oral hearing or argument is ordered, it will be held in accordance with the rules applicable to other formal proceedings, as set forth in subparts A through Q of this part. [Rule 706.]


§ 502.707 Intervention.

Intervention will ordinarily not be permitted. [Rule 707.]


§ 502.708 Decision.

(a) Except as described in paragraph (b) of this section, the administrative law judge will issue a decision within forty (40) days after the submission of the Bureau of Enforcement’s reply.


(b) If oral hearing or argument is conducted or additional information is required, then the decision will be issued within forty (40) days after the oral proceeding or the deadline for submission of additional information, whichever is later.


(c) The decision of the administrative law judge will be final, unless, within twenty-two (22) days from the date of service of the decision, either party files exceptions under § 502.227(a)(1) or the Commission makes a determination to review under § 502.227(a)(3) and (d). [Rule 708.]


§ 502.709 Applicability of other rules to this subpart.

(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this subpart or in paragraph (b) of this section, the sections in subparts A through Q, inclusive, of this part do not apply to proceedings covered by this subpart.


(b) The following sections in subparts A through Q apply to proceedings covered by this subpart: §§ 502.1 through 502.11, 502.13 (Filing requirements, Document requirements, and General rules); 502.21 through 502.23 (Appearance, Authority for representation, Notice of appearance, Substitution, and Withdrawal of representative); 502.42 (Bureau of Enforcement); 502.43 (Substitution of parties); 502.101 through 502.105 (Computation of time); 502.114, 502.116 through 502.117 (Service of documents); 502.223 through 502.230 (Decisions). [Rule 709.]


Subpart Y—Paperwork Reduction Act

§ 502.991 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

This section displays the control numbers assigned to information collection requirements of the Commission in this part by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Pub. L. 96-511. The Commission intends that this section comply with the Act, which requires that agencies display a current control number assigned by the Director of OMB for each agency information collection requirement:


Section
Current OMB control no.
502.27 (Form FMC.12)3072-0001

[49 FR 44369, Nov. 6, 1984. Redesignated at 58 FR 27211, May 7, 1993]


PART 503—PUBLIC INFORMATION


Authority:5 U.S.C. 331, 552, 552a, 552b, 553; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 303; E.O. 13526 of January 5, 2010 75 FR 707, 3 CFR, 2010 Comp., p. 298, sections 5.1(a) and (b).



Source:49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

§ 503.1 Scope and purpose.

This part implements the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and the Government in the Sunshine Act (1976), 5 U.S.C. 552b; and sets forth the Commission’s regulations governing:


(a) Public availability of Commission information and records at its Office of the Secretary, published in the Federal Register, or posted on the Commission’s public Web site (www.fmc.gov);


(b) Procedures for requests for testimony by current or former FMC employees relating to official information and production of official Commission records in litigation;


(c) The type of services and amount of fees charged for certain Commission services; and


(d) The Commission’s Information Security Program.


[80 FR 52640, Sept. 1, 2015]


Subpart B—Publication in the Federal Register

§ 503.11 Materials to be published.

The Commission shall separately state and concurrently publish the following materials in the Federal Register or on its public Web site (www.fmc.gov) for the guidance of the public:


(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization and the established places at which the officers from whom, and the methods whereby, the public may secure information, make submittals or requests, or obtain decisions.


(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are channeled and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available.


(c) Rules of procedure, descriptions of forms available or the places at which forms may be obtained, and instructions as to the scope and contents of all papers, reports, or examinations.


(d) Substantive rules of general applicability adopted as authorized by law, and statements of general policy or interpretations of general applicability formulated and adopted by the agency.


(e) Every amendment, revision, or repeal of the foregoing.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23547, May 3, 1999; 80 FR 52640, Sept. 1, 2015]


§ 503.12 Effect of nonpublication.

Except to the extent that a person has actual and timely notice of the terms thereof, no person shall in any manner be required to resort to, or be adversely affected by any matter required to be published in the Federal Register and not so published.


§ 503.13 Incorporation by reference.

For purposes of this subpart, matter which is reasonably available to the class of persons affected hereby shall be deemed published in the Federal Register when incorporated by reference therein with the approval of the Director of the Office of the Federal Register.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47394, Dec. 4, 1984]


Subpart C—Records, Information and Materials Generally Available to the Public Without Resort to Freedom of Information Act Procedures


Source:63 FR 53308, Oct. 5, 1998, unless otherwise noted.

§ 503.21 Mandatory public records.

(a) The Commission, as required by the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, is responsible for determining which of its records must be made publicly available, for identifying additional records of interest to the public that are appropriate for public disclosure, for posting and indexing such records, and for reviewing and updating posted records and indices on an ongoing basis. The Commission makes the following materials available for public inspection in electronic format on its Web site at www.fmc.gov:


(1) Final opinions (including concurring and dissenting opinions) and all orders made in the adjudication of cases.


(2) Those statements of policy and interpretations which have been adopted by the Commission.


(3) Administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect any member of the public.


(4) Copies of all records, regardless of form or format, which have been released to any person pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act request, and which the Secretary determines have become or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests for substantially the same records, and a general index of such records.


(b) To prevent unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, the Secretary may delete identifying details when it makes available or publishes an opinion, statement of policy, interpretation, staff manual, instruction, or copies of records referred to in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. In each case, the justification for the deletion shall be explained fully in writing, and the extent of such deletion shall be indicated on that portion of the record which is made available or published, unless including that indication would harm an interest protected by an exemption in § 503.33 under which the deletion is made. If technically feasible, the extent of the deletion shall be indicated at the place in the record where the deletion was made.


(c) The Commission maintains and makes available for public inspection in an electronic format, a current log or index providing identifying information for the public as to any matter which is issued, adopted, or promulgated, and which is required by paragraph (a) of this section to be made available or published.


(1) No final order, opinion, statement of policy, interpretation, or staff manual or instruction that affects any member of the public will be relied upon, used, or cited as precedent by the Commission against any private party unless:


(i) It has been logged or indexed and either made available or published on its public Web site as provided by this subpart; or


(ii) That private party shall have actual and timely notice of the terms thereof.


(2) [Reserved]


(d) Duplication of records may be subject to fees as prescribed in subpart E of this part.


[63 FR 53308, Oct. 5, 1998, as amended at 80 FR 52640, Sept. 1, 2015; 82 FR 2248, Jan. 9, 2017]


§ 503.22 Records available through the Commission’s Web site or at the Office of the Secretary.

The following records are also available without the requirement of a FOIA request on the Commission’s Web site or by contacting the Office of the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol St. NW., Washington, DC 20573, [email protected]. Access to requested records may be delayed if they have been sent to archives. Certain fees may be assessed for duplication of records made available by this section as prescribed in subpart F of this part.


(a) Proposed and final rules and regulations of the Commission including general substantive rules, statements of policy and interpretations, and rules of practice and procedure.


(b) Federal Maritime Commission reports.


(c) Official docket files in all formal proceedings including, but not limited to, orders, final decisions, notices, pertinent correspondence, transcripts, exhibits, and briefs, except for materials which are the subject of a protective order.


(d) News releases, consumer alerts, Commissioner statements, and speeches.


(e) Approved summary minutes of Commission actions showing final votes, except for minutes of closed Commission meetings which are not available until the Commission publicly announces the results of such deliberations.


(f) Annual reports of the Commission.


(g) Agreements filed or in effect pursuant to section 5 (46 U.S.C. 40301(d)-(e), 40302-40303, 40305) and section 6 (46 U.S.C. 40304, 40306, 41307(b)-(d)) of the Shipping Act of 1984.


(h) List of FMC-licensed and bonded ocean transportation intermediaries.


(i) Notification of ocean transportation intermediaries license applications, revocations, and suspensions.


(j) General descriptions of the functions, bureaus, and offices of the Commission, phone numbers and email addresses, as well as locations of Area Representatives.


(k) Information about how to file a complaint alleging violations of the Shipping Act, and how to seek mediation or alternative dispute resolution services.


(l) Commonly used forms.


(m) Final and pending proposed rules.


(n) Access to statements of policy and interpretations as published in part 545 of this chapter.


(o) Lists of the location of all common carrier and conference tariffs and publically available terminal schedules of marine terminal operators.


[80 FR 52640, Sept. 1, 2015]


§§ 503.23-503.24 [Reserved]

Subpart D—Requests for Records Under the Freedom of Information Act


Source:63 FR 53310, Oct. 5, 1998, unless otherwise noted.

§ 503.31 Records available upon written request under the Freedom of Information Act.

(a) Generally. Many documents are available on the Commission’s public Web site and the Commission encourages requesters visit the Web site before making a request for records under FOIA.


(1) Electronic or written requests. A member of the public may request permission to inspect, copy or be provided with any Commission record not described in subpart C of this part or posted on the Commission’s Web site at www.fmc.gov. Such a request must:


(i) Reasonably describe the record or records sought;


(ii) Be submitted electronically to [email protected] or in writing to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street NW., Washington, DC 20573.


(iii) Be clearly marked on the subject line of an email or on the exterior of the envelope with the term “FOIA.”


(2) [Reserved]


(b) The Secretary shall evaluate each request in conjunction with the official having responsibility for the subject matter area and the General Counsel, and the Secretary shall determine whether or not to grant the request in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.


(c) In making any record available to a person under this subpart, the Secretary shall provide the record in any form or format requested by the person if the record is readily reproducible by the Secretary in that form or format.


(d) Certain fees may be assessed for processing requests under this subpart as prescribed in subpart F of this part.


[63 FR 53310, Oct. 5, 1998, as amended at 80 FR 52641, Sept. 1, 2015]


§ 503.32 Procedures for responding to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act.

(a) Determination to grant or deny request. Upon request by any member of the public for documents, made in accordance with the rules of this part, the Commission’s Secretary or his or her delegate in his or her absence, shall determine whether or not such request shall be granted.


(1) Such determination shall be made by the Secretary within twenty (20) business days after receipt of such request, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (e)(4) of this section, and the Secretary shall immediately notify the requester of:


(i) Such determination and the reasons therefor;


(ii) The right of such person to seek assistance from the agency’s FOIA Public Liaison; and


(iii) In the case of an adverse determination, the right of such requester to appeal to the Chairman no less than 90 days after the date of such adverse determination, and the right of such requester to seek dispute resolution services from the agency’s FOIA Public Liaison or the Office of Government Information Services.


(2) Upon granting a request, the Secretary shall promptly make records available to the requestor. Upon denial of such a request the Secretary shall promptly notify the requestor of the determination, explain the reason for denial, give an estimate of the volume of matter denied, and set forth the names and titles or positions of each person responsible for the denial of the request.


(3)(i) Any party whose request for documents or other information pursuant to this part has been denied in whole or in part by the Secretary may appeal such determination. Any such appeal must:


(A) Be addressed to: Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, D.C. 20573-0001; and


(B) Be filed not later than 90 days following receipt of notification of full or partial denial of records requested.


(ii) The Chairman or the Chairman’s specific delegate, in his or her absence, shall make a determination with respect to that appeal within twenty (20) business days after receipt of such appeal, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.


(iii) If, on appeal, the denial is upheld, either in whole or in part, the Chairman shall so notify the party submitting the appeal and shall notify such person of the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4) regarding judicial review of such determination upholding the denial. Notification shall also include the statement that the determination is that of the Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission and the name of the Chairman.


(b) Extension of time limits. (1) In unusual circumstances, as defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the time limits prescribed with respect to initial actions in response to a FOIA request or actions on appeal may be extended by written notice from the Secretary of the Commission to the person making such request, setting forth the reasons for such extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be dispatched. No such notice shall specify a date that would result in an extension for more than ten (10) working days, except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.


(2) As used in this paragraph, unusual circumstances means, but only to the extent reasonably necessary to the proper processing of the particular request:


(i) The need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request;


(ii) The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which are demanded in a single request; or


(iii) The need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two or more components of the agency having substantial subject matter interest therein.


(3) If the time limit is extended as prescribed under this section, and the request cannot be processed within the extended time limit, the Secretary shall notify the requestor, and either provide the requestor with an opportunity to limit the scope of the request so that it may be processed within the time limit, or provide the requestor an opportunity to arrange with the Secretary an alternative time frame for processing the request or a modified request. To aid the requester, the Commission will make available its FOIA Public Liaison, who shall assist in the resolution of any dispute between the requester and the Commission, and notify the requester of the right of the requester to seek dispute resolution services from the Office of Government Information Services.


(4) The Secretary may make an initial written request to the requestor for information to clarify the request which will toll the 20-day processing period until such information has been received. The 20-day processing period will recommence after receipt of the requested information.


(5) The Secretary may also make written requests to clarify issues regarding fee assessments. Such written requests will toll the 20-day processing period until such information has been received from the requestor. The 20-day processing period will recommence after receipt of the requested information.


(c) Aggregation of requests. Certain requests by the same requestor, or by a group of requestors acting in concert, may be aggregated:


(1) Upon the Secretary’s reasonable belief that such requests actually constitute a single request, which if not aggregated would satisfy the unusual circumstances specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and


(2) If the requests involve clearly related matters.


(d) Multitrack processing of requests. The Secretary uses multitrack processing of FOIA requests. Requests which seek and are granted expedited processing are put on the expedited track. All other requests are designated either simple or complex requests based on the amount of time and/or complexity needed to process the request. A request may be considered simple if it involves records that are routinely requested and readily available.


(e) Expedited processing of requests. (1) The Secretary will provide for expedited processing of requests for records when the person requesting the records can demonstrate a compelling need.


(2) The term compelling need means:


(i) A failure to obtain requested records on an expedited basis under this paragraph could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; or


(ii) With respect to a request made by a person primarily engaged in disseminating information, urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government activity.


(3) A demonstration of compelling need by a person making a request for expedited processing must be made in the form of a statement describing the circumstances and certified by such person to be true and correct to the best of such person’s knowledge and belief.


(4) The Secretary shall determine whether to provide expedited processing, and provide notice of the determination to the person making the request, within ten (10) calendar days after the receipt date of the request.


(5) Appeal of the determination not to provide expedited processing should be sought in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(3)(i) of § 503.32, and will be considered expeditiously.


(6) Any request granted expedited processing shall be processed as soon as practicable.


[63 FR 53310, Oct. 5, 1998, as amended at 80 FR 52641, Sept. 1, 2015; 82 FR 2248, Jan. 9, 2017]


§ 503.33 Exceptions to availability of records.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the following records may be withheld from disclosure:


(1) Records specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and which are in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive order. Records to which this provision applies shall be deemed by the Commission to have been properly classified. This exception may apply to records in the custody of the Commission which have been transmitted to the Commission by another agency which has designated the record as nonpublic under an Executive order.


(2) Records related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of the Commission.


(3) Records specifically exempted from disclosure by statute, provided that such statute:


(i) Requires that the matter be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or


(ii) Establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld.


(4) Trade secrets and commercial financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential.


(5) Inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda or letters that would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the Commission, provided that the deliberative process privilege shall not apply to records created 25 years or more before the date on which the records were requested.


(6) Personnel and medical files and similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.


(7) Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information:


(i) Could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings;


(ii) Would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;


(iii) Could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;


(iv) Could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of a record or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, information furnished by a confidential source;


(v) Would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law; or


(vi) Could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual.


(8) Contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or


(9) Geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells.


(b) Nothing in this section authorizes withholding of information or limiting the availability of records to the public except as specifically stated in this part, nor shall this part be authority to withhold information from Congress.


(c) Any reasonably segregable portion of a record shall be provided to any person requesting such record after deletion of the portions which are exempt under this part. The amount of information deleted shall be indicated on the released portion of the record, unless including that indication would harm an interest protected by the exemption in this section under which the deletion is made. If technically feasible, the amount of the information deleted shall be indicated at the place in the record where such deletion is made.


(d) Whenever a request is made which involves access to records described in paragraph (a)(7)(i) of this section and the investigation or proceeding involves a possible violation of criminal law, and there is reason to believe that the subject of the investigation or proceeding is not aware of its pendency, and disclosure of the existence of the records could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, the Commission may, during only such time as that circumstance continues, treat the records as not subject to the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552 and this subpart.


[63 FR 53310, Oct. 5, 1998, as amended at 82 FR 2249, Jan. 9, 2017]


§ 503.34 Annual report of public information request activity.

(a) On or before February 1 of each year, the Commission must submit to the Attorney General of the United States, in the format required by the Attorney General, a report on FOIA activities which shall cover the preceding fiscal year pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(e).


(b) Each such report shall be made available to the public in electronic format.


[63 FR 53310, Oct. 5, 1998, as amended at 80 FR 52641, Sept. 1, 2015; 82 FR 2249, Jan. 9, 2017]


Subpart E—Requests for Testimony by Employees Relating to Official Information and Production of Official Records in Litigation


Source:79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

§ 503.37 Purpose and scope; definitions.

(a) This subpart sets forth the procedures to be followed with respect to:


(1) Service of summonses and complaints or other requests or demands directed to the Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) or to any Commission employee or former employee in connection with litigation arising out of or involving the performance of official activities of the Commission; and


(2) The oral or written disclosure, in response to subpoenas, orders, or other requests or demands of judicial or quasi-judicial authority (collectively “demands”), whether civil or criminal in nature, or in response to requests for depositions, affidavits, admissions, responses to interrogatories, document production, or other litigation-related matters, pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, or applicable state rules (collectively “requests”), of any material contained in the files of the Commission, any information relating to material contained in the files of the Commission, or any information acquired while the subject of the demand or request is or was an employee of the Commission, as part of the performance of that person’s duties or by virtue of that person’s official status.


(b) This subpart applies in all litigation in which the United States is not a party.


(c) For purposes of this subpart, the term employee includes:


(1) any current or former Commissioner or employee of the Commission;


(2) any other individual hired through contractual agreement or on behalf of the Commission or who has performed or is performing services under such agreement for the Commission;


(3) Any individual who served or is serving in any consulting or advisory capacity to the Commission, whether informal or formal.


(d) The Commission authorizes the General Counsel or the General Counsel’s designee to make determinations under this section.


(e) For purposes of this subpart, the term litigation encompasses all pre-trial, trial, and post-trial stages of all judicial or administrative actions, hearings, investigations, or similar proceedings before courts, commissions, grand juries, or other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies or tribunals, whether criminal, civil, or administrative in nature. This subpart governs, inter alia, responses to requests for discovery, depositions, and other litigation proceedings, as well as responses to informal requests by attorneys or others in situations involving litigation. However, this subpart shall not apply to any claims against the Commission by Federal Maritime Commission employees (present or former), or applicants for Commission employment, for which jurisdiction resides with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board; the Office of Special Counsel; the Federal Labor Relations Authority; or a labor arbitrator operating under a collective bargaining agreement between the Commission and a labor organization representing Commission employees; or their successor agencies or entities.


(f) For purposes of this subpart, official information means all information of any kind, however stored, that is:


(1) In the custody and control of the Commission;


(2) Relates to information in the custody and control of the Commission; or


(3) Was acquired by Commission contractors, employees, former employees or former contractors as part of their official duties or because of their official status within the Commission while such individuals were employed by or served on behalf of the Commission.


(g) Nothing in this subpart affects disclosure of information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b, the Commission’s implementing regulations, or pursuant to congressional subpoena.


(h) Nothing in this subpart affects the disclosure of official information to other federal agencies or Department of Justice attorneys in connection with:


(1) Litigation conducted on behalf or in defense of the United States, its agencies, officers, and employees; or


(2) Litigation in which the United States has an interest.


(i) This subpart is intended only to provide guidance for the internal operations of the Commission, and is not intended to, and does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States.


§ 503.38 General prohibition.

(a) No employee or former employee of the Commission shall, in response to a demand or request, produce any material contained in the files of the Commission, or disclose any information relating to or based upon material contained in the files of the Commission, or disclose any information or produce any material acquired as part of the performance of that person’s official duties or because of that person’s official status, without prior approval of the Commission in accordance with §§ 503.39 and 503.40.


§ 503.39 Factors to be considered in response to demands or requests.

(a) The Commission will determine whether testimony or the production of documents will be authorized according to the following criteria:


(1) Statutory restrictions, as well as any legal objection, exemption, or privilege that may apply;


(2) Relevant legal standards for disclosure of nonpublic information and documents;


(3) Commission rules and regulations;


(4) The public interest;


(5) Minimizing or preventing expenditures of Commission time and resources solely for private purposes.


(6) Minimizing the appearance of improperly favoring one litigant over another;


(7) Minimizing the possibility that the public will misconstrue variances between personal opinions of Commission employees and Commission policy; and


(8) Preserving the integrity of the administrative process.


(b) [Reserved]


§ 503.40 Service of process and filing requirements.

(a) Service of summonses and complaints. (1) Except in cases in which the Commission is represented by legal counsel who have entered an appearance or otherwise given notice of their representation, only the General Counsel is authorized to receive and accept subpoenas, or other demands or requests directed to the Commission, or any component thereof, or its employees, or former employees, whether civil or criminal nature, for:


(i) Material, including documents, contained in the files of the Commission;


(ii) Information, including testimony, affidavits, declarations, admissions, responses to interrogatories, or informal statements, relating to material contained in the files of the Commission or which any Commission employee acquired in the course and scope of the performance of his official duties;


(iii) Garnishment or attachment of compensation of current or former employees; or


(iv) The performance or non-performance of any official Commission duty.


(2) All such documents should be delivered or addressed to the General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street NW., Washington, DC 20573.


(3) In the event that any subpoena, demand, or request is sought to be delivered to a Commission employee (including former employees) other than in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, such attempted service shall be ineffective. Such employee shall, after consultation with the General Counsel:


(i) Decline to accept the subpoena, demand, or request; or


(ii) Return them to the server under cover of a written communication referring to the procedures prescribed in this part.


(4) Acceptance of such documents by the Office of the General Counsel does not constitute a waiver of any defenses that might otherwise exist with respect to service under the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure, or other applicable laws, rules, or regulations.


(b) [Reserved]


§ 503.41 Procedure when testimony or production of documents is sought.

The Commission shall follow the procedures set forth in this part.


(a) If oral testimony is sought by a demand in any case or matter in which the United States is not a party, an affidavit, or, if that is not feasible, a statement by the party seeking the testimony or by his attorney, setting forth a summary of the testimony sought and its relevance to the proceeding, must be furnished to the Commission. Any authorization for testimony by a present or former employee of the Commission shall be limited to the scope of the demand as summarized in such statement.


(b) When information other than oral testimony is sought by a demand, the Commission shall request a summary of the information sought and its relevance to the proceeding.


(c) Permission to testify or to release documents in all cases will be limited to matters outlined in the affidavit or declaration described in § 503.41(a) and (b), or to such matters as deemed appropriate by the Commission. If the Commission, in considering the factors in § 503.39, allows the release of documents or testimony to be given by an employee, arrangements shall be made for the taking of testimony or receipt of documents by the method least disruptive to the employee’s official duties. Testimony may, for example, be provided by affidavits, answers to interrogatories, written depositions, or depositions transcribed, recorded, or preserved by any other means allowable by law.


(d) Upon issuance of a final determination to not authorize testimony or release of Commission information by the Commission, the party or the party’s counsel seeking testimony or documents may consult or negotiate with the Commission to refine and limit the demand.


§ 503.42 Fees.

(a) Generally. The Commission may condition the production of records or appearance for testimony upon advance payment of a reasonable estimate of the costs to the Commission.


(b) Fees for records. Fees for producing records will include fees for searching, reviewing, and duplicating records, costs of attorney time spent in reviewing the demand or request, and expenses generated by materials and equipment used to search for, produce, and copy the responsive information. Costs for employee time will be calculated on the basis of the hourly pay of the employee (including all pay, allowance, and benefits). Fees for duplication will be the same as those charged by the Commission in its regulations at subpart F of this part.


(c) Witness fees. Fees for attendance by a witness will include fees, expenses, and allowances prescribed by the court’s rules. If no such fees are prescribed, witness fees will be determined based upon the rule of the Federal district court closest to the location where the witness will appear. Such fees will include cost of time spent by the witness to prepare for testimony, in travel, and for attendance at the legal proceeding.


(d) Payment of fees. The seeking party must pay witness fees for current Commission employees and any records certification fees by submitting to the General Counsel a check or money order for the appropriate amount made payable to the Treasury of the United States. In the case of testimony by former Commission employees, applicable fees must be paid directly to the former employee in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 1821, per diem and mileage, or other applicable statutes.


(e) Certification (authentication) of copies of records. The Commission may certify that records are true copies in order to facilitate their use as evidence. If certified records are sought, the request for certified copies shall be made at least 45 days before the date they will be needed. The request should be sent to the General Counsel. Fees for certification will be the same as those charged by the Commission in its regulations at subpart F of this part.


(f) Waiver or reduction of fees. The Commission may, upon a showing of reasonable cause, waive or reduce any fees in connection with testimony, production, or certification of records.


(g) De minimis fees. Fees will not be assessed if the total charge would be $10.00 or less.


Subpart F—Fees


Source:49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014

§ 503.48 Policy and services available.

Pursuant to policies established by Congress, the Government’s costs for services provided to identifiable persons are to be recovered by the payment of fees (Independent Offices Appropriations Act, 31 U.S.C. 9701 and Freedom of Information Reform Act of 1986, October 27, 1986, 5 U.S.C. 552). Except as otherwise noted, it is the general policy of the Commission not to waive or reduce service and filing fees contained in this chapter. In extraordinary situations, the Commission will accept requests for waivers or fee reductions. Such requests are to be made to the Secretary of the Commission at the time of the information request or the filing of documents and must demonstrate that the waiver or reduction of a fee is in the best interest of the public, or that payment of a fee would impose an undue hardship. The Secretary will notify the requestor of the decision to grant or deny the request for waiver or reduction.


(a) Upon request, the following services are available upon the payment of the fees hereinafter prescribed; except that no fees shall be assessed for search, duplication or review in connection with requests for single copies of materials described in §§ 503.11 and 503.21:


(1) Records/documents search.


(2) Duplication of records/documents.


(3) Review of records/documents.


(4) Certification of copies of records/documents.


(b) Fees shall also be assessed for the following services provided by the Commission:


(1) Placing one’s name, as an interested party, on the mailing list of a docketed proceeding.


(2) Processing nonattorney applications to practice before the Commission.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 52 FR 13682, Apr. 24, 1987; 59 FR 59170, Nov. 16, 1994; 63 FR 50535, Sept. 22, 1998. Redesignated at 79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014]


§ 503.49 Payment of fees and charges.

The fees charged for special services may be paid through the mail by check, draft, or postal money order, payable to the Federal Maritime Commission, except for charges for transcripts of hearings. Transcripts of hearings, testimony and oral argument are furnished by a nongovernmental contractor, and may be purchased directly from the reporting firm.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, redesignated at 79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014]


§ 503.50 Fees for services.

(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to the terms when used in this subpart:


(1) Search means all time spent looking for material that is responsive to a request, including page-by-page or line-by-line identification of material within documents. Search for material will be done in the most efficient and least expensive manner so as to minimize costs for both the agency and the requester. Search is distinguished, moreover, from review of material in order to determine whether the material is exempt from disclosure. Searches may be done manually or by computer using existing programming.


(2) Duplication means the process of making a copy of a document necessary to respond to a Freedom of Information Act or other request. Such copies can take the form of paper or machine readable documentation (e.g., magnetic tape or disk), among others.


(3) Review means the process of examining documents located in response to a commercial use request to determine whether any portion of any document located is permitted to be withheld. It also includes processing any documents for disclosure, e.g., doing all that is necessary to excise them and otherwise prepare them for release. Review does not include time spent resolving general legal or policy issues regarding the application of exemptions.


(4) Commercial use request means a request from or on behalf of one who seeks information for a use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is made. In determining whether a requester properly belongs in this category, the agency must determine the use to which a requester will put the documents requested. Where the agency has reasonable cause to doubt the use to which a requester will put the records sought, or where that use is not clear from the request itself, the agency will seek additional clarification before assigning the request to a specific category.


(5) Educational institution means a preschool, a public or private elementary or secondary school, an institution of graduate higher education, an institution of undergraduate higher education, an institution of professional education, and an institution of vocational education, which operates a program or programs of scholarly research.


(6) Non-commercial scientific institution means an institution that is not operated on a commercial basis as that term is referenced in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, and which is operated solely for the purpose of conducting scientific research the results of which are not intended to promote any particular product or industry.


(7) Representative of the news media means any person actively gathering news for an entity that is organized and operated to publish or broadcast news to the public. The term news means information that is about current events or that would be of current interest to the public. Examples of news media entities include television or radio stations broadcasting to the public at large, and publishers of periodicals (but only in those instances when they can qualify as disseminators of news) who make their products available for purchase or subscription by the general public. These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive. As traditional methods of news delivery evolve (e.g., electronic dissemination of newspapers through telecommunications services), such alternative media would be included in this category. Freelance journalists, may be regarded as working for a news organization if they can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that organization, even though not actually employed by it. A publication contract would be the clearest proof, but the agency may also look to the past publication record of a requester in making this determination.


(8) Direct costs means those expenditures which the agency actually incurs in searching for and duplicating (and in the case of commercial requester, reviewing) documents to respond to a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request. Direct costs include, for example, the salary of the employee performing the work (the basic rate of pay for the employee plus 17.5 percent of that rate to cover benefits) and the cost of operating duplicating machinery. Not included in direct costs are overhead expenses such as costs of space, and heating or lighting the facility in which the records are stored.


(b) General. (1) The basic fees set forth in paragraph (c) of this section provide for documents to be mailed with postage prepaid. If copy is to be transmitted by registered, certified, air, or special delivery mail, postage therefor will be added to the basic fee. Also, if special handling or packaging is required, costs thereof will be added to the basic fee.


(2) The fees for search, duplication and review set forth in paragraph (c) of this section reflect the full allowable direct costs expected to be incurred by the agency for the service. Costs of search and review may be assessed even if it is determined that disclosure of the records is to be withheld. Cost of search may be assessed even if the agency fails to locate the records. Requesters much reasonably describe the records sought. The following restrictions, limitations and guidelines apply to the assessment of such fees:


(i) For commercial use requesters, charges recovering full direct costs for search, review and duplication of records will be assessed.


(ii) For educational and non-commercial scientific institution requesters, no charge will be assessed for search or review of records. Charges recovering full direct costs for duplication of records will be assessed, excluding charges for the first 100 pages. To be eligible for inclusion in this category, requesters must show that the request is being made under the auspices of a qualifying institution and that the records are not sought for a commercial use, but are sought in furtherance of scholarly (if the request is from an educational institution) or scientific (if the request is from a non-commercial scientific institution) research.


(iii) For representative of the news media requesters, no charge will be assessed for search or review of records. Charges recovering full direct costs for duplication of records will be assessed, excluding charges for the first 100 pages.


(iv) For all other requesters, no charge will be assessed for review of records. Charges recovering full direct costs for search and duplication of records will be assessed excluding charges for the first 100 pages of duplication and the first two hours of search time. Requests from individuals for records about themselves, filed in a Commission system of records, will be treated under the fee provisions of the Privacy Act of 1984 which permit fees only for duplication.


(v) No fee may be charged for search, review or duplication if the costs of routine collection and processing of the fee are likely to exceed the amount of the fee.


(vi) Documents shall be furnished without any charge or at a reduced charge if disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester. In determining whether a waiver or reduction of charges is appropriate the following factors will be taken into consideration.


(A) The subject of the request: Whether the subject of the requested records concerns the operations or activities of the government;


(B) The informative value of the information to be disclosed: Whether the disclosure is likely to contribute to an understanding of government operations or activities;


(C) The contribution to an understanding of the subject by the general public likely to result from disclosure: Whether disclosure of the requested information will contribute to public understanding;


(D) The significance of the contribution to public understanding: Whether the disclosure is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of government operations or activities;


(E) The existence and magnitude of a commercial interest: Whether the requester has a commercial interest that would be furthered by the requested disclosure; and, if so


(F) The primary interest in disclosure: Whether the magnitude of the identified commercial interest of the requester is sufficiently large, in comparison with the public interest in disclosure, that disclosure is primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.


(vii) Whenever it is anticipated that fees chargeable under this section will exceed $25.00 and the requester has not indicated in advance a willingness to pay fees as high as anticipated, the requester will be notified of the amount of the anticipated fee. In such cases the requester will be given an opportunity to confer with Commission personnel with the object of reformulating the request to meet the needs of the requester at a lower cost.


(viii) Interest may be charged record requesters who fail to pay fees assessed. Assessment of interest may begin on the amount billed starting on the 31st day following the day on which the billing was sent. Interest will be at the rate prescribed in section 3717 of title 31 U.S.C., and will accrue from the date of the billings. Receipt of payment by the agency will stay the accrual of interest.


(ix) Whenever it reasonably appears that a requester of records or a group of requesters is attempting to break a request down into a series of requests for the purpose of evading the assessment of fees, such requests will be aggregated and fees assessed accordingly. Multiple requests on unrelated subjects will not be aggregated.


(x) The agency may require a requester to make advance payment only when:


(A) A requester has previously failed to pay a fee charged in a timely fashion (i.e., within 30 days of the date of the billing), in which case the requester will be required to pay the full amount owed plus any applicable interest as provided above, and to make an advance payment of the full amount of the estimated fee before the agency begins to process a new request or a pending request from that requester; or


(B) The agency estimates or determines that allowable charges that a requester may be required to pay are likely to exceed $250, in which case, the agency will notify the requester of the likely cost and obtain satisfactory assurance of full payment where the requester has a history of prompt payment of FOIA fees, or will require an advance payment of an amount up to the full estimated charges in the case of requesters with no history of payment.


(xi) Unless applicable fees are paid, the agency may use the authorities of the Debt Collection Act (Pub. L. 97-365), including disclosure to consumer reporting agencies and use of collection agencies where appropriate to encourage payment.


(xii) Whenever action is taken under paragraphs (b)(2)(viii) and (b)(2)(ix) of this section, the administrative time limits prescribed in subsection (a)(6) of 5 U.S.C. 552 (i.e., 10 working days from receipt of initial requests and 20 working days from receipt of appeals from initial denial, plus permissible extensions of these time limits will begin only after the Commission has received fee payments described above.


(c) Charges for search, review, duplication and certification. (1) Records search (including electronic search) will be performed by Commission personnel at the following rates:


(i) Search will be performed by clerical/administrative personnel at a rate of $41 per hour and by professional/executive personnel at a rate of $82 per hour.


(ii) Unless an exception provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section applies, the minimum charge for record search is $41.


(2) Charges for review of records to determine whether they are exempt from disclosure under § 503.33 must be assessed to recover full costs at the rate of $109 per hour. Charges for review will be assessed only for initial review to determine the applicability of a specific exemptions to a particular record. No charge will be assessed for review at the administrative appeal level.


(3) Charges for duplication of records and documents will be assessed as follows, limited to size 8
1/2″ × 14″ or smaller:


(i) If performed by requesting party at the rate of ten cents per page (one side).


(ii) By Commission personnel, at the rate of ten cents per page (one side) plus $41 per hour.


(iii) Unless an exception provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section applies, the minimum charge for copying is $8.


(iv) No charge will be made by the Commission for notices, decisions, orders, etc., required by law to be served on a party to any proceeding or matter before the Commission. No charge will be made for single copies of such Commission issuances individually requested in person or by mail.


(4) The certification and validation (with Federal Maritime Commission seal) of documents filed with or issued by the Commission will be available at $107 for each certification.


(d) Applications for admission to practice before the Commission for persons not attorneys at law must be accompanied by a fee of $229 pursuant to § 502.27 of this chapter.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 52 FR 13683, Apr. 24, 1987; 59 FR 59170, Nov. 16, 1994; 63 FR 50535, Sept. 22, 1998; 67 FR 39859, June 11, 2002; 70 FR 10329, Mar. 3, 2005. Redesignated at 79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014; as amended at 81 FR 59144, Aug. 29, 2016; 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 85 FR 72578, Nov. 13, 2020; 88 FR 16897, Mar. 21, 2023; 88 FR 41040, June 23, 2023]


Subpart G—Information Security Program


Source:49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014

§ 503.51 Definitions.

(a) Access means the ability or opportunity to gain knowledge of classified information.


(b) Classification means the act or process by which information is determined to be classified information.


(c) Classification guide means a documentary form of instruction or source that prescribes the classification of specific information issued by an original classification authority that identifies the elements of information regarding a specific subject that must be classified and establishes the level and duration of classification for each such element.


(d) Classified national security information (hereafter “classified information”) means information that has been determined pursuant to Executive Order 12958 or any predecessor order in force to require protection against unauthorized disclosure and is marked to indicate its classified status when in documentary form.


(e) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


(f) Declassification means the authorized change in the status of information from classified information to unclassified information.


(g) Derivative classification means the incorporating, paraphrasing, restating or generating in new form information that is already classified, and marking the newly developed material consistent with the classification markings that apply to the source information. Derivative classification includes the classification of information based on classification guidance. The duplication or reproduction of existing classified information is not derivative classification.


(h) Downgrading means a determination by a declassification authority that information classified and safeguarded at a specified level shall be classified and safeguarded at a lower level.


(i) Foreign government information means:


(1) Information provided to the United States Government by a foreign government or governments, an international organization of governments, or any element thereof, with the expectation that the information, the source of the information, or both, are to be held in confidence;


(2) Information produced by the United States pursuant to or as a result of a joint arrangement with a foreign government or governments, or an international organization of governments, or any element thereof, requiring that the information, the arrangement, or both, are to be held in confidence; or


(3) Information received and treated as “Foreign Government Information” under the terms of Executive Order 13526 or any predecessor order.


(j) Mandatory declassification review means the review for declassification of classified information in response to a request for declassification that meets the requirements under section 3.5 of Executive Order 13526.


(k) Multiple sources means two or more source documents, classification guides, or a combination of both.


(l) National security means the national defense or foreign relations of the United States.


(m) Need to know means a determination made by an authorized holder of classified information that a prospective recipient requires access to specific classified information in order to perform or assist in a lawful and authorized governmental function.


(n) Original classification means an initial determination that information requires, in the interest of national security, protection against unauthorized disclosure.


(o) Original classification authority means an individual authorized in writing, either by the President, or by agency heads or other officials designated by the President, to classify information in the first instance.


(p) Self-inspection means the internal review and evaluation of individual Commission activities and the Commission as a whole with respect to the implementation of the program established under Executive Order 13526 and its implementing directives.


(q) Senior agency official means the official designated by the Chairman under section 5.4(d) of Executive Order 13526 to direct and administer the Commission’s program under which classified information is safeguarded.


(r) Source document means an existing document that contains classified information that is incorporated, paraphrased, restated, or generated in new form into a new document.


(s) Unauthorized disclosure means a communication or physical transfer of classified information to an unauthorized recipient.


[64 FR 23547, May 3, 1999, as amended at 76 FR 10263, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.52 Senior agency official.

The Managing Director is designated as Senior Agency Official of the Commission, and shall be responsible for directing, administering and reporting on the Commission’s information security program, which includes oversight (self-inspection) and security information programs to ensure effective implementation of Executive Orders 13526 and 12968 and 32 CFR part 2001.


[76 FR 10263, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.53 Oversight Committee.

An Oversight Committee is established, under the chairmanship of the Senior Agency Official with the following responsibilities:


(a) Establish a Commission security education program to familiarize all personnel who have or may have access to classified information with the provisions of Executive Order 13526 and directives of the Information Security Oversight Office. The program shall include initial, refresher, and termination briefings;


(b) Establish controls to ensure that classified information is used, processed, stored, reproduced, and transmitted only under conditions that will provide adequate protection and prevent access by unauthorized persons;


(c) Act on all suggestions and complaints concerning the Commission’s information security program;


(d) Recommend appropriate administrative action to correct abuse or violations of any provision of Executive Order 13526; and


(e) Consider and decide other questions concerning classification and declassification that may be brought before it.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23548, May 3, 1999; 76 FR 10263, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.54 Original classification.

(a) No Commission Member or employee has the authority to originally classify information.


(b) If a Commission Member or employee develops information that appears to require classification, or receives any foreign government information as defined in section 6.1(s) of Executive Order 13526, the Member or employee shall immediately notify the Senior Agency Official and appropriately protect the information.


(c) If the Senior Agency Official believes the information warrants classification, it shall be sent to the appropriate agency with original classification authority over the subject matter, or to the Information Security Oversight Office, for review and a classification determination.


(d) If there is reasonable doubt about the need to classify information, it shall be safeguarded as if it were classified pending a determination by an original classification authority. If there is reasonable doubt about the appropriate level of classification, it shall be safeguarded at the higher level of classification pending a determination by an original classification authority.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23548, May 3, 1999; 76 FR 10263, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.55 Derivative classification.

(a) In accordance with Part 2 of Executive Order 13526 and directives of the Information Security Oversight Office, the incorporation, paraphrasing, restating or generation in new form of information that is already classified, and the marking of newly developed material consistent with the classification markings that apply to the source information, is derivative classification.


(1) Derivative classification includes the classification of information based on classification guidance.


(2) The duplication or reproduction of existing classified information is not derivative classification.


(b) Members or employees applying derivative classification markings shall:


(1) Observe and respect original classification decisions; and


(2) Carry forward to any newly created documents the pertinent classification markings.


(3) For information derivatively classified based on multiple sources, the Member or employee shall carry forward:


(i) The date or event for declassification that corresponds to the longest period of classification among the sources; and


(ii) A listing of these sources on or attached to the official file or record copy.


(c) Documents classified derivatively shall bear all markings prescribed by 32 CFR 2001.20 through 2001.23 and shall otherwise conform to the requirements of 32 CFR 2001.20 through 2001.23.


(1) Classification authority. The authority for classification shall be shown as follows:


(i) “Classified by (description of source documents or classification guide),” or


(ii) “Classified by multiple sources,” if a document is classified on the basis of more than one source document or classification guide.


(iii) In these cases, the derivative classifier shall maintain the identification of each source with the file or record copy of the derivatively classified document. A document derivatively classified on the basis of a source document that is marked “Classified by Multiple Sources” shall cite the source document in its “Classified by” line rather than the term “Multiple sources.”


(2) Declassification and downgrading instructions. Date or events for automatic declassification or downgrading, or the notation “Originating Agency’s Determination Required” to indicate that the document is not to be declassified automatically, shall be carried forward from the source document, or as directed by a classification guide, and shown on “declassify on” line as follows:


“Declassify on: (date, description of event);” or “Originating Agency’s Determination Required (OADR).”


[64 FR 23548, May 3, 1999, as amended at 76 FR 10263, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.56 General declassification and downgrading policy.

(a) The Commission exercises declassification and downgrading authority in accordance with section 3.1 of Executive Order 13526, only over that information originally classified by the Commission under previous Executive Orders. Declassification and downgrading authority may be exercised by the Commission Chairman and the Senior Agency Official, and such others as the Chairman may designate. Commission personnel may not declassify information originally classified by other agencies.


(b) The Commission does not now have original classification authority nor does it have in its possession any documents that it originally classified when it had such authority. The Commission has authorized the Archivist of the United States to automatically declassify information originally classified by the Commission and under its exclusive and final declassification jurisdiction at the end of 20 years from the date of original classification.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23548, May 3, 1999; 76 FR 10263, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.57 Mandatory review for declassification.

(a) Reviews and referrals in response to requests for mandatory declassification shall be conducted in compliance with section 3.5 of Executive Order 13526, 32 CFR 2001.33, and 32 CFR 2001.34.


(b) Any individual may request a review of classified information and material in possession of the Commission for declassification. All information classified under Executive Order 13526 or a predecessor Order shall be subject to a review for declassification by the Commission, if:


(1) The request describes the documents or material containing the information with sufficient specificity to enable the Commission to locate it with a reasonable amount of effort. Requests with insufficient description of the material will be returned to the requester for further information.


(2) The information requested is not the subject of pending litigation.


(3) The information requested has not been reviewed for declassification in the previous two years. If so, the FMC shall inform the requester of this fact and provide the requester with appeal rights in accordance with 32 CFR 2001.33(a)(2)(iii).


(c) Requests shall be in writing, and shall be sent to: Office of the Managing Director, Attn.: Senior Agency Official, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573 or submitted via the FMC’s on-line declassification information portal which provides an e-mail address through which requests can be submitted: http://www.http://www.fmc.gov/about/web_policies_notices_and_acts.aspx.


(d) If the request requires the provision of services by the Commission, fair and equitable fees may be charged pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 9701.


(e) Requests for mandatory declassification reviews shall be acknowledged by the Commission within 15 days of the date of receipt of such requests.


(f) If the document was derivatively classified by the Commission or originally classified by another agency, the request, the document, and a recommendation for action shall be forwarded to the agency with the original classification authority. The Commission may, after consultation with the originating agency, inform the requester of the referral.


(g) If a document is declassified in its entirety, it may be released to the requester, unless withholding is otherwise warranted under applicable law. If a document or any part of it is not declassified, the Senior Agency Official shall furnish the declassified portions to the requester unless withholding is otherwise warranted under applicable law, along with a brief statement concerning the reasons for the denial of the remainder, and the right to appeal that decision to the Commission appellate authority within 60 days.


(h) If a declassification determination cannot be made within 45 days, the requester shall be advised that additional time is needed to process the request. Final determination shall be made within one year from the date of receipt of the request. The Commission shall inform the requester in writing of the final determination and of the reasons for any denials. The Commission shall inform the requester in writing of his or her final appeal rights to the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel.


(i) When a request has been submitted both under mandatory declassification review and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the agency shall require the requester to select one process or the other. If the requester fails to select one process or the other, the request will be treated as a FOIA request unless the requested materials are subject only to mandatory declassification review.


[76 FR 10263, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.58 Appeals of denials of mandatory declassification review requests.

(a) Within 60 days after the receipt of denial of a request for mandatory declassification review, the requester may submit an appeal in writing to the Chairman through the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. The appeal shall:


(1) Identify the document in the same manner in which it was identified in the original request;


(2) Indicate the dates of the request and denial, and the expressed basis for the denial; and


(3) State briefly why the document should be declassified.


(b) The Chairman shall rule on the appeal within 60 working days of receiving it. If additional time is required to make a determination, the Chairman shall notify the requester of the additional time needed and provide the requester with the reason for the extension. The Chairman shall notify the requester in writing of the final determination and the reasons for any denial.


(c) In accordance with section 5.3 of Executive Order 13526 and 32 CFR 2001.33, within 60 days of such issuance, the requester may appeal a final determination of the Commission under paragraph (b) of this section to the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel. The appeal should be addressed to, Executive Secretary, Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel, Attn: Classification Challenge Appeals, c/o Information Security Oversight Office, National Archives and Records Administration, 7th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 5W, Washington, DC 20408.


[76 FR 10264, Feb. 24, 2011]


§ 503.59 Safeguarding classified information.

(a) All classified information shall be afforded a level of protection against unauthorized disclosure commensurate with its level of classification.


(b) Whenever classified material is removed from a storage facility, such material shall not be left unattended and shall be protected by attaching an appropriate classified document cover sheet to each classified document.


(c) Classified information being transmitted from one Commission office to another shall be protected with a classified document cover sheet and hand delivered by an appropriately cleared person to another appropriately cleared person.


(d) Classified information shall be made available to a recipient only when the authorized holder of the classified information has determined that:


(1) The prospective recipient has a valid security clearance at least commensurate with the level of classification of the information; and


(2) The prospective recipient requires access to the information in order to perform or assist in a lawful and authorized governmental function.


(e) The requirement in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, that access to classified information may be granted only to individuals who have a need-to-know the information, may be waived for persons who:


(1) Are engaged in historical research projects, or


(2) Previously have occupied policy-making positions to which they were appointed by the President.


(f) Waivers under paragraph (e) of this section may be granted when the Commission Senior Agency Official:


(1) Determines in writing that access is consistent with the interest of national security;


(2) Takes appropriate steps to protect classified information from unauthorized disclosure or compromise, and ensures that the information is properly safeguarded; and


(3) Limits the access granted to former presidential appointees to items that the person originated, reviewed, signed, or received while serving as a presidential appointee.


(g) Persons seeking access to classified information in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section must agree in writing:


(1) To be subject to a national security check;


(2) To protect the classified information in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order 13526; and


(3) Not to publish or otherwise reveal to unauthorized persons any classified information.


(h) Except as authorized by the originating agency, or otherwise provided for by directives issued by the President, the Commission shall not disclose information originally classified by another agency.


(i) Only appropriately cleared personnel may receive, transmit, and maintain current access and accountability records for classified material.


(j) Each office which has custody of classified material shall maintain:


(1) A classified document register or log containing a listing of all classified holdings, and


(2) A classified document destruction register or log containing the title and date of all classified documents that have been destroyed.


(k) An inventory of all documents classified higher than confidential shall be made at least annually and whenever there is a change in classified document custodians. The Senior Agency Official shall be notified, in writing, of the results of each inventory.


(l) Reproduced copies of classified documents are subject to the same accountability and controls as the original documents.


(m) Combinations to dial-type locks shall be changed only by persons having an appropriate security clearance, and shall be changed whenever such equipment is placed in use; whenever a person knowing the combination no longer requires access to the combination; whenever a combination has been subject to possible compromise; whenever the equipment is taken out of service; and at least once each year. Records of combinations shall be classified no lower than the highest level of classified information to be stored in the security equipment concerned. One copy of the record of each combination shall be provided to the Senior Agency Official.


(n) Individuals charged with the custody of classified information shall conduct the necessary inspections within their areas to insure adherence to procedural safeguards prescribed to protect classified information. The Commission Senior Agency Official shall conduct periodic inspections to determine if the procedural safeguards prescribed in this subpart are in effect at all times.


(o) Whenever classified material is to be transmitted outside the Commission, the custodian of the classified material shall contact the Commission Senior Agency Official for preparation and receipting instructions. If the material is to be hand carried, the Senior Agency Official shall ensure that the person who will carry the material has the appropriate security clearance, is knowledgeable of safeguarding requirements, and is briefed, if appropriate, concerning restrictions with respect to carrying classified material on commercial carriers.


(p) Any person having access to and possession of classified information is responsible for protecting it from persons not authorized access to it, to include securing it in approved equipment or facilities, whenever it is not under the direct supervision of authorized persons.


(q) Employees of the Commission shall be subject to appropriate sanctions, which may include reprimand, suspension without pay, removal, termination of classification authority, loss or denial of access to classified information, or other sanctions in accordance with applicable law and agency regulation, if they:


(1) Knowingly, willfully, or negligently disclose to unauthorized persons information properly classified under Executive Order 13526 or predecessor orders;


(2) Knowingly and willfully classify or continue the classification of information in violation of Executive Order 13526 or any implementing directive; or


(3) Knowingly and willfully violate any other provision of Executive Order 13526 or implementing directive.


(r) Any person who discovers or believes that a classified document is lost or compromised shall immediately report the circumstances to his or her supervisor and the Commission Senior Agency Official, who shall conduct an immediate inquiry into the matter.


(s) Questions with respect to the Commission Information Security Program, particularly those concerning the classification, declassification, downgrading, and safeguarding of classified information, shall be directed to the Commission Senior Agency Official.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23548, May 3, 1999; 76 FR 10264, Feb. 24, 2011]


Subpart H—Access to Any Record of Identifiable Personal Information


Source:49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014

§ 503.60 Definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart:

(a) Agency means each authority of the government of the United States as defined in 5 U.S.C. 551(1) and shall include any executive department, military department, government corporation, government controlled corporation or other establishment in the executive branch of the government (including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory agency.


(b) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


(c) Individual means a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to whom a record pertains.


(d) Maintain includes maintain, collect, use, or disseminate.


(e) Person means any person not an individual and shall include, but is not limited to, corporations, associations, partnerships, trustees, receivers, personal representatives, and public or private organizations.


(f) Record means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by the Federal Maritime Commission, including but not limited to a person’s education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history, and that contains the person’s name, or the identifying number, symbol or other identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as a finger or voice print, or a photograph.


(g) Routine use means [with respect to the disclosure of a record], the use of such records for a purpose which is compatible with the purpose for which it was collected.


(h) Statistical record means a record in a system of records, maintained for statistical research or reporting purposes only and not used in whole or in part in making any determination about an identifiable individual, but shall not include matter pertaining to the Census as defined in 13 U.S.C. 8.


(i) System of records means a group of any records under the control of the Commission from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol or other identifying particular assigned to the individual.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.61 Conditions of disclosure.

(a) Subject to the conditions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Commission shall not disclose any record which is contained in a system of records, by any means of communication, to any person or other agency who is not an individual to whom the record pertains.


(b) Upon written request or with prior written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains, the Commission may disclose any such record to any person or other agency.


(c) In the absence of a written consent from the individual to whom the record pertains, the Commission may disclose any such record, provided such disclosure is:


(1) To those officers and employees of the Commission who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties;


(2) Required under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552);


(3) For a routine use;


(4) To the Bureau of Census for purposes of planning or carrying out a census or survey or related activity under the provisions of title 13 U.S.C.;


(5) To a recipient who has provided the Commission with adequate advance written assurance that the record will be used solely as a statistical research or reporting record, and the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually identifiable;


(6) To the National Archives of the United States, as a record which has sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States government, or for evaluation by the Administrator of General Services or his designee to determine whether the record has such value;—


(7) To another agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States for a civil or criminal law enforcement activity authorized by law, provided the head of the agency or instrumentality has made a prior written request to the Secretary of the Commission specifying the particular record and the law enforcement activity for which it is sought;


(8) To either House of Congress, and to the extent of a matter within its jurisdiction, any committee, subcommittee, or joint committee of Congress;


(9) To the Comptroller General, or any authorized representative, thereof, in the course of the performance of the duties of the GAO; or


(10) Under an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.62 Accounting of disclosures.

(a) The Secretary shall make an accounting of each disclosure of any record contained in a system of records in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(1) and 552a(c)(2).


(b) Except for a disclosure made under § 503.61(c)(7), the Secretary shall make the accounting described in paragraph (a) of this section available to any individual upon written request made in accordance with § 503.63(b) or § 503.63(c).


(c) The Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to notify the individual when any record which pertains to such individual is disclosed to any person under compulsory legal process, when such process becomes a matter of public record.


§ 503.63 Request for information.

(a) Upon request, in person or by mail, made in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, any individual shall be informed whether or not any Commission system of records contains a record pertaining to him or her.


(b) Any individual requesting such information in person shall personally appear at the Office of the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20573 and shall:


(1) Provide information sufficient, in the opinion of the Secretary, to identify the record, e.g., the individual’s own name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.;


(2) Provide identification acceptable to the Secretary to verify the individual’s identity, e.g., driver’s license, employee identification card or medicare card;


(3) Complete and sign the appropriate form provided by the Secretary.


(c) Any individual requesting such information by mail shall address such request to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20573 and shall include in such request the following:


(1) Information sufficient in the opinion of the Secretary to identify the record, e.g., the individual’s own name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.;


(2) A signed notarized statement to verify his or her identity.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 63 FR 50535, Sept. 22, 1998]


§ 503.64 Commission procedure on request for information.

Upon request for information made in accordance with § 503.63, the Secretary or his or her delegate shall, within 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays), furnish in writing to the requesting party notice of the existence or nonexistence of any records described in such request.


§ 503.65 Request for access to records.

(a) General. Upon request by any individual made in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, such individual shall be granted access to any record pertaining to him or her which is contained in a Commission system of records. However, nothing in this section shall allow an individual access to any information compiled by the Commission in reasonable anticipation of a civil or criminal action or proceeding.


(b) Procedures for requests for access to records. Any individual may request access to a record pertaining to him or her in person or by mail in accordance with paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section:


(1) Any individual making such request in person shall do so at the Office of the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20573 and shall:


(i) Provide identification acceptable to the Secretary to verify the individual’s identity, e.g., driver’s license, employee identification card, or medicare card; and


(ii) Complete and sign the appropriate form provided by the Secretary.


(2) Any individual making a request for access to records by mail shall address such request to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20573 and shall include therein a signed, notarized statement to verify his or her identity.


(3) Any individual requesting access to records under this section in person may be accompanied by a person of his or her own choosing, while reviewing the record requested. If an individual elects to be so accompanied, he or she shall notify the Secretary of such election in the request and shall provide a written statement authorizing disclosure of the record in the presence of the accompanying person. Failure to so notify the Secretary in a request for access shall be deemed to be a decision by the individual not to be accompanied.


(c) Commission determination of requests for access. (1) Upon request made in accordance with this section, the Secretary or his or her delegate shall:


(i) Determine whether or not such request shall be granted;


(ii) Make such determination and provide notification within 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after receipt of such request, and, if such request is granted shall:


(iii) Notify the individual that fees for reproducing copies will be made in accordance with § 503.69.


(2) If access to a record is denied because such information has been compiled by the Commission in reasonable anticipation of a civil or criminal action or proceeding, or for any other reason, the Secretary shall notify the individual of such determination and his or her right to judicial appeal under 5 U.S.C. 552a(g).


(d) Manner of providing access. (1) If access is granted, the individual making such request shall notify the Secretary whether the records requested are to be copied and mailed to the individual.


(2) If records are to be made available for personal inspection, the individual shall arrange with the Secretary a mutually agreeable time and place for inspection of the record.


(3) Fees for reproducing and mailing copies of records will be made in accordance with § 503.69.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 63 FR 50535, Sept. 22, 1998]


§ 503.66 Amendment of a record.

(a) General. Any individual may request amendment of a record pertaining to him or her according to the procedure in paragraph (b) of this section.


(b) Procedures for requesting amendment of a record. After inspection of a record pertaining to him or her, an individual may file with the Secretary a request, in person or by mail, for amendment of a record. Such request shall specify the particular portions of the record to be amended, the desired amendments and the reasons therefor.


(c) Commission procedures on request for amendment of a record. (1) Not later than ten (10) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the date of receipt of a request made in accordance with this section to amend a record in whole or in part, the Secretary or his or her delegate shall:


(i) Make any correction of any portion of the record which the individual believes is not accurate, relevant, timely or complete and thereafter inform the individual of such correction; or


(ii) Inform the individual, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of refusal to amend the record, setting out the reasons therefor, and notify the individual of his or her right to appeal that determination to the Chairman of the Commission under § 503.67.


(2) The Secretary shall inform any person or other agency to whom a record has been disclosed of any correction or notation of dispute made by the Secretary with respect to such records, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(4) referring to amendment of a record, if an accounting of such disclosure has been made.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.67 Appeals from denial of request for amendment of a record.

(a) General. An individual whose request for amendment of a record pertaining to him or her is denied, may further request a review of such determination in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.


(b) Procedure for appeal. Not later than thirty (30) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) following receipt of notification of refusal to amend, an individual may file an appeal to amend the record. Such appeal shall:


(1) Be addressed to the Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20573; and


(2) Specify the reasons for which the refusal to amend is challenged.


(c) Commission procedure on appeal. (1) Upon appeal from a denial to amend a record, the Chairman of the Commission or the officer designated by the Chairman to act in his or her absence, shall make a determination whether or not to amend the record and shall notify the individual of that determination by certified mail, return receipt requested, not later than thirty (30) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal public holidays) after receipt of such appeal, unless extended pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section.


(2) The Chairman shall also notify the individual of the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a(g)(1)(A) regarding judicial review of the Chairman’s determination.


(3) If, on appeal, the refusal to amend the record is upheld, the Commission shall permit the individual to file a statement setting forth the reasons for disagreement with the Commission’s determination.


(d) The Chairman, or his or her delegate in his or her absence, may extend up to thirty (30) days the time period prescribed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section within which to make a determination on an appeal from refusal to amend a record for the reasons that a fair and equitable review cannot be completed within the prescribed time period.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 63 FR 50536, Sept. 22, 1998]


§ 503.68 Exemptions.

(a) The system of records designated FMC-25 Inspector General File is exempt from the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a except subsections (b), (c) (1) and (2), (e)(4) (A) through (F), (e) (6), (7), (9), (10), and (11) and (i) to the extent it contains information meeting the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws. Exemption is appropriate to avoid compromise of ongoing investigations, disclosure of the identity of confidential sources and unwarranted invasions of personal privacy of third parties.


(b) The following systems of records are exempt from the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (d), (e)(1), (e)(4) (G), (H) and (I) and (f), which otherwise require the Commission, among other things, to provide the individual named in the records an accounting of disclosures and access to and opportunity to amend the records. The scope of the exemptions and the reasons therefor are described for each particular system of records.


(1) FMC-1 Personnel Security File. All information about individuals that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5), regarding suitability, eligibility or qualifications for Federal civilian employment or for access to classified information, to the extent that disclosure would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Commission under a promise of confidentiality. Exemption is required to honor promises of confidentiality.


(2) FMC-7 Licensed Ocean Freight Forwarders File. All information that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) regarding investigatory materials compiled for law enforcement purposes. Exemption is appropriate to avoid compromise of ongoing investigations, disclosure of the identity of confidential sources and unwarranted invasions of personal privacy of third parties.


(3) FMC-22 Investigatory Files. All information that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) regarding investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes. Exemption is appropriate to avoid compromise of ongoing investigations, disclosure of the identity of confidential sources and unwarranted invasions of personal privacy of third parties.


(4) FMC-24 Informal Inquiries and Complaint Files. All information that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) regarding investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes. Exemption is appropriate to avoid compromise of ongoing investigations, disclosure of the identity of confidential sources and unwarranted invasion of personal privacy of third parties.


(5) FMC-25 Inspector General File. (i) All information that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) regarding investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes. Exemption is appropriate to avoid compromise of ongoing investigations, disclosure of the identity of confidential sources and unwarranted invasions of personal privacy of third parties.


(ii) All information about individuals that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5), regarding suitability, eligibility or qualifications for Federal civilian employment or for access to classified information, to the extent the disclosure would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Commission under the promises of confidentiality. Exemption is required to honor promises of confidentiality.


(6) FMC-26 Administrative Grievance File. (i) All information that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) regarding investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, Exemption is appropriate to avoid compromise of ongoing investigations, disclosure of the identity of confidential sources and unwarranted invasions of personal privacy of third parties.


(ii) All information about individuals that meets the criteria of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5), regarding suitability, eligibility or qualification for Federal civilian employment or for access to classified information, to the extent that disclosure would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Commission under a promise of confidentiality. Exemption is required to honor promises of confidentiality.


[59 FR 15636, Apr. 4, 1994]


§ 503.69 Fees.

(a) General. The following Commission services are available, with respect to requests made under the provisions of this subpart, for which fees will be charged as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section:


(1) Copying records/documents.


(2) Certification of copies of documents.


(b) Fees for services. The fees set forth below provide for documents to be mailed with ordinary first-class postage prepaid. If a copy is to be transmitted by registered, certified, air, or special delivery mail, postage therefor will be added to the basic fee. Also, if special handling or packaging is required, costs thereof will be added to the basic fee.


(1) The copying of records and documents will be available at the rate of ten cents per page (one side), limited to size 8
1/4″ x 14″ or smaller.


(2) The certification and validation (with Federal Maritime Commission seal) of documents filed with or issued by the Commission will be available at $107 for each certification.


(c) Payment of fees and charges. The fees charged for special services may be paid by check, draft, or postal money order, payable to the Federal Maritime Commission.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 59 FR 59171, Nov. 16, 1994; 81 FR 59144, Aug. 29, 2016; 88 FR 16898, March 21, 2023; 88 FR 41040, June 23, 2023]


Subpart I—Public Observation of Federal Maritime Commission Meetings and Public Access to Information Pertaining to Commission Meetings


Source:49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 79 FR 24351, Apr. 30, 2014

§ 503.70 Policy.

It is the policy of the Federal Maritime Commission, under the Provisions of the “Government in the Sunshine Act” (5 U.S.C. 552b, Sept. 13, 1976) to entitle the public to the fullest practicable information regarding the decisional processes of the Commission. The provisions of this subpart set forth the procedural requirements designed to provide the public with such information while continuing to protect the rights of individuals and to maintain the capabilities of the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under the shipping statutes administered by this Commission.


§ 503.71 Definitions.

The following definitions apply for purposes of this subpart:


(a) Agency means the Federal Maritime Commission;


(b) Information pertaining to a meeting means, but is not limited to the following: the record of any agency vote taken under the provisions of this subpart, and the record of the vote of each member; a full written explanation of any agency action to close any portion of any meeting under this subpart; lists of persons expected to attend any meeting of the agency and their affiliation; public announcement by the agency under this subpart of the time, place, and subject matter of any meeting or portion of any meeting; announcement of whether any meeting or portion of any meeting shall be open to public observation or be closed; any announcement of any change regarding any meeting or portion of any meeting; and the name and telephone number of the Secretary of the agency who shall be designated by the agency to respond to requests for information concerning any meeting or portion of any meeting;


(c) Meeting means the deliberations of a majority of the members serving on the agency which determine or result in the joint conduct of or disposition of official agency business, but does not include:


(1) Individual member’s consideration of official agency business circulated to the members in writing for disposition on notation;


(2) Deliberations by the agency in determining whether or not to close a portion or portions of a meeting or series of meetings as provided in §§ 503.74 and 503.75;


(3) Deliberations by the agency in determining whether or not to withhold from disclosure information pertaining to a portion or portions of a meeting or series of meetings as provided in § 503.80; or


(4) Deliberations pertaining to any change in any meeting or to changes in the public announcement of such a meeting as provided in § 503.83;


(d) Member means each individual Commissioner of the agency;


(e) Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or public or private organization, other than an agency as defined in 5 U.S.C. 551(1));


(f) Series f meetings means more than one meeting involving the same particular matters and scheduled to be held no more than thirty (30) days after the initial meeting in such series.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999]


§ 503.72 General rule—meetings.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in §§ 503.73, 503.74, 503.75, 503.76, and 503.84, every portion of every meeting and every portion of a series of meetings of the agency shall be open to public observation.


(b) The opening of a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings to public observation shall not be construed to include any participation by the public in any manner in the meeting. Such an attempted participation or participation shall be cause for removal of any person so engaged at the discretion of the presiding member of the agency.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 85 FR 9682, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 503.73 Exceptions—meetings.

Except in a case where the agency finds that the public interest requires otherwise, the provisions of § 503.72(a) shall not apply to any portion or portions of an agency meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings where the agency determined under the provisions of § 503.74 or § 503.75 that such portion or portions of such meeting or series of meetings is likely to:


(a) Disclose matters that are (1) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy and (2) in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive order;


(b) Relate solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of any agency;


(c) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by any statute other than 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA), provided that such statute (1) requires that the matter be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or (2) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld;


(d) Disclose trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;


(e) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;


(f) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;


(g) Disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes, or information which, if written, would be contained in such records, but only to the extent that the production of such records or information would


(1) Interfere with enforcement proceedings,


(2) Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication,


(3) Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,


(4) Disclose the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential information furnished only by the confidential source,


(5) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures, or


(6) Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel;


(h) Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions;


(i) Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed agency action unless the agency has already disclosed to the public the content or nature of its proposed action, or where the agency is required by law to make such disclosure on its own initiative prior to taking final agency action on such proposal; or


(j) Specifically concern the agency’s issuance of a subpena, or the agency’s participation in a civil action or proceeding, an action in a foreign court or international tribunal, or an arbitration, or the initiation, conduct, or disposition by the agency of a particular case of formal agency adjudication pursuant to the procedures in 5 U.S.C. 554 or otherwise involving a determination on the record after opportunity for a hearing.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.74 Procedures for closing a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests.

(a) Any member of the agency, the Managing Director or the General Counsel of the agency may request that any portion or portions of a series of meetings be closed to public observation for any of the reasons provided in § 503.73 by submitting such request in writing to the Secretary of the agency in sufficient time to allow the Secretary to schedule a timely vote on the request pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section.


(b) Upon receipt of any request made under paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary of the agency shall schedule a time at which the members of the agency shall vote upon the request, which vote shall take place not later then eight (8) days prior to the scheduled meeting of the agency.


(c) At the time the Secretary schedules a time for an agency vote as described in paragraph (b) of this section, he or she shall forward the request to the General Counsel of the agency who shall act upon such request as provided in § 503.77.


(d) At the time schedule d by the Secretary as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the members of the agency, upon consideration of the request submitted under paragraph (a) of this section and consideration of the certified opinion of the General Counsel of the agency provided to the members under § 503.77, shall vote upon that request. That vote shall determine whether or not any portion or portions of a meeting may be closed to public observation for any of the reasons provided in § 503.73, and whether or not the public interest requires that the portion or portions of the meeting or meetings remain open, notwithstanding the applicability of any of the reasons provided in § 503.73 permitting the closing of any meeting to public observation.


(e) In the case of a vote on a request under this section to close to public observation a portion or portions of a meeting, no such portion or portions of any meeting may be closed unless, by a vote on the issues described in paragraph (d) of this section, a majority of the entire membership of the agency shall vote to close such portion or portions of a meeting by recorded vote.


(f) In the case of a vote on a request under this section to close to public observation a portion or portions of a series of meetings as defined in § 503.71, no such portion or portions of a series of meetings may be closed unless, by a vote on the issues described in paragraph (d) of this section, a majority of the entire membership of the agency shall vote to close such portion or portions of a series of meetings. A determination to close to public observation a portion or portions of a series of meetings may be accomplished by a single vote on each of the issues described in paragraph (d) of this section, provided that the vote of each member of the agency shall be recorded and the vote shall be cast by each member and not by proxy vote.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 55 FR 38330, Sept. 18, 1990]


§ 503.75 Procedures for closing a portion of a meeting on request initiated by an interested person.

(a) Any person as defined in § 503.71, whose interests may be directly affected by a portion of a meeting of the agency, may request that the agency close that portion of a meeting for the reason that matters in deliberation at that portion of the meeting are such that public disclosure of that portion of a meeting is likely to:


(1) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;


(2) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; or


(3) Disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes, or information which if written would be contained in such records, but only to the extent that the production of such records or information would:


(i) Interfere with enforcement proceedings;


(ii) Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;


(iii) Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;


(iv) Disclose the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential information furnished only by the confidential source;


(v) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures; or


(vi) Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.


(b) Any person described in paragraph (a) of this section who submits a request that a portion of a meeting be closed shall submit an original and 15 copies of that request to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, and shall state with particularity that portion of a meeting sought to be closed and the reasons therefor as described in paragraph (a) of this section.


(c) Upon receipt of any request made under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the Secretary of the agency shall:


(1) Furnish a copy of the request to each member of the agency; and


(2) Furnish a copy of the request to the General Counsel of the agency.


(d) Upon receipt of a request made under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, any member of the agency may request agency action upon the request to close a portion of a meeting by notifying the Secretary of the agency of that request for agency action.


(e) Upon receipt of a request for agency action under paragraph (d) of this section, the Secretary of the agency shall schedule a time for an agency vote upon the request of the person whose interests may be directly affected by a portion of a meeting, which vote shall take place prior to the scheduled meeting of the agency.


(f) At the time the Secretary receives a request for agency action and schedules a time for an agency vote as described in paragraph (e) of this section, the request of the person whose interests may be directly affected by a portion of a meeting shall be forwarded to the General Counsel of the agency who shall act upon such request as provided in § 503.77.


(g) At the time scheduled by the Secretary, as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the members of the agency, upon consideration of the request of the person whose interests may be directly affected by a portion of a meeting submitted under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, and consideration of the certified opinion of the General Counsel of the agency provided to the members under § 503.77, shall vote upon that request. That vote shall determine whether or not any portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings may be closed to public observation for any of the reasons provided in paragraph (a) of this section, and whether or not the public interest requires that the portion or portions of the meeting or meetings remain open, notwithstanding the applicability of any of the reasons provided in paragraph (a) of this section permitting the closing of any portion of any meeting to public observation.


(h) In the case of a vote on a request under this section to close to public observation a portion of a meeting, no such portion of a meeting may be closed unless, by a vote on the issues described in paragraph (g) of this section, a majority of the entire membership of the agency shall vote to close such portion of a meeting by a recorded vote.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.76 Effect of vote to close a portion or portions of a meeting or series of meetings.

(a) Where the agency votes as provided in § 503.74 or § 503.75, to close to public observation a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings, the portion or portions of a meeting or the portion or portions of a series of meetings shall be closed.


(b) Except as otherwise provided in §§ 503.80, 503.81 and 503.82, not later than the day following the day on which a vote is taken under § 503.74 or § 503.75, by which it is determined to close a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings to public observation, the Secretary shall make available to the public:


(1) A written copy of the recorded vote reflecting the vote of each member of the agency;


(2) A full written explanation of the agency action closing that portion or those portions to public observation; and


(3) A list of the names and affiliations of all persons expected to attend the portion or portions of the meeting or the portion or portions of a series of meetings.


(c) Except as otherwise provided in §§ 503.80, 503.81 and 503.82, not later than the day following the day on which a vote is taken under § 503.74, or § 503.75, by which it is determined that the portion or portions of a meeting or the portion or portions of a series of meetings shall remain open to public observation, the Secretary shall make available to the public a written copy of the recorded vote reflecting the vote of each member of the agency.


§ 503.77 Responsibilities of the General Counsel of the agency upon a request to close any portion of any meeting.

(a) Upon any request that the agency close a portion or portions of any meeting or any portion or portions of any series of meetings under the provisions of §§ 503.74 and 503.75, the General Counsel of the agency shall certify in writing to the agency, prior to an agency vote on that request, whether or not in his or her opinion the closing of any such portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings is proper under the provisions of this subpart and the terms of the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b). If, in the opinion of the General Counsel, the closing of a portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings is proper under the provisions of this subpart and the terms of the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b), his or her certification of that opinion shall cite each applicable, particular, exemptive provision of that Act and provision of this subpart.


(b) A copy of the certification of the General Counsel as described in paragraph (a) of this section, together with a statement of the officer presiding over the portion or portions of any meeting or the portion or portions of a series of meetings setting forth the time and place of the relevant meeting or meetings, and the persons present, shall be maintained by the Secretary for public inspection.


§ 503.78 General rule—information pertaining to meeting.

(a) As defined in § 503.71, all information pertaining to a portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings of the agency shall be disclosed to the public unless excepted from such disclosure under §§ 503.79 through 503.81 or § 503.84.


(b) All inquiries as to the status of pending matters which were considered by the Commission in closed session should be directed to the Secretary of the Commission. Commission personnel who attend closed meetings of the Commission are prohibited from disclosing anything that occurs during those meetings. An employee’s failure to respect the confidentiality of closed meetings constitutes a violation of Commission’s General Standards of Conduct. The Commission can, of course, determine to make public the events or decisions occurring in a closed meeting, such information to be disseminated by the Office of the Secretary. An inquiry to the Office of the Secretary as to whether any information has been made public is not, therefore, improper. However, a request of or attempt to persuade a Commission employee to divulge the contents of a closed meeting constitutes a lack of proper professional conduct inappropriate to a person practicing before this agency, and requires that the employee file a report of such event so that a determination can be made whether disciplinary action should be initiated pursuant to § 502.30 of this chapter.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 85 FR 9682, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 503.79 Exceptions—information pertaining to meeting.

Except in a case where the agency finds that the public interest requires otherwise, information pertaining to a portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings need not be disclosed by the agency if the agency determines, under the provisions of §§ 503.80 and 503.81 that disclosure of that information is likely to disclose matters which are:


(a) Specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy and in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive order;


(b) Related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;


(c) Specifically exempted from disclosure by any statute other than 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA), provided that such statute (1) requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or (2) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld;


(d) Trade secrets and commercial or financial information, obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;


(e) Involved with accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;


(f) Of a personal nature, where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;


(g) Investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes, or information which if written would be contained in such records, but only to the extent that the production of such record or information would


(1) Interfere with enforcement proceedings,


(2) Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication,


(3) Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,


(4) Disclose the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential information furnished only by the confidential source,


(5) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures, or


(6) Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel;


(h) Contained in or related to examination, operation, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions;


(i) Information, the premature disclosure of which would be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed agency action, unless the agency has already disclosed to the public the content or nature of its proposed action, or where the agency is required by law to make such disclosure on its own initiative prior to taking final agency action on such proposal; or


(j) Specifically concerned with the agency’s issuance of a subpena, the agency’s participation in a civil action or proceeding, an action in a foreign court or international tribunal, or an arbitration, or the initiation, conduct, or disposition by the agency of a particular case of formal agency adjudication pursuant to the procedures in 5 U.S.C. 554 or otherwise involving a determination on the record after opportunity for a hearing.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.80 Procedures for withholding information pertaining to meeting.

(a) Any member of the agency, or the General Counsel of the agency may request that information pertaining to a portion or portions of a meeting or to a portion or portions of a series of meetings be withheld from public disclosure for any of the reasons set forth in § 503.79 by submitting such request in writing to the Secretary not later than two (2) weeks prior to the commencement of the first meeting in a series of meetings.


(b) Upon receipt of any request made under paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary shall schedule a time at which the members of the agency shall vote upon the request, which vote shall take place not later than eight (8) days prior to the scheduled meeting of the agency.


(c) At the time scheduled by the Secretary in paragraph (b) of this section, the Members of the agency, upon consideration of the request submitted under paragraph (a) of this section, shall vote upon that request. That vote shall determine whether or not information pertaining to a meeting may be withheld from public disclosure for any of the reasons provided in § 503.79, and whether or not the public interest requires that the information be disclosed notwithstanding the applicability of the reasons provided in § 503.79 permitting the withholding from public disclosure of the information pertaining to a meeting.


(d) In the case of a vote on a request under this section to withhold from public disclosure information pertaining to a portion or portions of a meeting, no such information shall be withheld from public disclosure unless, by a vote on the issues described in paragraph (c) of this section, a majority of the entire membership of the agency shall vote to withhold such information by recorded vote.


(e) In the case of a vote on a request under this section to withhold information pertaining to a portion or portions of a series of meetings, no such information shall be withheld unless, by a vote on the issues described in paragraph (c) of this section, a majority of the entire membership of the agency shall vote to withhold such information. A determination to withhold information pertaining to a portion or portions of a series of meetings from public disclosure may be accomplished by a single vote on the issues described in paragraph (c) of this section, provided that the vote of each member of the agency shall be recorded and the vote shall be cast by each member and not by proxy vote.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.81 Effect of vote to withhold information pertaining to meeting.

(a) Where the agency votes as provided in § 503.80 to withhold from public disclosure information pertaining to a portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings, such information shall be excepted from the requirements of §§ 503.78, 503.82 and 503.83.


(b) Where the agency votes as provided in § 503.80 to permit public disclosure of information pertaining to a portion of portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings, such information shall be disclosed to the public as required by §§ 503.78, 503.82 and 503.83.


(c) Not later than the day following the date on which a vote is taken under § 503.80, by which the information pertaining to a meeting is determined to be disclosed, the Secretary shall make available to the public a written copy of such vote reflecting the vote of each member of the agency on the question.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984]


§ 503.82 Public announcement of agency meeting.

(a) Except as provided in §§ 503.80 and 503.81 regarding a determination to withhold from public disclosure any information pertaining to a portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings, or as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Secretary of the agency shall make public announcement of each meeting of the agency.


(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, public announcement of each meeting of the agency shall be accomplished not later than one week prior to commencement of a meeting or the commencement of the first meeting in a series of meetings, and shall disclose:


(1) The time of the meeting;


(2) The place of the meeting;


(3) The subject matter of each portion of each meeting or series of meetings;


(4) Whether any portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of any series of meetings shall be open or closed to public observation; and


(5) The name and telephone number of the Secretary of the agency who shall respond to requests for information about a meeting.


(c) The announcement described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be accomplished less than one week prior to the commencement of any meeting or series of meetings, provided the agency determines by recorded vote that the agency business requires that any such meeting or series of meetings be held at an earlier date. In the event of such a determination by the agency, public announcement as described in paragraph (b) of this section shall be accomplished at the earliest practicable time.


(d) Immediately following any public announcement accomplished under the provisions of this section, the Secretary of the agency shall submit a notice for publication in the Federal Register disclosing:


(1) The time of the meeting;


(2) The place of the meeting;


(3) The subject matter of each portion of each meeting or series of meetings;


(4) Whether any portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of any series of meetings is open or closed to public observation; and


(5) The name and telephone number of the Secretary of the agency who shall respond to requests for information about any meeting.


(e) No comments or further information relating to a particular item scheduled for an agency meeting will be accepted by the Secretary for consideration subsequent to public announcement of such meeting; except that the Commission, on its own initiative, or pursuant to a written request, may in its discretion, permit a departure from this limitation for exceptional circumstances.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 52 FR 27002, July 17, 1987]


§ 503.83 Public announcement of changes in meeting.

(a) Except as provided in §§ 503.80 and 503.81, under the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the time or place of a meeting or series of meetings may be changed by the agency following accomplishment of the announcement and notice required by § 503.82, provided the Secretary of the agency shall publicly announce such change at the earliest practicable time.


(b) The subject matter of a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings, the time and place of such meeting, and the determination that the portion or portions of a series of meetings shall be open or closed to public observation may be changed following accomplishment of the announcement required by § 503.82, provided:


(1) The agency, by recorded vote of the majority of the entire membership of the agency, determines that agency business so requires and that no earlier announcement of the change was possible; and


(2) The Secretary of the agency publicly announces, at the earliest practicable time, the change made and the vote of each member upon such change.


(c) Immediately following any public announcement of any change accomplished under the provisions of this section, the Secretary of the agency shall submit a notice for publication in the Federal Register disclosing:


(1) The time of the meeting;


(2) The place of the meeting;


(3) The subject matter of each portion of each meeting or series of meetings;


(4) Whether any portion or portions of any meeting or any portion or portions of any series of meetings is open or closed to public observation;


(5) Any change in paragraphs (c) (1), (c) (2), (c) (3), or (c) (4) of this section; and


(6) The name and telephone number of the Secretary of the agency who shall respond to requests for information about any meeting.


§ 503.84 Nonpublic Collaborative Discussions.

(a) General. Notwithstanding § 503.72, a majority of the Commissioners may hold a meeting that is not open to public observation to discuss official agency business if:


(1) No formal or informal vote or other official agency action is taken at the meeting;


(2) Each individual present at the meeting is a Commissioner or an employee of the Commission;


(3) At least one (1) Commissioner from each political party is present at the meeting, if there are sitting Commissioners from more than one party; and


(4) The General Counsel of the Commission is present at the meeting.


(b) Disclosure of nonpublic collaborative discussions. Except as provided under paragraph (c) of this section, not later than two (2) business days after the conclusion of a meeting under paragraph (a) of this section, the Commission shall make available to the public, in a place easily accessible to the public:


(1) A list of the individuals present at the meeting; and


(2) A summary of the matters discussed at the meeting, except for any matters the Commission properly determines may be withheld from the public under § 503.73.


(c) Exception. If the Commission properly determines matters may be withheld from the public under § 503.73, the Commission shall provide a summary with as much general information as possible on those matters withheld from the public.


(d) Ongoing proceedings. If a meeting under paragraph (a) of this section directly relates to an ongoing proceeding before the Commission, the Commission shall make the disclosure under paragraph (b) of this section on the date of the final Commission decision.


[85 FR 9682, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 503.85 Agency recordkeeping requirements.

(a) In the case of any portion or portions of a meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings determined by the agency to be closed to public observation under the provisions of §§ 502.73 through 503.75, the following records shall be maintained by the Secretary of the agency:


(1) The certification of the General Counsel of the agency required by § 503.77;


(2) A statement from the officer presiding over the portion or portions of the meeting or portion or portions of a series of meetings setting forth the time and place of the portion or portions of the meeting or portion or portions of the series of meetings, the persons present at those times; and


(3) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a complete transcript or electronic recording fully recording the proceedings at each portion of each meeting closed to public observation.


(b) In case the agency determines to close to public observation any portion or portions of any meeting or portion or portions of any series of meetings because public observation of such portion or portions of any meeting is likely to specifically concern the agency’s issuance of a subpena, or the agency’s participation in a civil action or proceeding, an action in a foreign court or international tribunal, or an arbitration, or the initiation, conduct, or disposition by the agency of a particular case of formal agency adjudication pursuant to the procedures in 5 U.S.C. 554 or otherwise involving a determination on the record after opportunity for a hearing, the agency may maintain a set of minutes in lieu of the transcript or recording described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section. Such minutes shall contain:


(1) A full and clear description of all matters discussed in the closed portion of any meeting;


(2) A full and accurate summary of any action taken on any matter discussed in the closed portion of any meeting and the reasons therefor;


(3) A description of each of the views expressed on any matter upon which action was taken as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section;


(4) The record of any rollcall vote which shall show the vote of each member on the question; and


(5) An identification of all documents considered in connection with any action taken on a matter described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.


(c) All records maintained by the agency as described in this section shall be held by the agency for a period of not less than two (2) years following any meeting or not less than one (1) year following the conclusion of any agency proceeding with respect to which that meeting or portion of a meeting was held.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 85 FR 9682, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 503.86 Public access to records.

(a) All transcripts, electronic recordings or minutes required to be maintained by the agency under the provisions of §§ 503.85(a)(3) and 503.85(b) shall be promptly made available to the public by the Secretary of the agency, except for any item of discussion or testimony of any witnesses which the agency determines to contain information which may be withheld from public disclosure because its disclosure is likely to disclose matters which are:


(1)(i) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and (ii) in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive order;


(2) Related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;


(3) Specifically exempted from disclosure by any statute other than 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA), provided that such statute


(i) Requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or


(ii) Establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld;


(4) Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;


(5) Involved with accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;


(6) Of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;


(7) Investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes, or information which, if written, would be contained in such records, but only to the extent that the production of such records or information would


(i) Interfere with enforcement proceedings,


(ii) Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication,


(iii) Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,


(iv) Disclose the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential information furnished only by the confidential source,


(v) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures or


(vi) Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel;


(8) Contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions;


(9) Information, the premature disclosure of which would be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed agency action, unless the agency has already disclosed to the public the content or nature of its proposed action, or where the agency is required by law to make such disclosure on its own initiative prior to taking final agency action on such proposal; or


(10) Specifically concerned with the agency’s issuance of a subpena, or the agency’s participation in a civil action or proceeding, an action in a foreign court or international tribunal, or an arbitration, or the initiation, conduct, or disposition by the agency of a particular case of formal agency adjudication pursuant to the procedures in 5 U.S.C. 554 or otherwise involving a determination on the record after opportunity for a hearing.


(b) Requests for access to the records described in this section shall be made in accordance with procedures described in subparts C and D of this part.


(c) Records disclosed to the public under this section shall be furnished at the expense of the party requesting such access at the actual cost of duplication or transcription.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999]


§ 503.87 Effect of provisions of this subpart on other subparts.

(a) Nothing in this subpart shall limit or expand the ability of any person to seek access to agency records under subpart D (§§ 503.31 to 503.36) of this part except that the exceptions of § 503.86 shall govern requests to copy or inspect any portion of any transcript, electronic recordings or minutes required to be kept under this subpart.


(b) Nothing in this subpart shall permit the withholding from any individual to whom a record pertains any record required by this subpart to be maintained by the agency which record is otherwise available to such an individual under the provisions of subpart H of this part.


[49 FR 44401, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 80 FR 52641, Sept. 1, 2015]


PART 504—PROCEDURES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ANALYSIS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 552, 553; 46 U.S.C. 305 and 41107-41109; 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(b), and 42 U.S.C. 6362.


Source:49 FR 44415, Nov. 6, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

§ 504.1 Purpose and scope.

(a) This part implements the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and Executive Order 12114 and incorporates and complies with the Regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) (40 CFR part 1500 et seq.).


(b) This part applies to all actions of the Federal Maritime Commission (Commission). To the extent possible, the Commission shall integrate the requirements of NEPA with its obligations under section 382(b) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C. 6362.


(c) Information obtained under this part is used by the Commission to assess potential environmental impacts of proposed Federal Maritime Commission actions. Compliance is voluntary but may be made mandatory by Commission order to produce the information pursuant to section 15 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40104). The penalty for violation of a Commission order under section 13 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109) may not exceed $5,000 for each violation, unless the violation was willfully and knowingly committed, in which case the amount of the civil penalty may not exceed $25,000 for each violation, as adjusted by § 506.4 of this chapter. (Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate offense.)


[49 FR 44415, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999; 74 FR 50718, Oct. 1, 2009]


§ 504.2 Definitions.

(a) Shipping Act of 1984 means the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309).


(b) Common carrier means any common carrier by water as defined in section 3 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40102), including a conference of such carriers.


(c) Environmental impact means any alteration of existing environmental conditions or creation of a new set of environmental conditions, adverse or beneficial, caused or induced by the action under consideration.


(d) Potential action means the range of possible Commission actions that may result from a Commission proceeding in which the Commission has not yet formulated a proposal.


(e) Proposed action means that stage of activity where the Commission has determined to take a particular course of action and the effects of that course of action can be meaningfully evaluated.


(f) Environmental assessment means a concise document that serves to “provide sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or a finding of no significant impact” (40 CFR 1508.9).


(g) Recyclable means any secondary material that can be used as a raw material in an industrial process in which it is transformed into a new product replacing the use of a depletable natural resource.


(h) Marine Terminal Operator means a person engaged in the United States in the business of furnishing wharfage, dock, warehouse or other terminal facilities in connection with a common carrier, or in connection with a common carrier and a water carrier subject to subchapter II of chapter 135 of Title 49, United States Code.


(i) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission, including any office or bureau to which the Commission may delegate its environmental policy analysis responsibilities.


[49 FR 44415, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999; 74 FR 50718, Oct. 1, 2009]


§ 504.3 General information.

(a) All comments submitted pursuant to this part shall be addressed to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20573-0001.


(b) A list of recent Commission actions, if any, for which a finding of no significant impact has been made or for which an environmental impact statement is being prepared will be maintained by the Commission in the Office of the Secretary and will be available for public inspection.


(c) Information or status reports on environmental statements and other elements of the NEPA process can be obtained from the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20573-0001.


[64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999]


§ 504.4 Categorical exclusions.

(a) No environmental analyses need be undertaken or environmental documents prepared in connection with actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment because they are purely ministerial actions or because they do not increase or decrease air, water or noise pollution or the use of fossil fuels, recyclables, or energy. The following Commission actions, and rulemakings related thereto, are therefore excluded:


(1) Issuance, modification, denial and revocation of ocean transportation intermediary licenses.


(2) Certification of financial responsibility of passenger vessels pursuant to 46 CFR part 540.


(3) Receipt of surety bonds submitted by ocean transportation intermediaries.


(4) Promulgation of procedural rules pursuant to 46 CFR part 502.


(5) Receipt of service contracts.


(6) Consideration of special permission applications pursuant to part 520 of this chapter.


(7)-(8) [Reserved]


(9) Consideration of amendments to agreements filed pursuant to section 5 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40301(d)-(e), 40302-40303, 40305), which do not increase the authority set forth in the effective agreement.


(10) Consideration of agreements between common carriers which solely affect intraconference or inter-rate agreement relationships or pertain to administrative matters of conferences or rate agreements.


(11) Consideration of agreements between common carriers to discuss, propose or plan future action, the implementation of which requires filing a further agreement.


(12) Consideration of exclusive or non-exclusive equipment interchange or husbanding agreements.


(13) Receipt of non-exclusive transshipment agreements.


(14) Action relating to collective bargaining agreements.


(15) Action pursuant to section 9 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40701-40706) concerning the justness and reasonableness of controlled carriers’ rates, charges, classifications, rules or regulations.


(16) Receipt of self-policing reports or shipper requests and complaints.


(17) [Reserved]


(18) Consideration of actions solely affecting the environment of a foreign country.


(19) Action taken on special docket applications pursuant to § 502.271 of this chapter.


(20) Consideration of matters related solely to the issue of Commission jurisdiction.


(21) [Reserved]


(22) Investigatory and adjudicatory proceedings, the purpose of which is to ascertain past violations of the Shipping Act of 1984.


(23) [Reserved]


(24) Action regarding access to public information pursuant to 46 CFR part 503.


(25) Action regarding receipt and retention of minutes of conference meetings.


(26) Administrative procurements (general supplies).


(27) Contracts for personal services.


(28) Personnel actions.


(29) Requests for appropriations.


(30) Consideration of all agreements involving marine terminal facilities and/or services except those requiring substantial levels of construction, dredging, land-fill, energy usage and other activities which may have a significant environmental effect.


(31) Consideration of agreements regulating employee wages, hours of work, working conditions or labor exchanges.


(32) Consideration of general agency agreements involving ministerial duties of a common carrier such as internal management, cargo solicitation, booking of cargo, or preparation of documents.


(33) Consideration of agreements pertaining to credit rules.


(34) Consideration of agreements involving performance bonds to a conference from a conference member guaranteeing compliance by the member with the rules and regulations of the conference.


(35) Consideration of agreements between members of two or more conferences or other rate-fixing agreements to discuss and agree upon common self-policing systems and cargo inspection services.


(b) If interested persons allege that a categorically-excluded action will have a significant environmental effect (e.g., increased or decreased air, water or noise pollution; use of recyclables; use of fossil fuels or energy), they shall, by written submission to the Secretary, explain in detail their reasons. The Secretary shall refer these submissions for determination by the appropriate Commission official, not later than ten (10) days after receipt, whether to prepare an environmental assessment. Upon a determination not to prepare an environmental assessment, such persons may petition the Commission for review of the decision within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of such determination.


(c) If the individual or cumulative effect of a particular action otherwise categorically excluded offers a reasonable potential of having a significant environmental impact, an environmental assessment shall be prepared pursuant to § 504.5.


[49 FR 44415, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 56 FR 50662, Oct. 8, 1991; 60 FR 27229, May 23, 1995; 61 FR 66617, Dec. 18, 1996; 64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999; 74 FR 50718, Oct. 1, 2009]


§ 504.5 Environmental assessments.

(a) Every Commission action not specifically excluded under § 504.4 shall be subject to an environmental assessment.


(b) A notice of intent to prepare an environmental assessment briefly describing the nature of the potential or proposed action and inviting written comments to aid in the preparation of the environmental assessment and early identification of the significant environmental issues may be published in the Federal Register. Such comments must be received by the Commission no later than ten (10) days from the date of publication of the notice in the Federal Register.


[49 FR 44415, Nov. 6, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999]


§ 504.6 Finding of no significant impact.

(a) If upon completion of an environmental assessment, it is determined that a potential or proposed action will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment of the United States or of the global commons, a finding of no significant impact shall be prepared and notice of its availability published in the Federal Register. This document shall include the environmental assessment or a summary of it, and shall briefly present the reasons why the potential or proposed action, not otherwise excluded under § 504.4, will not have a significant effect on the human environment and why, therefore, an environmental impact statement (EIS) will not be prepared.


(b) Petitions for review of a finding of no significant impact must be received by the Commission within ten (10) days from the date of publication of the notice of its availability in the Federal Register. The Commission shall review the petitions and either deny them or order prepared an EIS pursuant to § 504.7. The Commission shall, within ten (10) days of receipt of the petition, serve copies of its order upon all parties who filed comments concerning the potential or proposed action or who filed petitions for review.


[64 FR 23549, May 3, 1999]


§ 504.7 Environmental impact statements.

(a) General. (1) An environmental impact statement (EIS) shall be prepared when the environmental assessment indicates that a potential or proposed action may have a significant impact upon the environment of the United States or the global commons.


(2) The EIS process will commence:


(i) For adjudicatory proceedings, when the Commission issues an order of investigation or a complaint is filed;


(ii) For rulemaking or legislative proposals, upon issuance of the proposal by the Commission; and


(iii) For other actions, the time the action is noticed in the Federal Register.


(3) The major decision points in the EIS process are:


(i) The issuance of an initial decision in those cases assigned to be heard by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ); and


(ii) The issuance of the Commission’s final decision or report on the action.


(4) The EIS shall consider potentially significant impacts upon the quality of the human environment of the United States and, in appropriate cases, upon the environment of the global commons outside the jurisdiction of any nation.


(b) Draft environmental impact statements. (1) A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) will initially be prepared in accordance with 40 CFR part 1502.


(2) The DEIS shall be distributed to every party to a Commission proceeding for which it was prepared. There will be no fee charged to such parties. One copy per person will also be provided to interested persons at their request. The fee charged such persons shall be that provided in § 503.43 of this chapter.


(3) Comments on the DEIS must be received by the Commission within ten (10) days of the date the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes in the Federal Register notice that the DEIS was filed with it. Sixteen copies shall be submitted as provided in § 504.3(a). Comments shall be as specific as possible and may address the adequacy of the DEIS or the merits of the alternatives discussed in it. All comments received will be made available to the public. Extensions of time for commenting on the DEIS may be granted by the Commission for up to ten (10) days if good cause is shown.


(c) Final environmental impact statements. (1) After receipt of comments on the DEIS, a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) will be prepared pursuant to 40 CFR part 1502, which shall include a discussion of the possible alternative actions to a potential or proposed action. The FEIS will be distributed in the same manner as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.


(2) The FEIS shall be prepared prior to the Commission’s final decision and shall be filed with the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission. Upon filing, it shall become part of the administrative record.


(3) For any Commission action which has been assigned to an ALJ for evidentiary hearing:


(i) The FEIS shall be submitted prior to the close of the record, and


(ii) The ALJ shall consider the environmental impacts and alternatives contained in the FEIS in preparing the initial decision.


(4)(i) For all proposed Commission actions, any party may, by petition to the Commission within ten (10) days following EPA’s notice in the Federal Register, assert that the FEIS contains a substantial and material error of fact which can only be properly resolved by conducting an evidentiary hearing, and expressly request that such a hearing be held. Other parties may submit replies to the petition within ten (10) days of its receipt.


(ii) The Commission may delineate the issue(s) and refer them to an ALJ for expedited resolution or may elect to refer the petition to an ALJ for consideration.


(iii) The ALJ shall make findings of fact on the issue(s) and shall certify such findings to the Commission as a supplement to the FEIS. To the extent that such findings differ from the FEIS, it shall be modified by the supplement.


(iv) Discovery may be granted by the ALJ on a showing of good cause and, if granted, shall proceed on an expedited basis.


[49 FR 44415, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23550, May 3, 1999]


§ 504.8 Record of decision.

The Commission shall consider each alternative described in the FEIS in its decisionmaking and review process. At the time of its final report or order, the Commission shall prepare a record of decision pursuant to 40 CFR 1505.2.


§ 504.9 Information required by the Commission.

(a) Upon request, a person filing a complaint, protest, petition or agreement requesting Commission action shall submit, no later than ten (10) days from the date of the request, a statement setting forth, in detail, the impact of the requested Commission action on the quality of the human environment, if such requested action will:


(1) Alter cargo routing patterns between ports or change modes of transportation;


(2) Change rates or services for recyclables;


(3) Change the type, capacity or number of vessels employed in a specific trade; or


(4) Alter terminal or port facilities.


(b) The statement submitted shall, to the fullest extent possible, include:


(1) The probable impact of the requested Commission action on the environment (e.g., the use of energy or natural resources, the effect on air, noise, or water pollution), compared to the environmental impact created by existing uses in the area affected by it;


(2) Any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided if the Commission were to take or adopt the requested action; and


(3) Any alternatives to the requested Commission action.


(c) If environmental impacts, either adverse or beneficial, are alleged, they should be sufficiently identified and quantified to permit meaningful review. Individuals may contact the Secretary of the Federal Maritime Commission for informal assistance in preparing this statement. The Commission shall independently evaluate the information submitted and shall be responsible for assuring its accuracy if used by it in the preparation of an environmental assessment or EIS.


(d) In all cases, the Secretary may request every common carrier by water, or marine terminal operator, or any officer, agent or employee thereof, as well as all parties to proceedings before the Commission, to submit, within ten (10) days of such request, all material information necessary to comply with NEPA and this part. Information not produced in response to an informal request may be obtained by the Commission pursuant to section 15 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40104).


[49 FR 44415, Nov. 6, 1984; 49 FR 47395, Dec. 4, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 23550, May 3, 1999; 74 FR 50718, Oct. 1, 2009]


§ 504.10 Time constraints on final administrative actions.

No decision on a proposed action shall be made or recorded by the Commission until the later of the following dates unless reduced pursuant to 40 CFR 1506.10(d), or unless required by a statutorily-prescribed deadline on the Commission action:


(a) Forty (40) days after EPA’s publication of the notice described in § 504.7(b) for a DEIS; or


(b) Ten (10) days after publication of EPA’s notice for an FEIS.


§ 504.91 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

This section displays the control numbers assigned to information collection requirements of the Commission in this part by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Public Law 96-511. The Commission intends that this section comply with the requirements of section 3507(f) of the Paperwork Reduction Act, which requires that agencies display a current control number assigned by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each agency information collection requirement:


Section
Current OMB Control No.
504.4 through 504.73072-0035
504.93072-0035.

PART 505—ADMINISTRATIVE OFFSET


Authority:31 U.S.C. 3701; 31 U.S.C. 3711; 31 U.S.C. 3716.


Source:61 FR 50444, Sept. 26, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

§ 505.1 Scope of regulations.

These regulations apply to the collection of debts owed to the United States arising from transactions with the Commission, or where a request for an offset is received by the Commission from another agency. These regulations are consistent with the Federal Claims Collection Standards on administrative offset issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the General Accounting Office as set forth in 4 CFR 102.3.


§ 505.2 Definitions.

(a) Administrative offset, as defined in 31 U.S.C. 3701(a)(1), means withholding money payable by the United States Government to, or held by the Government for, a person to satisfy a debt the person owes the Government.


(b) Person includes a natural person or persons, profit or non-profit corporation, partnership, association, trust, estate, consortium, or other entity which is capable of owing a debt to the United States Government except that agencies of the United States, or of any State or local government shall be excluded.


§ 505.3 General.

(a) The Chairman or his or her designee, after attempting to collect a debt from a person under section 3(a) of the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as assembled (31 U.S.C. 3711(a)), may collect the debt by administrative offset subject to the following:


(1) The debt is certain in amount; and


(2) It is in the best interests of the United States to collect the debt by administrative offset because of the decreased costs of collection and the acceleration in the payment of the debt.


(b) The Chairman, or his or her designee, may initiate administrative offset with regard to debts owed by a person to another agency of the United States Government, upon receipt of a request from the head of another agency or his or her designee, and a certification that the debt exists and that the person has been afforded the necessary due process rights.


(c) The Chairman, or his or her designee, may request another agency that holds funds payable to a Commission debtor to offset the debt against the funds held and will provide certification that:


(1) The debt exists; and


(2) The person has been afforded the necessary due process rights.


(d) If the six-year period for bringing action on a debt provided in 28 U.S.C. 2415 has expired, then administrative offset may be used to collect the debt only if the costs of bringing such action are likely to be less than the amount of the debt.


(e) No collection by administrative offset shall be made on any debt that has been outstanding for more than 10 years unless facts material to the Government’s right to collect the debt were not known, and reasonably could not have been known, by the official or officials responsible for discovering and collecting such debt.


(f) These regulations do not apply to:


(1) A case in which administrative offset of the type of debt involved is explicitly provided for or prohibited by another statute; or


(2) Debts owed by other agencies of the United States or by any State or local government.


§ 505.4 Notification procedures.

Before collecting any debt through administrative offset, a notice of intent to offset shall be sent to the debtor by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the most current address that is available to the Commission. The notice shall provide:


(a) A description of the nature and amount of the debt and the intention of the Commission to collect the debt through administrative offset;


(b) An opportunity to inspect and copy the records of the Commission with respect to the debt;


(c) An opportunity for review within the Commission of the determination of the Commission with respect to the debt; and


(d) An opportunity to enter into a written agreement for the repayment of the amount of the debt.


§ 505.5 Agency review.

(a) A debtor may dispute the existence of the debt, the amount of debt, or the terms of repayment. A request to review a disputed debt must be submitted to the Commission official who provided notification within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the written notice described in § 505.4.


(b) If the debtor requests an opportunity to inspect or copy the Commission’s records concerning the disputed claim, 10 business days will be granted for the review. The time period will be measured from the time the request for inspection is granted or from the time the copy of the records is received by the debtor.


(c) Pending the resolution of a dispute by the debtor, transactions in any of the debtor’s account(s) maintained in the Commission may be temporarily suspended. Depending on the type of transaction the suspension could preclude its payment, removal, or transfer, as well as prevent the payment of interest or discount due thereon. Should the dispute be resolved in the debtor’s favor, the suspension will be immediately lifted.


(d) During the review period, interest, penalties, and administrative costs authorized under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1996, as amended, will continue to accrue.


§ 505.6 Written agreement for repayment.

A debtor who admits liability but elects not to have the debt collected by administrative offset will be afforded an opportunity to negotiate a written agreement for the repayment of the debt. If the financial condition of the debtor does not support the ability to pay in one lump-sum, reasonable installments may be considered. No installment arrangement will be considered unless the debtor submits a financial statement, executed under penalty of perjury, reflecting the debtor’s assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. The financial statement must be submitted within 10 business days of the Commission’s request for the statement. At the Commission’s option, a confess-judgment note or bond of indemnity with surety may be required for installment agreements. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any reduction or compromise of a claim will be governed by 4 CFR part 103.


§ 505.7 Administrative offset.

(a) If the debtor does not exercise the right to request a review within the time specified in § 505.5 or if as a result of the review, it is determined that the debt is due and no written agreement is executed, then administrative offset shall be ordered in accordance with these regulations without further notice.


(b) Requests for offset to other Federal agencies. The Chairman or his or her designee may request that funds due and payable to a debtor by another Federal agency be administratively offset in order to collect a debt owed to the Commission by that debtor. In requesting administrative offset, the Commission, as creditor, will certify in writing to the Federal agency holding funds of the debtor:


(1) That the debtor owes the debt;


(2) The amount and basis of the debt; and


(3) That the agency has complied with the requirements of 31 U.S.C. 3716, its own administrative offset regulations and the applicable provisions of 4 CFR part 102 with respect to providing the debtor with due process.


(c) Requests for offset from other Federal agencies. Any Federal agency may request that funds due and payable to its debtor by the Commission be administratively offset in order to collect a debt owed to such Federal agency by the debtor. The Commission shall initiate the requested offset only upon:


(1) Receipt of written certification from the creditor agency:


(i) That the debtor owes the debt;


(ii) The amount and basis of the debt;


(iii) That the agency has prescribed regulations for the exercise of administrative offset; and


(iv) That the agency has complied with its own administrative offset regulations and with the applicable provisions of 4 CFR part 102, including providing any required hearing or review.


(2) A determination by the Commission that collection by offset against funds payable by the Commission would be in the best interest of the United States as determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular case, and that such offset would not otherwise be contrary to law.


§ 505.8 Jeopardy procedure.

The Commission may effect an administrative offset against a payment to be made to the debtor prior to the completion of the procedures required by §§ 505.4 and 505.5 of this part if failure to take the offset would substantially jeopardize the Commission’s ability to collect the debt, and the time before the payment is to be made does not reasonably permit the completion of those procedures. Such prior offset shall be promptly followed by the completion of those procedures. Amounts recovered by offset but later found not to be owed to the Commission shall be promptly refunded.


PART 506—CIVIL MONETARY PENALTY INFLATION ADJUSTMENT


Authority:28 U.S.C. 2461.


Source:61 FR 52705, Oct. 8, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

§ 506.1 Scope and purpose.

The purpose of this part is to establish a mechanism for the regular adjustment for inflation of monetary penalties and to adjust such penalties in conformity with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 2641 note) as originally amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Public Law 104-134, April 26, 1996, and currently amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Act Adjustment Improvements Act of 2015, Public Law 114-74, in order to maintain the deterrent effect of civil monetary penalties and to promote compliance with the law.


[81 FR 42553, June 30, 2016]


§ 506.2 Definitions.

(a) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


(b) Civil Monetary Penalty means any penalty, fine, or other sanction that:


(1)(i) Is for a specific monetary amount as provided by Federal law; or


(ii) Has a maximum amount provided by Federal law;


(2) Is assessed or enforced by the Commission pursuant to Federal law; and


(3) Is assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative proceeding or a civil action in the Federal Courts.


(c) Consumer Price Index means the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers published by the Department of Labor.


§ 506.3 Civil monetary penalty inflation adjustment.

The Commission shall, not later than August 1, 2016, and at least every year thereafter—


(a) By regulation adjust each civil monetary penalty provided by law within the jurisdiction of the Commission by the inflation adjustment described in § 506.4; and


(b) Publish each such regulation in the Federal Register.


[61 FR 52705, Oct. 8, 1996, as amended at 81 FR 42553, June 30, 2016]


§ 506.4 Cost of living adjustments of civil monetary penalties.

(a) The inflation adjustment under § 506.3 will initially be determined by increasing the maximum civil monetary penalty for each civil monetary penalty by the initial cost-of-living adjustment. The inflation adjustment will subsequently be determined by increasing the maximum civil monetary penalty for each civil monetary penalty by the cost-of-living adjustment. Any increase determined under this section shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1.


(b) Inflation adjustment. For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the term `cost-of-living adjustment’ means the percentage (if any) for each civil monetary penalty by which the Consumer Price Index for the month of October preceding the adjustment exceeds the Consumer Price Index for the month of October 1 year before the month of October preceding the adjustment.


(c) Initial adjustment. For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the term `initial cost-of-living-adjustment’ means the percentage (if any) for each civil monetary penalty by which the Consumer Price Index for the month of October, 2015 exceeds the Consumer Price Index for the month of October of the calendar year during which the amount of such civil monetary penalty was established or adjusted under a provision of law of civil monetary penalty. The initial cost-of-living adjustment may not exceed 150 percent of such penalty on November 2, 2015, the date of the enactment of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Act Adjustment Improvements Act of 2015.


(d) Inflation adjustment. Maximum civil monetary penalties within the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission are adjusted for inflation as follows:


Table 1 to Paragraph (d)

United States Code citation
Civil monetary penalty description
Maximum

penalty as

of

January 15, 2023
Maximum

penalty as

of

January 15, 2024
46 U.S.C. 42304Adverse impact on U.S. carriers by foreign shipping practices$2,479,282$2,559,636
46 U.S.C. 41107(a)Knowing and Willful violation/Shipping Act of 1984, or Commission regulation or order70,75273,045
46 U.S.C. 41107(a)Violation of Shipping Act of 1984, Commission regulation or order, not knowing and willful14,14914,608
46 U.S.C. 41108(b)Operating in foreign commerce after tariff suspension141,506146,092
46 U.S.C. 42104Failure to provide required reports, etc./Merchant Marine Act of 192011,16211,524
46 U.S.C. 42106Adverse shipping conditions/Merchant Marine Act of 19202,232,2812,304,629
46 U.S.C. 42108Operating after tariff or service contract suspension/Merchant Marine Act of 1920111,614115,231
46 U.S.C. 44102, 44104Failure to establish financial responsibility for non-performance of transportation28,194

941
29,108

971
46 U.S.C. 44103, 44104Failure to establish financial responsibility for death or injury28,194

941
29,108

971
31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(1)Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act/making false claim13,50813,946
31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(2)Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act/giving false statement13,50813,946

[81 FR 42553, June 30, 2016, as amended at 82 FR 10720, Feb. 15, 2017; 83 FR 1305, Jan. 11, 2018; 84 FR 2460, Feb. 7, 2019; 85 FR 1761, Jan. 13, 2020; 86 FR 2561, Jan. 13, 2021; 87 FR 2351, Jan. 14, 2022; 88 FR 1518, Jan. 11, 2023; 89 FR 1465, Jan. 10, 2024]


§ 506.5 Application of increase to violations.

Any adjustment in a civil monetary penalty under this part shall apply only to civil monetary penalties, including those whose associated violation predated such increase, which are assessed after the date the adjustment takes effect.


[81 FR 42554, June 30, 2016]


PART 507—ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION


Authority:29 U.S.C. 794.


Source:51 FR 22895, 22896, June 23, 1986, unless otherwise noted.

§ 507.101 Purpose.

This part effectuates section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies or the United States Postal Service.


§ 507.102 Application.

This part applies to all programs or activities conducted by the agency.


§ 507.103 Definitions.

For purposes of this part, the term—


Assistant Attorney General means the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice.


Auxiliary aids means services or devices that enable persons with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to have an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs or activities conducted by the agency. For example, auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired vision include readers, brailled materials, audio recordings, telecommunications devices and other similar services and devices. Auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired hearing include telephone handset amplifiers, telephones compatible with hearing aids, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD’s), interpreters, notetakers, written materials, and other similar services and devices.


Complete complaint means a written statement that contains the complainant’s name and address and describes the agency’s alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the agency of the nature and date of the alleged violation of section 504. It shall be signed by the complainant or by someone authorized to do so on his or her behalf. Complaints filed on behalf of classes or third parties shall describe or identify (by name, if possible) the alleged victims of discrimination.


Facility means all or any portion of buildings, structures, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots, rolling stock or other conveyances, or other real or personal property.


Handicapped person means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.


As used in this definition, the phrase:


(1) Physical or mental impairment includes—


(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or


(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, and drug addiction and alcoholism.


(2) Major life activities includes functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.


(3) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.


(4) Is regarded as having an impairment means—


(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the agency as constituting such a limitation;


(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or


(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment.


Historic preservation programs means programs conducted by the agency that have preservation of historic properties as a primary purpose.


Historic properties means those properties that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or properties designated as historic under a statute of the appropriate State or local government body.


Qualified handicapped person means—


(1) With respect to preschool, elementary, or secondary education services provided by the agency, a handicapped person who is a member of a class of persons otherwise entitled by statute, regulation, or agency policy to receive education services from the agency.


(2) With respect to any other agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature;


(3) With respect to any other program or activity, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity; and


(4) Qualified handicapped person is defined for purposes of employment in 29 CFR 1613.702(f), which is made applicable to this part by § 507.140.


Section 504 means section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93-112, 87 Stat. 394 (29 U.S.C. 794)), as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-516, 88 Stat. 1617), and the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-602, 92 Stat. 2955). As used in this part, section 504 applies only to programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies and not to federally assisted programs.


Substantial impairment means a significant loss of the integrity of finished materials, design quality, or special character resulting from a permanent alteration.


§§ 507.104-507.109 [Reserved]

§ 507.110 Self-evaluation.

(a) The agency shall, by August 24, 1987, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part, and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.


(b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written).


(c) The agency shall, until three years following the completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection:


(1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified, and


(2) A description of any modifications made.


§ 507.111 Notice.

The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the agency, and make such information available to them in such manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation.


§§ 507.112-507.129 [Reserved]

§ 507.130 General prohibitions against discrimination.

(a) No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.


(b)(1) The agency, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap—


(i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;


(ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;


(iii) Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;


(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;


(v) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or


(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.


(2) The agency may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.


(3) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangments, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would—


(i) Subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap; or


(ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program activity with respect to handicapped persons.


(4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would—


(i) Exclude handicapped persons from, deny them the benefits of, or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency; or


(ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to handicapped persons.


(5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap.


(6) The agency may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap, nor may the agency establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap. However, the programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by the agency are not, themselves, covered by this part.


(c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of handicapped persons is not prohibited by this part.


(d) The agency shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified handicapped persons.


§§ 507.131-507.139 [Reserved]

§ 507.140 Employment.

No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. The definitions, requirements, and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613, shall apply to employment in federally conducted programs or activities.


§§ 507.141-507.148 [Reserved]

§ 507.149 Program accessibility: Discrimination prohibited.

Except as otherwise provided in § 507.150, no qualified handicapped person shall, because the agency’s facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.


§ 507.150 Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

(a) General. The agency shall operate each program or activity so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not—


(1) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons;


(2) In the case of historic preservation programs, require the agency to take any action that would result in a substantial impairment of significant historic features of an historic property; or


(3) Require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 507.150(a) would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.


(b) Methods—(1) General. The agency may comply with the requirements of this section through such means as redesign of equipment, reassignment of services to accessible buildings, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities, use of accessible rolling stock, or any other methods that result in making its programs or activities readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. The agency is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with this section. The agency, in making alterations to existing buildings, shall meet accessibility requirements to the extent compelled by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), and any regulations implementing it. In choosing among available methods for meeting the requirements of this section, the agency shall give priority to those methods that offer programs and activities to qualified handicapped persons in the most integrated setting appropriate.


(2) Historic preservation programs. In meeting the requirements of § 507.150(a) in historic preservation programs, the agency shall give priority to methods that provide physical access to handicapped persons. In cases where a physical alteration to an historic property is not required because of § 507.150 (a)(2) or (a)(3), alternative methods of achieving program accessibility include—


(i) Using audio-visual materials and devices to depict those portions of an historic property that cannot otherwise be made accessible;


(ii) Assigning persons to guide handicapped persons into or through portions of historic properties that cannot otherwise be made accessible; or


(iii) Adopting other innovative methods.


(c) Time period for compliance. The agency shall comply with the obligations established under this section by October 21, 1986, except that where structural changes in facilities are undertaken, such changes shall be made by August 22, 1989, but in any event as expeditiously as possible.


(d) Transition plan. In the event that structural changes to facilities will be undertaken to achieve program accessibility, the agency shall develop, by February 23, 1987, a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete such changes. The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the development of the transition plan by submitting comments (both oral and written). A copy of the transition plan shall be made available for public inspection. The plan shall, at a minimum—


(1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency’s facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to handicapped persons;


(2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible;


(3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and


(4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan.


§ 507.151 Program accessibility: New construction and alterations.

Each building or part of a building that is constructed or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of the agency shall be designed, constructed, or altered so as to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 to 101-19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section.


§§ 507.152-507.159 [Reserved]

§ 507.160 Communications.

(a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.


(1) The agency shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford a handicapped person an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the agency.


(i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the agency shall give primary consideration to the requests of the handicapped person.


(ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature.


(2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf person (TDD’s) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used.


(b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.


(c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.


(d) This section does not require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 507.160 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.


§§ 507.161-507.169 [Reserved]

§ 507.170 Compliance procedures.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the agency.


(b) The agency shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1614 pursuant to section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791).


(c) The Director, Bureau of Administration shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section. Complaints may be sent to the Director, Bureau of Administration, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20573.


(d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The agency may extend this time period for good cause.


(e) If the agency receives a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate government entity.


(f) The agency shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), or section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 792), is not readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.


(g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing—


(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;


(2) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and


(3) A notice of the right to appeal.


(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by § 507.170(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause.


(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency.


(j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt of the request. If the head of the agency determines that additional information is needed from the complainant, he or she shall have 60 days from the date of receipt of the additional information to make his or her determination on the appeal.


(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General.


(l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.


[51 FR 22895, June 23, 1986, as amended at 51 FR 22896, June 23, 1986; 64 FR 23551, May 3, 1999]


§§ 507.171-507.999 [Reserved]

PART 508—EMPLOYEE ETHICAL CONDUCT STANDARDS AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REGULATIONS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 553; 5 U.S.C. 7301; 46 U.S.C. 305.

§ 508.101 Cross-referrence to employee ethical conduct standards and financial disclosure regulations.

Employees of the Federal Maritime Commission (“FMC”) should refer to the executive branch-wide Standards of Ethical Conduct at 5 CFR part 2635, and the executive branch-wide financial disclosure regulation at 5 CFR part 2634.


[60 FR 9787, Feb. 22, 1995. Redesignated at 64 FR 23546, May 3, 1999]


SUBCHAPTER B—REGULATIONS AFFECTING OCEAN SHIPPING IN FOREIGN COMMERCE

PART 515—LICENSING, REGISTRATION, FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL DUTIES FOR OCEAN TRANSPORTATION INTERMEDIARIES


Authority:5 U.S.C. 553; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 40102, 40104, 40501-40503, 40901-40904, 41101-41109, 41301-41302, 41305-41307, 46105; Pub. L. 105-383, 112 Stat. 3411; 21 U.S.C. 862.



Source:64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, unless otherwise noted.


Editorial Note:Nomenclature changes to part 515 appear at 67 FR 39860, June 11, 2002, and 70 FR 7669, Feb. 15, 2005.

Subpart A—General

§ 515.1 Scope.

(a) This part sets forth regulations providing for the licensing and registration as ocean transportation intermediaries of persons who wish to carry on the business of providing intermediary services, including the grounds and procedures for revocation and suspension of licenses and registrations.

This part also prescribes the financial responsibility requirements and the duties and responsibilities of ocean transportation intermediaries, and regulations concerning practices of ocean transportation intermediaries with respect to common carriers.


(b) Information obtained under this part is used to determine the qualifications of ocean transportation intermediaries and their compliance with shipping statutes and regulations. Failure to follow the provisions of this part may result in denial, revocation or suspension of an ocean transportation intermediary license or registration. Persons operating without the proper license or registration may be subject to civil penalties not to exceed $9,000 for each such violation, unless the violation is willfully and knowingly committed, in which case the amount of the civil penalty may not exceed $45,000 for each violation; for other violations of the provisions of this part, the civil penalties range from $9,000 to $45,000 for each violation (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109). Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50719, Oct. 1, 2009; 80 FR 68730, Nov. 5, 2015; 84 FR 62467, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.2 Definitions.

The terms used in this part are defined as follows:


(a) Act or Shipping Act means the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended. 46 U.S.C. 40101-41309.


(b) Beneficial interest includes a lien or interest in or right to use, enjoy, profit, benefit, or receive any advantage, either proprietary or financial, from the whole or any part of a shipment of cargo where such interest arises from the financing of the shipment or by operation of law, or by agreement, express or implied. The term “beneficial interest” shall not include any obligation in favor of an ocean transportation intermediary arising solely by reason of the advance of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in dispatching a shipment.


(c) Branch office means any office in the United States established by or maintained by or under the control of a licensee for the purpose of rendering intermediary services, which office is located at an address different from that of the licensee’s designated home office.


(d) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


(e) Common carrier means any person holding itself out to the general public to provide transportation by water of passengers or cargo between the United States and a foreign country for compensation that:


(1) Assumes responsibility for the transportation from the port or point of receipt to the port or point of destination, and


(2) Utilizes, for all or part of that transportation, a vessel operating on the high seas or the Great Lakes between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country, except that the term does not include a common carrier engaged in ocean transportation by ferry boat, ocean tramp, chemical parcel tanker, or by a vessel when primarily engaged in the carriage of perishable agricultural commodities:


(i) If the common carrier and the owner of those commodities are wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by a person primarily engaged in the marketing and distribution of those commodities, and


(ii) Only with respect to those commodities.


(f) Compensation means payment by a common carrier to a freight forwarder for the performance of services as specified in § 515.2(h).


(g) Freight forwarding fee means charges billed by an ocean freight forwarder to a shipper, consignee, seller, purchaser, or any agent thereof, for the performance of freight forwarding services.


(h) Freight forwarding services refers to the dispatching of shipments on behalf of others, in order to facilitate shipment by a common carrier, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:


(1) Ordering cargo to port;


(2) Preparing and/or processing export documents, including the required `electronic export information’;


(3) Booking, arranging for or confirming cargo space;


(4) Preparing or processing delivery orders or dock receipts;


(5) Preparing and/or processing common carrier bills of lading or other shipping documents;


(6) Preparing or processing consular documents or arranging for their certification;


(7) Arranging for warehouse storage;


(8) Arranging for cargo insurance;


(9) Assisting with clearing shipments in accordance with United States Government export regulations;


(10) Preparing and/or sending advance notifications of shipments or other documents to banks, shippers, or consignees, as required;


(11) Handling freight or other monies advanced by shippers, or remitting or advancing freight or other monies or credit in connection with the dispatching of shipments;


(12) Coordinating the movement of shipments from origin to vessel; and


(13) Giving expert advice to exporters concerning letters of credit, other documents, licenses or inspections, or on problems germane to the cargoes’ dispatch.


(i) From the United States means oceanborne export commerce from the United States, its territories, or possessions, to foreign countries.


(j) Licensee is any person licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission as an ocean transportation intermediary.


(k) Non-vessel-operating common carrier services refers to the provision of transportation by water of cargo between the United States and a foreign country for compensation without operating the vessels by which the transportation is provided, and may include, but are not limited to, the following:


(1) Purchasing transportation services from a common carrier and offering such services for resale to other persons;


(2) Payment of port-to-port or multimodal transportation charges;


(3) Entering into affreightment agreements with underlying shippers;


(4) Issuing bills of lading or other shipping documents;


(5) Assisting with clearing shipments in accordance with U.S. government regulations;


(6) Arranging for inland transportation and paying for inland freight charges on through transportation movements;


(7) Paying lawful compensation to ocean freight forwarders;


(8) Coordinating the movement of shipments between origin or destination and vessel;


(9) Leasing containers;


(10) Entering into arrangements with origin or destination agents;


(11) Collecting freight monies from shippers and paying common carriers as a shipper on NVOCC’s own behalf.


(l) Ocean common carrier means a common carrier that operates, for all or part of its common carrier service, a vessel on the high seas or the Great Lakes between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country, except that the term does not include a common carrier engaged in ocean transportation by ferry boat, ocean tramp, or chemical parcel-tanker.


(m) Ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) means an ocean freight forwarder or a non-vessel-operating common carrier. For the purposes of this part, the term:


(1) Ocean freight forwarder (OFF) means a person that—


(i) In the United States, dispatches shipments from the United States via a common carrier and books or otherwise arranges space for those shipments on behalf of shippers; and


(ii) Processes the documentation or performs related activities incident to those shipments; and


(2) Non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) means a common carrier that does not operate the vessels by which the ocean transportation is provided, and is a shipper in its relationship with an ocean common carrier.


(n) Person means individuals, corporations, companies, including limited liability companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies and joint stock companies existing under or authorized by the laws of the United States or of a foreign country.


(o) Principal refers to the shipper, consignee, seller, or purchaser of property, and to anyone acting on behalf of such shipper, consignee, seller, or purchaser of property, who employs the services of a licensed freight forwarder to facilitate the ocean transportation of such property.


(p) Qualifying individual (QI) means an individual who meets the experience and character requirements of section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904) and this part.


(q) Reduced forwarding fees means charges to a principal for forwarding services that are below the licensed ocean freight forwarder’s usual charges for such services.


(r) Registered non-vessel-operating common carrier (registered NVOCC) means an NVOCC whose primary place of business is located outside the United States and who elects not to become licensed as an NVOCC, but to register with the Commission as provided in § 515.19, post a bond or other surety in the required amount, and publish a tariff as required by 46 CFR part 520.


(s) Shipment means all of the cargo carried under the terms of a single bill of lading.


(t) Shipper means:


(1) A cargo owner;


(2) The person for whose account the ocean transportation is provided;


(3) The person to whom delivery is to be made;


(4) A shippers’ association; or


(5) A non-vessel-operating common carrier that accepts responsibility for payment of all charges applicable under the tariff or service contract.


(u) Special contract is a contract for ocean freight forwarding services which provides for a periodic lump sum fee.


(v) Transportation-related activities which are covered by the financial responsibility obtained pursuant to this part include, to the extent involved in the foreign commerce of the United States, any activity performed by an ocean transportation intermediary that is necessary or customary in the provision of transportation services to a customer, but are not limited to the following:


(1) For an ocean transportation intermediary operating as an ocean freight forwarder, the freight forwarding services enumerated in paragraph (h) of this section, and


(2) For an ocean transportation intermediary operating as a non-vessel-operating common carrier, the non-vessel-operating common carrier services enumerated in § 515.2(k).


(w) United States includes the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and all other United States territories and possessions.


[80 FR 68730, Nov. 5, 2015]


§ 515.3 License; when required.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, no person in the United States may advertise, hold oneself out, or act as an ocean transportation intermediary unless that person holds a valid license issued by the Commission.


(b) For purposes of this part, a person is considered to be “in the United States” if such person is resident in, or incorporated or established under, the laws of the United States.


[85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 515.4 License; when not required.

A license is not required in the following circumstances:


(a) Shippers. Any person whose primary business is the sale of merchandise may, without a license, dispatch and perform freight forwarding services on behalf of its own shipments, or on behalf of shipments or consolidated shipments of a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or associated company. Such person shall not receive compensation from the common carrier for any services rendered in connection with such shipments.


(b) Agents, employees, or branch offices of an ocean transportation intermediary.


(1) A disclosed agent, individual employee, or branch office of an ocean transportation intermediary is not required to be licensed in order to act on behalf of and in the name of such ocean transportation intermediary.


(2) An ocean transportation intermediary must report branch offices to the Commission in Form FMC-18 or under the procedures in § 515.20(e).


(3) An ocean transportation intermediary is fully responsible for the acts and omissions of any of its employees and agents that are performed in connection with the conduct of the ocean transportation intermediary’s business.


(c) Common carriers. A common carrier, or agent thereof, may perform ocean freight forwarding services without a license only with respect to cargo carried under such carrier’s own bill of lading. Charges for such forwarding services shall be assessed in conformance with the carrier’s published tariffs.


(d) Federal military and civilian household goods. Any person which exclusively transports used household goods and personal effects for the account of the Department of Defense, or for the account of the federal civilian executive agencies shipping under the International Household Goods Program administered by the General Services Administration, or both, is not subject to the requirements of subpart B of this part, but may be subject to other requirements, such as alternative surety bonding, imposed by the Department of Defense, or the General Services Administration.


[80 FR 68731, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 515.5 Forms and fees.

(a) Forms. License Application Form FMC-18 is found at the Commission’s website www.fmc.gov for completion on-line by applicants and licensees. Foreign-based Unlicensed NVOCC Registration/Renewal Form FMC-65 and financial responsibility Forms FMC-48, FMC-67, FMC-68, FMC-69 may be obtained from the Commission’s website at www.fmc.gov, from the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, or from any of the Commission’s Area Representatives.


(b) Filing of license application forms. All application forms are to be filed electronically.


(c) Fees. (1)(i) All fees shall be paid by:


(A) Money order, certified, cashier’s, or personal check payable to the order of the “Federal Maritime Commission;”


(B) Pay.gov;


(C) The Automated Clearing House system; or


(D) By other means authorized by the Director of the Commission’s Office of Budget and Finance.


(ii) Applications or registrations shall be rejected unless the applicable fee and any bank charges assessed against the Commission are received by the Commission within ten (10) business days after submission of the application or registration. In any instance where an application has been processed in whole or in part, the fee will not be refunded.


(2) Fees under this part shall be as follows:


(i) Application for new OTI license as required by § 515.12(a): Filing $1,304.


(ii) Application for change to OTI license or license transfer as required by § 515.20(a) and (b): Filing $943.


[80 FR 68732, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 81 FR 59144, Aug. 29, 2016; 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 84 FR 62467, Nov. 15, 2019; 88 FR 16898, Mar. 21, 2023]


Subpart B—Eligibility and Procedure for Licensing and Registration

§ 515.11 Basic requirements for licensing; eligibility.

(a) Necessary qualifications. To be eligible for an ocean transportation intermediary license, the applicant must demonstrate to the Commission that:


(1) It possesses the necessary experience, that is, its qualifying individual has a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in ocean transportation intermediary activities in the United States, and the necessary character to render ocean transportation intermediary services. A foreign NVOCC seeking to be licensed under this part must demonstrate that its qualifying individual has a minimum 3 years’ experience in ocean transportation intermediary activities, and the necessary character to render ocean transportation intermediary services. The required OTI experience of the QI of a foreign-based NVOCC seeking to become licensed under this part (foreign-based licensed NVOCC) may be experience acquired in the U.S. or a foreign country with respect to shipments in the United States oceanborne foreign commerce.


(2) In addition to information provided by the applicant and its references, the Commission may consider all information relevant to determining whether an applicant has the necessary character to render ocean transportation intermediary services, including but not limited to, information regarding: Violations of any shipping laws, or statutes relating to the import, export, or transport of merchandise in international trade; operating as an OTI without a license or registration; state and federal felonies and misdemeanors; voluntary and non-voluntary bankruptcies not discharged; outstanding tax liens and other court and administrative judgments and proceedings; compliance with immigration status requirements described in 49 CFR 1572.105; denial, revocation, or suspension of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential under 49 CFR 1572; and the denial, revocation, or suspension of a customs broker’s license under 19 CFR subpart B, section 111. The required OTI experience of the QI of a foreign-based NVOCC seeking to become licensed under this part (foreign-based licensed NVOCC) may be acquired in the U.S. or a foreign country with respect to shipments in the United States oceanborne foreign commerce.


(b) Qualifying individual. The following individuals must qualify the applicant for a license:


(1) Sole proprietorship. The applicant sole proprietor.


(2) Partnership. At least one of the active managing partners, unless the partners are entities, such as corporations, in which case an officer, member, or manager of one of the entities as long as the entity is a general partner.


(3) Corporation. At least one of the active corporate officers.


(4) Limited liability company. One of the members or managers, or an individual in an equivalent position in the LLC as expressly set forth in the LLC operating agreement.


(c) Affiliates of intermediaries. An independently qualified applicant may be granted a separate license to carry on the business of providing ocean transportation intermediary services even though it is associated with, under common control with, or otherwise related to another ocean transportation intermediary through stock ownership or common directors or officers, if such applicant submits: A separate application and fee, and a valid instrument of financial responsibility in the form and amount prescribed under § 515.21. The qualifying individual of one active licensee shall not also be designated as the qualifying individual of an applicant for another ocean transportation intermediary license, unless both entities are commonly owned or where one directly controls the other.


(d) Common carrier. A common carrier or agent thereof which meets the requirements of this part may be licensed as an ocean freight forwarder to dispatch shipments moving on other than such carrier’s own bills of lading subject to the provisions of § 515.42(g).


(e) Foreign-based licensed NVOCC. A foreign-based NVOCC that elects to obtain a license must establish a presence in the United States by opening an unincorporated office that is resident in the United States and is qualified to do business where it is located.


[80 FR 68732, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 62467, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.12 Application for license.

(a) Application and forms.(1) Any person who wishes to obtain a license to operate as an ocean transportation intermediary shall submit electronically a completed application Form FMC-18 (Application for a License as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary) in accordance with the automated FMC-18 filing system and corresponding instructions.

A filing fee shall be paid, as required under § 515.5(c). Notice of filing of each application shall be published on the Commission’s Web site www.fmc.gov and shall state the name and address of the applicant and the name of the QI. If the applicant is a corporation or partnership, the names of the officers or partners thereof may be published. For an LLC, the names of the managers, members or officers, as applicable, may be published.


(2) An individual who is applying for a license as a sole proprietor must complete the following certification:


I, ____ (Name)____, certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States, that I have not been convicted, after September 1, 1989, of any Federal or state offense involving the distribution or possession of a controlled substance, or that if I have been so convicted, I am not ineligible to receive Federal benefits, either by court order or operation of law, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 862.

(b) Rejection. Any application which appears upon its face to be incomplete or to indicate that the applicant fails to meet the licensing requirements of the Act, or the Commission’s regulations, may be rejected and a notice shall be sent to the applicant, together with an explanation of the reasons for rejection, and the filing fee shall be refunded in full. Persons who have had their applications rejected may submit a new Form FMC-18 at any time, together with the required filing fee.


(c) Failure to provide necessary information and documents. In the event an applicant fails to provide documents or information necessary to complete processing of its application, notice will be sent to the applicant identifying the necessary information and documents and establishing a date for submission by the applicant. Failure of the applicant to submit the identified materials by the established date will result in the closing of its application without further processing. In the event an application is closed as a result of the applicant’s failure to provide information or documents necessary to complete processing, the filing fee will not be returned. Persons who have had their applications closed under this section may reapply at any time by submitting a new application with the required filing fee.


(d) Investigation. Each applicant shall be investigated in accordance with § 515.13.


(e) Changes in fact. Each applicant shall promptly advise the Commission of any material changes in the facts submitted in the application. Any unreported change may delay the processing and investigation of the application and result in rejection, closing, or denial of the application.


[80 FR 68733, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 62467, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.13 Investigation of applicants.

The Commission shall conduct an investigation of the applicant’s qualifications for a license. Such investigations may address:


(a) The accuracy of the information submitted in the application;


(b) The integrity and financial responsibility of the applicant;


(c) The character of the applicant and its qualifying individual; and


(d) The length and nature of the qualifying individual’s experience in handling ocean transportation intermediary duties.


§ 515.14 Issuance, renewal, and use of license.

(a) Qualification necessary for issuance. (1) The Commission will issue a license if it determines, as a result of its investigation, that the applicant possesses the necessary experience and character to render ocean transportation intermediary services; has filed the required bond, insurance or other surety; and has electronically submitted Form FMC-1 pursuant to § 520.3 if approved to offer NVOCC service.


(2) If, within 120 days of notification of conditional approval for licensing by the Commission, proof of financial responsibility and, in the case of an NVOCC, the Form FMC-1 is not received, the conditional approval of the application will be invalid. Applicants whose applications/approvals have become invalid may submit a new Form FMC-18, together with the required filing fee, at any time.


(b) To whom issued. The Commission will issue a license only in the name of the applicant, whether the applicant is a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or limited liability company. A license issued to a sole proprietor doing business under a trade name shall be in the name of the sole proprietor, indicating the trade name under which the licensee will be conducting business. Only one license shall be issued to any applicant regardless of the number of names under which such applicant may be doing business, and except as otherwise provided in this part, such license is limited exclusively to use by the named licensee and shall not be transferred without prior Commission approval to another person.


(c) Duration of license. Licenses shall be issued for an initial period of not less than one year and not greater than four years as determined by the license number and published on the Commission website. Thereafter, licenses will be renewed for sequential three-year periods upon successful completion of the renewal process in paragraph (d) of this section.


(d) License renewal process. (1) The licensee shall submit the renewal electronically to the Director of the Bureau of Certification and Licensing (BCL) no later than the renewal date as published on the Commission website. The renewal date (month/day) will remain the same for subsequent renewals irrespective of the date on which the license renewal is submitted or when the renewal is accepted by the Commission, unless another renewal date is assigned by the Commission.


(2) Where information identified in an OTI’s license renewal process is changed from that set out in its current Form FMC-18 and requires Commission approval pursuant to § 515.20, the licensee must promptly submit a request for such approval on Form FMC-18 together with the required filing fee.

The licensee may continue to operate as an ocean transportation intermediary during the pendency of the Commission’s approval process.


(3) Though the foregoing license renewal process is not intended to result in a re-evaluation of a licensee’s character, the Commission may review a licensee’s character at any time, including at the time of renewal, based upon information received from the licensee or other sources.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 80 FR 68733, Nov. 5, 2015; 84 FR 62467, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.15 Denial of license.

If the Commission determines, as a result of its investigation, that the applicant:


(a) Does not possess the necessary experience or character to render intermediary services;


(b) Has failed to respond to any lawful inquiry of the Commission; or


(c) Has made any materially false or misleading statement to the Commission in connection with its application; then, a notice of intent to deny the application shall be sent to the applicant stating the reason(s) why the Commission intends to deny the application. The notice of intent to deny the application will provide, in detail, a statement of the facts supporting denial. An applicant may request a hearing on the proposed denial by submitting to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, within twenty (20) days of the date of the notice, a statement of reasons why the application should not be denied. Such hearing shall be provided pursuant to the procedures contained in § 515.17. Otherwise, the denial of the application will become effective and the applicant shall be so notified.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 80 FR 68734, Nov. 5, 2015]


§ 515.16 Revocation or suspension of license.

(a) Grounds. Except for the automatic revocation for termination of proof of financial responsibility under § 515.26, a license may be revoked or suspended after notice and an opportunity for a hearing under the procedures of § 515.17. The notice of revocation or suspension will provide, in detail, a statement of the facts supporting the action. The licensee may request a hearing on the proposed revocation or suspension by submitting to the Commission’s Secretary, within twenty (20) days of the date of the notice, a statement of reasons why the license should not be revoked or suspended. Such hearing shall be provided pursuant to the procedures contained in § 515.17. Otherwise, the action regarding the license will become effective. A license may be revoked or suspended for any of the following reasons:


(1) Violation of any provision of the Act, or any other statute or Commission order or regulation related to carrying on the business of an ocean transportation intermediary;


(2) Failure to respond to any lawful order or inquiry by the Commission;


(3) Making a materially false or misleading statement to the Commission in connection with an application for a license or an amendment to an existing license;


(4) A Commission determination that the licensee is not qualified to render intermediary services; or


(5) Failure to honor the licensee’s financial obligations to the Commission.


(b) Notice. The Commission shall publish on the Commission’s Web site www.fmc.gov notice of each revocation and suspension.


[80 FR 68734, Nov. 5, 2015]


§ 515.17 Hearing procedures governing denial, revocation, or suspension of OTI license.

All hearing requests under §§ 515.15 and 515.16 shall be submitted to the Commission’s Secretary. The hearing will be adjudicated under the procedures set forth in subpart X of part 502 of this chapter.


[85 FR 5583, Jan. 31, 2020]


§ 515.18 Application after revocation or denial.

Whenever a license has been revoked or an application has been denied because the Commission has found the licensee or applicant to be not qualified to render ocean transportation intermediary services, any further application within 3 years of the Commission’s notice of revocation or denial, made by such former licensee or applicant or by another applicant employing the same qualifying individual, officer(s), member(s), manager(s) or controlled by persons on whose conduct the Commission based its determination for revocation or denial, shall be reviewed directly by the Commission. If the Commission denies the application, such denial is final and not subject to the hearing procedures described in §§ 515.15 and 515.17.


[84 FR 62467, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.19 Registration of foreign-based unlicensed NVOCC.

(a) Any NVOCC whose primary place of business is located outside the United States and does not elect to become licensed by the Commission shall register with the Commission by submitting to the Director of the Bureau of Certification and Licensing (BCL) a completed registration form, Form FMC-65 (Foreign-based Unlicensed NVOCC Registration/Renewal). A notice of each registration shall be published on the Commission’s Web site www.fmc.gov. It is a violation of the Commission’s regulations implementing the Shipping Act for a foreign-based unlicensed non-vessel-operating common carrier to provide NVOCC services in the U.S. foreign trade without a valid registration and an effective tariff.


(b) A registration form which appears, upon submission, to be substantially incomplete may be rejected. If rejected, a notice, together with the reasons therefore, shall be sent to the foreign-based unlicensed NVOCC. Persons who have had a registration rejected may submit a new registration at any time.


(c) Registrations are complete upon receipt of a registration form which meets the requirements of this section, evidence of financial responsibility pursuant to § 515.21, and Form FMC-1 pursuant to § 520.3.


(d) Registrations shall be effective for a period of three (3) years. Thereafter, registrations will be renewed for sequential three year periods upon submission of an updated registration form.


(e) A tariff shall not be published and NVOCC service shall not commence until the Commission receives valid proof of financial responsibility from the registrant and a Form FMC-1 has been submitted.


(f) Registered NVOCCs must report in writing to BCL any changes, within 30 days of such changes, to: legal name(s) or trade name(s); principal place of business address (including telephone number, facsimile number); contact person and email address (including physical address if different from principal place of business); name of resident agent(s) (including physical address, mailing address, email address, telephone and facsimile number(s), and contact person) in the United States for receipt of service of judicial and administrative process (including subpoenas).


(g) Termination or suspension of registration—(1) Grounds. A registration shall become automatically ineffective for a failure of a registered NVOCC to maintain proof of financial responsibility on file with the Commission. The effectiveness of such a registration may otherwise be terminated or suspended, after notice and the opportunity for a hearing, for any of the following reasons:


(i) Violation of any provision of the Act, or any other statute or Commission order or regulation related to carrying on the business of an ocean transportation intermediary;


(ii) Failure to respond to any lawful order or inquiry by the Commission or an authorized Commission representative;


(iii) Making a materially false or misleading statement to the Commission in connection with a registration or renewal thereof;


(iv) Failure to honor financial obligations to the Commission;


(v) Failure to timely renew a registration;


(vi) Failure to maintain a Form FMC-1 or a tariff in compliance with 46 CFR part 520;


(vii) Knowingly and willfully accepting cargo from or transporting cargo for the account of:


(A) an NVOCC that does not have a published tariff as required by 46 U.S.C. 40501 and part 520 of this chapter, and a bond, insurance, or other surety as required by 46 U.S.C. 40902 and this part; or


(B) an OFF that does not have a bond, insurance, or other surety as required by 46 U.S.C. 40902 and this part; and


(viii) Failure to designate and maintain a person in the United States as legal agent for the receipt of judicial and administrative process, including subpoenas, as required by § 515.24.


(2) Hearing procedure. Registrants may request a hearing for terminations or suspensions of the effectiveness of their registrations following the same procedures set forth in § 515.17 (governing hearing requests for denials, revocations and suspensions of licenses).


(3) Publication of Notice. The Commission shall publish on the Commission’s Web site, www.fmc.gov, a notice of each termination or suspension.


[78 FR 42887, July 18, 2013, as amended at 80 FR 68734, Nov. 5, 2015; 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019; 85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 515.20 Changes in organization.

(a) Licenses. The following changes in an existing licensee’s organization require prior approval of the Commission, and application for such status change or license transfer shall be made on Form FMC-18, filed with the Commission’s Bureau of Certification and Licensing, and accompanied by the fee required under § 515.5(c):


(1) Transfer of a corporate license to another person;


(2) Change in ownership of a sole proprietorship;


(3) Any change in the business structure of a licensee from or to a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, whether or not such change involves a change in ownership;


(4) Any change in a licensee’s name, including adding or deleting a trade name relating to its OTI services; or


(5) Change in the identity or status of the designated QI, except as described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.


(b) Operation after death of sole proprietor. In the event that the owner of a licensed sole proprietorship dies, the licensee’s executor, administrator, heir(s), or assign(s) may continue operation of such proprietorship solely with respect to shipments for which the deceased sole proprietor had undertaken to act as an ocean transportation intermediary pursuant to the existing license, if the death is reported within 30 days to the Commission and to all principals and shippers for whom services on such shipments are to be rendered. The acceptance or solicitation of any other shipments is expressly prohibited until a new license has been issued. Applications for a new license by the executor, administrator, heir(s), or assign(s) shall be made on Form FMC-18, and shall be accompanied by the fee required under § 515.5(c).


(c) Operation after retirement, resignation, or death of QI. When a partnership, LLC, or corporation has been licensed on the basis of the qualifications of one or more of the partners, members, managers or officers thereof, and the QI no longer serves as a full-time employee with the OTI or is no longer responsible for the licensee’s OTI activities, the licensee shall report such change to the Commission within thirty (30) days. Within the same 30-day period, the licensee shall furnish to the Commission the name(s) and detailed intermediary experience of any other active partner(s), member(s), manager(s) or officer(s) who may qualify the licensee. Such QI(s) must meet the applicable requirements set forth in § 515.11(a) through (c). The licensee may continue to operate as an ocean transportation intermediary while the Commission investigates the qualifications of the newly designated partner, member, manager, or officer.


(d) Acquisition of one or more additional licensees. In the event a licensee acquires one or more additional licensees, for the purpose of merger, consolidation, or control, the acquiring licensee shall advise the Commission of such acquisition, including any change in ownership, within 30 days after such change occurs by submitting an amended Form FMC-18. No application fee is required when reporting this change.


(e) Other changes. Other changes in material fact of a licensee shall be reported within thirty (30) days of such changes, in writing by mail or email ([email protected]) to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Material changes include, but are not limited to: Changes in business address; any criminal indictment or conviction of a licensee, QI, or officer; any voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy filed by or naming a licensee, QI, or officer; changes of five (5) percent or more of the common equity ownership or voting securities of the OTI; or, the addition or reduction of one or more partners of a licensed partnership, one or more members or managers of a Limited Liability Company, or one or more branch offices. No fee shall be charged for reporting such changes.


[80 FR 68734, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]


Subpart C—Financial Responsibility Requirements; Claims Against Ocean Transportation Intermediaries

§ 515.21 Financial responsibility requirements.

(a) Form and amount. Except as otherwise provided in this part, no person may advertise, hold oneself out, or act as an ocean transportation intermediary unless that person furnishes a bond, proof of insurance, or other surety in a form and amount determined by the Commission to insure financial responsibility. The bond, insurance, or other surety covers the transportation-related activities of an ocean transportation intermediary.


(1) Any person in the United States advertising, holding oneself out, or acting as an ocean freight forwarder as defined in § 515.2(m)(1) shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $50,000.


(2) Any person in the United States advertising, holding oneself out, or acting as an NVOCC as defined in § 515.2(m)(2) shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $75,000.


(3) Any registered NVOCC, as defined in § 515.2(r), shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $150,000. Such registered NVOCC shall be strictly responsible for the acts and omissions of its employees and agents, wherever they are located.


(b) Group financial responsibility. When a group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries accepts liability for an ocean transportation intermediary’s financial responsibility for such ocean transportation intermediary’s transportation-related activities under the Act, the group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall file a group bond form, insurance form or guaranty form, clearly identifying each ocean transportation intermediary covered, before a covered ocean transportation intermediary may provide ocean transportation intermediary services. In such cases, a group or association must establish financial responsibility in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount required by paragraph (a) of this section for each member, or $3,000,000 in aggregate. A group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries may also file an optional bond rider as provided in § 515.25(b).


(c) Common trade name. Where more than one person operates under a common trade name, separate proof of financial responsibility is required covering each corporation or person separately providing ocean transportation intermediary services.


(d) Federal military and civilian household goods. Any person which exclusively transports used household goods and personal effects for the account of the Department of Defense, or for the account of the federal civilian executive agencies shipping under the International Household Goods Program administered by the General Services Administration, or both, is not subject to the requirements of subpart C of this part, but may be subject to other requirements, such as alternative surety bonding, imposed by the Department of Defense, or the General Services Administration.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 17945, Apr. 6, 2004; 80 FR 68735, Nov. 5, 2015; 85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 515.22 Proof of financial responsibility.

Prior to the date it commences furnishing ocean transportation intermediary services, every ocean transportation intermediary shall establish its financial responsibility for the purpose of this part by one of the following methods:


(a) Surety bond, by filing with the Commission a valid bond on Form FMC-48. Bonds must be issued by a surety company found acceptable by the Secretary of the Treasury;


(b) Insurance, by filing with the Commission evidence of insurance on Form FMC-67. The insurance must provide coverage for damages, reparations or penalties arising from any transportation-related activities under the Act of the insured ocean transportation intermediary. This evidence of financial responsibility shall be accompanied by: in the case of a financial rating, the Insurer’s financial rating on the rating organization’s letterhead or designated form; in the case of insurance provided by Underwriters at Lloyd’s, documentation verifying membership in Lloyd’s; and in the case of insurance provided by surplus lines insurers, documentation verifying inclusion on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers’ Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Insurer must certify that it has sufficient and acceptable assets located in the United States to cover all damages arising from the transportation-related activities of the insured ocean transportation intermediary as specified under the Act. The insurance must be placed with:


(1) An Insurer having a financial rating of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company, or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization;


(2) Underwriters at Lloyd’s; or


(3) Surplus lines insurers named on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers’ Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; or


(c) Guaranty, by filing with the Commission evidence of guaranty on Form FMC-68. The guaranty must provide coverage for damages, reparations or penalties arising from any transportation-related activities under the Act of the covered ocean transportation intermediary. This evidence of financial responsibility shall be accompanied by: in the case of a financial rating, the Guarantor’s financial rating on the rating organization’s letterhead or designated form; in the case of a guaranty provided by Underwriters at Lloyd’s, documentation verifying membership in Lloyd’s; and in the case of a guaranty provided by surplus lines insurers, documentation verifying inclusion on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers’ Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Guarantor must certify that it has sufficient and acceptable assets located in the United States to cover all damages arising from the transportation-related activities of the covered ocean transportation intermediary as specified under the Act. The guaranty must be placed with:


(1) A Guarantor having a financial rating of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company, or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization;


(2) Underwriters at Lloyd’s; or


(3) Surplus lines insurers named on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers’ Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; or


(d) Evidence of financial responsibility of the type provided for in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section established through and filed with the Commission by a group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries on behalf of its members, subject to the following conditions and procedures:


(1) Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall notify the Commission of its intention to participate in such a program and furnish documentation as will demonstrate its authenticity and authority to represent its members, such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, etc.;


(2) Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall provide the Commission with a list certified by its Chief Executive Officer containing the names of those ocean transportation intermediaries to which it will provide coverage; the manner and amount of existing coverage each covered ocean transportation intermediary has; an indication that the existing coverage provided each ocean transportation intermediary is provided by a surety bond issued by a surety company found acceptable to the Secretary of the Treasury, or by insurance or guaranty issued by a firm meeting the requirements of paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section with coverage limits specified above in § 515.21; and the name, address and facsimile number of each surety, insurer or guarantor providing coverage pursuant to this section. Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries or its financial responsibility provider shall notify the Commission within 30 days of any changes to its list;


(3) The group or association shall provide the Commission with a sample copy of each type of existing financial responsibility coverage used by member ocean transportation intermediaries;


(4) Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall be responsible for ensuring that each member’s financial responsibility coverage allows for claims to be made in the United States against the Surety, Insurer or Guarantor for any judgment for damages against the ocean transportation intermediary arising from its transportation-related activities under the Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against the ocean transportation intermediary pursuant to section 13 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109). Each group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries shall be responsible for requiring each member ocean transportation intermediary to provide it with valid proof of financial responsibility annually;


(5) Where the group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries determines to secure on behalf of its members other forms of financial responsibility, as specified by this section, for damages, reparations or penalties not covered by a member’s individual financial responsibility coverage, such additional coverage must:


(i) Allow claims to be made in the United States directly against the group or association’s Surety, Insurer or Guarantor for damages against each covered member ocean transportation intermediary arising from each covered member ocean transportation intermediary’s transportation-related activities under the Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against each covered member ocean transportation intermediary pursuant to section 13 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109); and


(ii) Be for an amount up to the amount determined in accordance with § 515.21(b), taking into account a member’s individual financial responsibility coverage already in place. In the event of a claim against a group bond, the bond must be replenished up to the original amount of coverage within 30 days of payment of the claim; and


(iii) be in excess of a member’s individual financial responsibility coverage already in place; and


(6) The coverage provided by the group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries on behalf of its members shall be provided by:


(i) in the case of a surety bond, a surety company found acceptable to the Secretary of the Treasury and issued by such a surety company on Form FMC-69; and


(ii) in the case of insurance and guaranty, a firm having a financial rating of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization, Underwriters at Lloyd’s, or surplus line insurers named on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers’ Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and issued by such firms on Form FMC-67 and Form FMC-68, respectively.


(e) All forms and documents for establishing financial responsibility of ocean transportation intermediaries prescribed in this section shall be submitted to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, via email to [email protected]. Such forms and documents must clearly identify the principal’s name; trade name, if any; address; the state of incorporation/formation; and the printed name and title of the signatory.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 39860, June 11, 2002; 74 FR 50719, Oct. 1, 2009; 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.23 Claims against an ocean transportation intermediary.

(a) Who may seek payment. Shippers, common carriers, and other affected persons may seek payment from the bond, insurance, or other surety maintained by an ocean transportation intermediary for damages arising out of its ocean transportation-related activities. The Commission may also seek payment of civil penalties assessed under section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).


(b) Payment pursuant to a claim. (1) If a person does not file a complaint with the Commission pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), but otherwise seeks to pursue a claim against an ocean transportation intermediary bond, insurance, or other surety for damages arising from its transportation-related activities, it shall attempt to resolve its claim with the financial responsibility provider prior to seeking payment on any judgment for damages obtained. When a claimant seeks payment under this section, it simultaneously shall notify both the financial responsibility provider and the ocean transportation intermediary of the claim by mail or courier service. The bond, insurance, or other surety may be available to pay such claim if:


(i) The ocean transportation intermediary consents to payment, subject to review by the financial responsibility provider; or


(ii) The ocean transportation intermediary fails to respond within forty-five (45) days from the date of the notice of the claim to address the validity of the claim, and the financial responsibility provider deems the claim valid.


(2) If the parties fail to reach an agreement in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section within ninety (90) days of the date of the initial notification of the claim, the bond, insurance, or other surety shall be available to pay any final judgment for reparations ordered by the Commission or damages obtained from an appropriate court. The financial responsibility provider shall pay such judgment for damages only to the extent they arise from the transportation-related activities of the ocean transportation intermediary, ordinarily within thirty (30) days, without requiring further evidence related to the validity of the claim; it may, however, inquire into the extent to which the judgment for damages arises from the ocean transportation intermediary’s transportation-related activities.


(c) Notices of court and other claims against OTIs by financial responsibility providers. (1) As provided in each financial responsibility instrument between an OTI and its financial responsibility provider(s), the issuing financial responsibility provider shall submit a notice to the Commission of each claim, court action, or court judgment against the financial responsibility and each claim paid (including the amount) by the provider.


(2) Notices described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall be promptly submitted in writing by mail or email ([email protected]) to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573.


(3) Notices required by this section shall include the name of the claimant, name of the court and case number assigned, and the name and license or organization number of the OTI involved. Such notices may include or attach other information relevant to the claim.


(d) The Federal Maritime Commission shall not serve as depository or distributor to third parties of bond, guaranty, or insurance funds in the event of any claim, judgment, or order for reparation.


(e) Optional bond riders. The Federal Maritime Commission shall not serve as a depository or distributor to third parties of funds payable pursuant to optional bond riders described in § 515.25(b).


[80 FR 68735, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.24 Agent for service of process.

(a) Every ocean transportation intermediary not located in the United States and every group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries not located in the United States which provides financial coverage for the financial responsibility of a member ocean transportation intermediary shall designate and maintain a person in the United States as legal agent for the receipt of judicial and administrative process, including subpoenas.


(b) Service of administrative process, other than subpoenas, may be effected upon the legal agent by dispatching a copy of the document to be served by mail or courier service. Administrative subpoenas shall be served in accordance with § 502.134 of this chapter.


(c) If the designated legal agent cannot be served because of death, disability, unavailability, termination or expiration of the designation, or if a legal agent authorized to receive such service is not designated in compliance with this section, the Secretary of the Federal Maritime Commission will be deemed to be the legal agent for service of process. Any person serving the Secretary must also send to the ocean transportation intermediary, or group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries which provide financial coverage for the financial responsibilities of a member ocean transportation intermediary, by mail or courier service at the ocean transportation intermediary’s, or group’s, address published in its tariff, a copy of each document served upon the Secretary, and shall attest to that service at the time service is made upon the Secretary. For purposes of this paragraph, it is sufficient that a person seeking to serve process on an ocean transportation intermediary, or group of such intermediaries, affirm to the Commission’s Secretary that: they have contacted, or attempted to contact, the designated agent to confirm whether it remained authorized to accept service of process; or, if no legal agent is designated in the tariff, that it has no knowledge of the identity of the ocean transportation intermediary’s legal agent. Designation of the Commission’s Secretary as the legal agent shall survive any cancellation of the OTI’s license or tariff and shall continue for the entire period during which claims may be made under the OTI’s financial responsibility instrument.


(d) Designations of legal agent under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and provisions relating to service of process under paragraph (c) of this section shall be published in the ocean transportation intermediary’s tariff, when required, in accordance with part 520 of this chapter.


(e) Every ocean transportation intermediary using a group or association of ocean transportation intermediaries to cover its financial responsibility requirement under § 515.21(b) shall publish the name and address of the group or association’s resident agent for receipt of judicial and administrative process, including subpoenas, in its tariff, when required, in accordance with part 520 of this chapter.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 42888, July 18, 2013]


§ 515.25 Filing of proof of financial responsibility.

(a) Filing of proof of financial responsibility— (1) Licenses. Upon notification by the Commission that an applicant has been conditionally approved for licensing, the applicant shall file with the Director of the Commission’s Bureau of Certification and Licensing, proof of financial responsibility in the form and amount prescribed in § 515.21. No license will be issued until the Commission is in receipt of valid proof of financial responsibility.


(2) Registrations. A registration shall not become effective until the applicant has furnished proof of financial responsibility pursuant to § 515.21, has submitted a Form FMC-1, and its published tariff becomes effective pursuant to 46 CFR part 520.


(b) Optional bond rider. Any NVOCC as defined in § 515.2(m)(2), in addition to a bond meeting the requirements of § 515.21(a)(2) or (3), may obtain and file with the Commission proof of an optional bond rider, as provided in Appendix E or Appendix F of this part.


[80 FR 68736, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.26 Termination of financial responsibility.

No license or registration shall remain in effect unless valid proof of a financial responsibility instrument is maintained on file with the Commission. Upon receipt of notice of termination of such financial responsibility, the Commission shall notify the concerned licensee, registrant, or registrant’s legal agent in the United States, by email, mail, courier, or other method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice, at its last known email address or address, that the Commission shall, without hearing or other proceeding, revoke the license or terminate the registration as of the termination date of the financial responsibility instrument, unless the licensee or registrant shall have submitted valid replacement proof of financial responsibility before such termination date. Replacement financial responsibility must bear an effective date no later than the termination date of the expiring financial responsibility instrument.


[84 FR 62468, Nov. 15, 2019]


§ 515.27 Proof of compliance—NVOCC.

(a) No common carrier may knowingly and willfully accept cargo from or transport cargo for the account of:


(1) An NVOCC that does not have a published tariff as required by 46 U.S.C. 40501 and part 520 of this chapter, and a bond, insurance, or other surety as required by 46 U.S.C. 40902 and this part; or


(2) An OFF that does not have a bond, insurance, or other surety as required by 46 U.S.C. 40902 and this part.


(b) A common carrier can obtain proof of an NVOCC or OFF’s compliance with the OTI licensing, registration, tariff and financial responsibility requirements by:


(1) Consulting the Commission’s website www.fmc.gov as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, to verify that the NVOCC or OFF has complied with the applicable licensing, registration, tariff, and financial responsibility requirements; or


(2) Any other appropriate procedure, provided that such procedure is set forth in the carrier’s tariff.


(c) A common carrier that has employed the procedure prescribed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be deemed to have met its obligations under 46 U.S.C. 41104(a)(11), unless the common carrier knew that such NVOCC or OFF was not in compliance with the applicable tariff or financial responsibility requirements.


(d) The Commission will publish at its Web site, www.fmc.gov, a list of the locations of all carrier and conference tariffs, and a list of ocean transportation intermediaries (including a separate list for NVOCCs) who have met all of their applicable licensing, registration, tariff and financial responsibility requirements, current as of the last date on which the list is updated. The Commission will update this list on a periodic basis.


[80 FR 68736, Nov. 5, 2015, as amended at 85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]


Subpart D—Duties and Responsibilities of Ocean Transportation Intermediaries; Reports to Commission

§ 515.31 General duties.

(a) Licensees and registrants; names and numbers. Each licensee and registrant shall carry on its business only under the name in which it was licensed or registered and only under its license or registration number as assigned by the Commission. When the licensee’s or registrant’s name appears on shipping documents, its Commission license or registration number shall also be included.


(b) Stationery and billing forms. The name and license or registration number of each OTI shall be permanently imprinted on the licensee’s or registrant’s office stationery and billing forms.


(c) Use of license or registration by others; prohibition. No OTI shall permit its name, license, license number, registration, or registration number to be used by any person who is not an employee or an agent of the OTI. An entity that also provides OTI services in its own name and not on behalf of a licensed or registered OTI must be separately licensed under this part and must provide proof of its own financial responsibility and publish a tariff, if applicable. A branch office of an OTI may use the license of the OTI, provided that the address of the branch office has been reported to the Commission in Form FMC-18 or pursuant to § 515.20(e).


(d) Arrangements with ocean transportation intermediaries whose licenses have been revoked. Unless prior written approval from the Commission has been obtained, no OTI shall, directly or indirectly:


(1) Agree to perform ocean transportation intermediary services on shipments as an associate, correspondent, officer, employee, agent, or sub-agent of any person whose license has been revoked or suspended pursuant to § 515.16, or registration terminated or suspended pursuant to § 515.19(g);


(2) Assist in the furtherance of any ocean transportation intermediary business of an OTI whose license has been revoked;


(3) Share forwarding fees or freight compensation with any such person; or


(4) Permit any such person, directly or indirectly, to participate, through ownership or otherwise, in the control or direction of the ocean transportation intermediary business of the licensee or registrant.


(e) False or fraudulent claims, false information. No OTI shall prepare or file or assist in the preparation or filing of any claim, affidavit, letter of indemnity, or other paper or document concerning an ocean transportation intermediary transaction which it has reason to believe is false or fraudulent, nor shall any such OTI knowingly impart to a principal, shipper, common carrier or other person, false information relative to any ocean transportation intermediary transaction.


(f) Errors and omissions of the principal or shipper. An OTI who has reason to believe that its principal or shipper has not, with respect to a shipment to be handled by such OTI, complied with the laws of the United States, or has made any error or misrepresentation in, or omission from, any export declaration, bill of lading, affidavit, or other document which the principal or shipper executes in connection with such shipment, shall advise its principal or shipper promptly of the suspected noncompliance, error, misrepresentation or omission, and shall decline to participate in any transaction involving such document until the matter is properly and lawfully resolved.


(g) Response to requests of Commission. Upon the request of any authorized representative of the Commission, an OTI shall make available promptly for inspection or reproduction all records and books of account in connection with its ocean transportation intermediary business, and shall respond promptly to any lawful inquiries by such representative. All OTIs are responsible for requiring that, upon the request of any authorized Commission representative, their agents make available all records and books of account relating to ocean transportation intermediary service provided by or for their principals, and respond promptly to any lawful inquiries by such representative.


(h) Express written authority. No OTI shall endorse or negotiate any draft, check, or warrant drawn to the order of its OTI principal or shipper without the express written authority of such OTI principal or shipper.


(i) Accounting to principal or shipper. An OTI shall account to its principal(s) or shipper(s) for overpayments, adjustments of charges, reductions in rates, insurance refunds, insurance monies received for claims, proceeds of C.O.D. shipments, drafts, letters of credit, and any other sums due such principal(s) or shipper(s).


(j) Prohibition. No person may advertise or hold out to act as an OTI unless that person holds a valid OTI license or is registered under this part.


[80 FR 68736, Nov. 5, 2015]


§ 515.32 Freight forwarder duties.

(a) Notice of shipper affiliation. When a licensed freight forwarder is a shipper or seller of goods in international commerce or affiliated with such an entity, the licensed freight forwarder shall have the option of:


(1) Identifying itself as such and/or, where applicable, listing its affiliates on its office stationery and billing forms, or


(2) Including the following notice on such items:



This company is a shipper or seller of goods in international commerce or is affiliated with such an entity. Upon request, a general statement of its business activities and those of its affiliates, along with a written list of the names of such affiliates, will be provided.


(b) Arrangements with unauthorized persons. No licensed freight forwarder shall enter into an agreement or other arrangement (excluding agency arrangements not prohibited by law or this part) with an unlicensed person that bestows any fee, compensation, or other benefit upon the unlicensed person. When a licensed freight forwarder is employed to perform forwarding services by the agent of the person responsible for paying for such services, the licensed freight forwarder shall also transmit a copy of its invoice for services rendered to the person paying those charges.


(c) Information provided to the principal. No licensed freight forwarder shall withhold any information concerning a forwarding transaction from its principal, and each licensed freight forwarder shall comply with the laws of the United States and shall exercise due diligence to assure that all information provided to its principal or provided in any export declaration, bill of lading, affidavit, or other document which the licensed freight forwarder executes in connection with a shipment is accurate.


(d) Invoices; documents available upon request. Upon the request of its principal(s), each licensed freight forwarder shall provide a complete breakout of its charges and a true copy of any underlying document or bill of charges pertaining to the licensed freight forwarder’s invoice. The following notice shall appear on each invoice to a principal:



Upon request, we shall provide a detailed breakout of the components of all charges assessed and a true copy of each pertinent document relating to these charges.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 80 FR 68737, Nov. 5, 2015]


§ 515.33 Records required to be kept.

Each licensed or registered NVOCC and each licensed ocean freight forwarder shall maintain in an orderly and systematic manner, and keep current and correct, all records and books of account in connection with its OTI business. The licensed or registered NVOCC and each licensed freight forwarder may maintain these records in either paper or electronic form, which shall be readily available in usable form to the Commission; the electronically maintained records shall be no less accessible than if they were maintained in paper form. These recordkeeping requirements are independent of the retention requirements of other federal agencies. In addition, each licensed freight forwarder must maintain the following records for a period of five years:


(a) General financial data. A current running account of all receipts and disbursements, accounts receivable and payable, and daily cash balances, supported by appropriate books of account, bank deposit slips, canceled checks, and monthly reconciliation of bank statements.


(b) Types of services by shipment. A separate file shall be maintained for each shipment. Each file shall include a copy of each document prepared, processed, or obtained by the licensee, including each invoice for any service arranged by the licensee and performed by others, with respect to such shipment.


(c) Receipts and disbursements by shipment. A record of all sums received and/or disbursed by the licensee for services rendered and out-of-pocket expenses advanced in connection with each shipment, including specific dates and amounts.


(d) Special contracts. A true copy, or if oral, a true and complete memorandum, of every special arrangement or contract between a licensed freight forwarder and a principal, or modification or cancellation thereof.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 80 FR 68737, Nov. 5, 2015]


Subpart E—Freight Forwarding Fees and Compensation

§ 515.41 Forwarder and principal; fees.

(a) Compensation or fee sharing. No licensed freight forwarder shall share, directly or indirectly, any compensation or freight forwarding fee with a shipper, consignee, seller, or purchaser, or an agent, affiliate, or employee thereof; nor with any person advancing the purchase price of the property or guaranteeing payment therefor; nor with any person having a beneficial interest in the shipment.


(b) Receipt for cargo. Each receipt for cargo issued by a licensed freight forwarder shall be clearly identified as “Receipt for Cargo” and be readily distinguishable from a bill of lading.


(c) Reduced forwarding fees. No licensed freight forwarder shall render, or offer to render, any freight forwarding service free of charge or at a reduced fee in consideration of receiving compensation from a common carrier or for any other reason. Exception: A licensed freight forwarder may perform freight forwarding services for recognized relief agencies or charitable organizations, which are designated as such in the tariff of the common carrier, free of charge or at reduced fees.


(d) In-plant arrangements. A licensed freight forwarder may place an employee or employees on the premises of its principal as part of the services rendered to such principal, provided:


(1) The in-plant forwarder arrangement is reduced to writing and identifies all services provided by either party (whether or not constituting a freight forwarding service); states the amount of compensation to be received by either party for such services; sets forth all details concerning the procurement, maintenance or sharing of office facilities, personnel, furnishings, equipment and supplies; describes all powers of supervision or oversight of the licensee’s employee(s) to be exercised by the principal; and details all procedures for the administration or management of in-plant arrangements between the parties; and


(2) The arrangement is not an artifice for a payment or other unlawful benefit to the principal.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 80 FR 68737, Nov. 5, 2015]


§ 515.42 Forwarder and carrier compensation; fees.

(a) Disclosure of principal. The identity of the shipper must always be disclosed in the shipper identification box on the bill of lading. The licensed freight forwarder’s name may appear with the name of the shipper, but the forwarder must be identified as the shipper’s agent.


(b) Certification required for compensation. A common carrier may pay compensation to a licensed freight forwarder only pursuant to such common carrier’s tariff provisions. When a common carrier’s tariff provides for the payment of compensation, such compensation shall be paid on any shipment forwarded on behalf of others where the forwarder has provided a certification as prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section and the shipper has been disclosed on the bill of lading as provided for in paragraph (a) of this section. The common carrier shall be entitled to rely on such certification unless it knows that the certification is incorrect. The common carrier shall retain such certifications for a period of five (5) years.


(c) Form of certification. When a licensed freight forwarder is entitled to compensation, the forwarder shall provide the common carrier with a certification which indicates that the forwarder has performed the required services that entitle it to compensation. The required certification may be provided electronically by the forwarder or may be placed on one copy of the relevant bill of lading, a summary statement from the forwarder, the forwarder’s compensation invoice, or as an endorsement on the carrier’s compensation check. Electronic certification must contain confirmations by the forwarder and the carrier identifying the shipments upon which forwarding compensation may be paid. Each forwarder shall retain evidence in its shipment files that the forwarder, in fact, has performed the required services enumerated on the certification. The certification shall read as follows:


The undersigned hereby certifies that neither it nor any holding company, subsidiary, affiliate, officer, director, agent or executive of the undersigned has a beneficial interest in this shipment; that it is the holder of valid FMC License No. ____, issued by the Federal Maritime Commission and has performed the following services:


(1) Engaged, booked, secured, reserved, or contracted directly with the carrier or its agent for space aboard a vessel or confirmed the availability of that space; and


(2) Prepared and processed the ocean bill of lading, dock receipt, or other similar document with respect to the shipment.


(d) Compensation pursuant to tariff provisions. No licensed freight forwarder, or employee thereof, shall accept compensation from a common carrier which is different from that specifically provided for in the carrier’s effective tariff(s). No conference or group of common carriers shall deny in the export commerce of the United States compensation to an ocean freight forwarder or limit that compensation, as provided for by section 19(e)(4) of the Act (46 U.S.C. 40904(d)) and 46 CFR part 535.


(e) Electronic data interchange. A licensed freight forwarder may own, operate, or otherwise maintain or supervise an electronic data interchange-based computer system in its forwarding business; however, the forwarder must directly perform value-added services as described in paragraph (c) of this section in order to be entitled to carrier compensation.


(f) Compensation; services performed by underlying carrier; exemptions. No licensed freight forwarder shall charge or collect compensation in the event the underlying common carrier, or its agent, has, at the request of such forwarder, performed any of the forwarding services set forth in § 515.2(h), unless such carrier or agent is also a licensed freight forwarder, or unless no other licensed freight forwarder is willing and able to perform such services.


(g) Duplicative compensation. A common carrier shall not pay compensation for the services described in paragraph (c) of this section more than once on the same shipment.


(h) Non-vessel-operating common carriers; compensation. (1) A licensee operating as an NVOCC and a freight forwarder, or a person related thereto, may collect compensation when, and only when, the following certification is made together with the certification required under paragraph (c) of this section:



The undersigned certifies that neither it nor any related person has issued a bill of lading or otherwise undertaken common carrier responsibility as a non-vessel-operating common carrier for the ocean transportation of the shipment covered by this bill of lading.


(2) Whenever a person acts in the capacity of an NVOCC as to any shipment, such person shall not collect compensation, nor shall any underlying ocean common carrier pay compensation to such person, for such shipment.


(i) Compensation; beneficial interest. A licensed freight forwarder may not receive compensation from a common carrier with respect to any shipment in which the forwarder has a beneficial interest or with respect to any shipment in which any holding company, subsidiary, affiliate, officer, director, agent, or executive of such forwarder has a beneficial interest.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50721, Oct. 1, 2009; 80 FR 68737, Nov. 5, 2015; 81 FR 4593, Jan. 27, 2016]


§ 515.91 OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Commission has received OMB approval for this collection of information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as amended. In accordance with that Act, agencies are required to display a currently valid control number. The valid control number for this collection of information is 3072-0018.


[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 42888, July 18, 2013]


Appendix A to Part 515—Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Bond Form [Form 48]

Form FMC-48

Federal Maritime Commission

Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Bond (Section 19, Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904)) ____ [indicate whether NVOCC or Freight Forwarder], as Principal (hereinafter “Principal”), and ____, as Surety (hereinafter “Surety”) are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America in the sum of $____ for the payment of which sum we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, jointly and severally.


Whereas, Principal operates as an OTI in the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States in accordance with the Shipping Act of 1984, 46 U.S.C. 40101-41309, and, if necessary, has a valid tariff published pursuant to 46 CFR part 515 and 520, and pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904), files this bond with the Commission;


Whereas, this bond is written to ensure compliance by the Principal with section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904), and the rules and regulations of the Federal Maritime Commission relating to evidence of financial responsibility for OTIs (46 CFR part 515), this bond shall be available to pay any judgment obtained or any settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 for damages against the Principal arising from the Principal’s transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against the Principal pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).


Now, Therefore, The condition of this obligation is that the penalty amount of this bond shall be available to pay any judgment or any settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 for damages against the Principal arising from the Principal’s transportation-related activities or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against the Principal pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).


This bond shall inure to the benefit of any and all persons who have obtained a judgment or a settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR § 515.23 for damages against the Principal arising from its transportation-related activities or order of reparation issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), and to the benefit of the Federal Maritime Commission for any penalty assessed against the Principal pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109). However, the bond shall not apply to shipments of used household goods and personal effects for the account of the Department of Defense or the account of federal civilian executive agencies shipping under the International Household Goods Program administered by the General Services Administration.


The liability of the Surety shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall aggregate the penalty amount of this bond, and in no event shall the Surety’s total obligation hereunder exceed said penalty amount, regardless of the number of claims or claimants.


This bond is effective the ____ day of ____, ____ and shall continue in effect until discharged or terminated as herein provided. The Principal or the Surety may at any time terminate this bond by mail or email ([email protected]) written notice to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Such termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after receipt of said notice by the Commission. The Surety shall not be liable for any transportation-related activities of the Principal after the expiration of the 30-day period but such termination shall not affect the liability of the Principal and Surety for any event occurring prior to the date when said termination becomes effective.


The Surety consents to be sued directly in respect of any bona fide claim owed by Principal for damages, reparations or penalties arising from the transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act of Principal in the event that such legal liability has not been discharged by the Principal or Surety after a claimant has obtained a final judgment (after appeal, if any) against the Principal from a United States Federal or State Court of competent jurisdiction and has complied with the procedures for collecting on such a judgment pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, the Federal Maritime Commission, or where all parties and claimants otherwise mutually consent, from a foreign court, or where such claimant has become entitled to payment of a specified sum by virtue of a compromise settlement agreement made with the Principal and/or Surety pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, whereby, upon payment of the agreed sum, the Surety is to be fully, irrevocably and unconditionally discharged from all further liability to such claimant; provided, however, that Surety’s total obligation hereunder shall not exceed the amount set forth in 46 CFR 515.21, as applicable.


The underwriting Surety will promptly notify the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, in writing by mail or email ([email protected]), of all claims made, lawsuits filed, judgments rendered, and payments made against this bond.


Signed and sealed this ____ day of ____, ____.

(Please type name of signer under each signature.)



Individual Principal or Partner



Business Address



Individual Principal or Partner



Business Address



Individual Principal or Partner



Business Address



Trade Name, If Any



Corporate Principal



State of Incorporation



Trade Name, If Any



Business Address



By



Title



(Affix Corporate Seal)



Corporate Surety



Business Address



By



Title

(Affix Corporate Seal)

[80 FR 68738, Nov. 5, 2015]


Appendix B to Part 515—Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Insurance Form [Form 67]

Form FMC-67

Federal Maritime Commission

Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Insurance

Form Furnished as Evidence of Financial Responsibility

Under 46 U.S.C. 40901-40904

This is to certify, that the (Name of Insurance Company), (hereinafter “Insurer”) of (Home Office Address of Company) has issued to (OTI or Group or Association of OTIs [indicate whether NVOCC(s) or Freight Forwarder(s)]) (hereinafter “Insured”) of (Address of OTI or Group or Association of OTIs) a policy or policies of insurance for purposes of complying with the provisions of Section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904) and the rules and regulations, as amended, of the Federal Maritime Commission, which provide compensation for damages, reparations or penalties arising from the transportation-related activities of Insured, and made pursuant to the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309) (Shipping Act).


Whereas, the Insured is or may become an OTI subject to the Shipping Act and the rules and regulations of the Federal Maritime Commission, or is or may become a group or association of OTIs, and desires to establish financial responsibility in accordance with section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904), files with the Commission this Insurance Form as evidence of its financial responsibility and evidence of a financial rating for the Insurer of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization on such organization’s letterhead or designated form, or, in the case of insurance provided by Underwriters at Lloyd’s, documentation verifying membership in Lloyd’s, or, in the case of surplus lines insurers, documentation verifying inclusion on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers’ Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.


Whereas, the Insurance is written to assure compliance by the Insured with section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904), and the rules and regulations of the Federal Maritime Commission relating to evidence of financial responsibility for OTIs, this Insurance shall be available to pay any judgment obtained or any settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 for damages against the Insured arising from the Insured’s transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against the Insured pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).


Whereas, the Insurer certifies that it has sufficient and acceptable assets located in the United States to cover all liabilities of Insured herein described, this Insurance shall inure to the benefit of any and all persons who have a bona fide claim against the Insured pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23 arising from its transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, or order of reparation issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), and to the benefit of the Federal Maritime Commission for any penalty assessed against the Insured pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).


The Insurer consents to be sued directly in respect of any bona fide claim owed by Insured for damages, reparations or penalties arising from the transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, of Insured in the event that such legal liability has not been discharged by the Insured or Insurer after a claimant has obtained a final judgment (after appeal, if any) against the Insured from a United States Federal or State Court of competent jurisdiction and has complied with the procedures for collecting on such a judgment pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, the Federal Maritime Commission, or where all parties and claimants otherwise mutually consent, from a foreign court, or where such claimant has become entitled to payment of a specified sum by virtue of a compromise settlement agreement made with the Insured and/or Insurer pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, whereby, upon payment of the agreed sum, the Insurer is to be fully, irrevocably and unconditionally discharged from all further liability to such claimant; provided, however, that Insurer’s total obligation hereunder shall not exceed the amount per OTI set forth in 46 CFR 515.21 or the amount per group or association of OTIs set forth in 46 CFR 515.21.


The liability of the Insurer shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall aggregate the penalty of the Insurance in the amount per member OTI set forth in 46 CFR 515.21, or the amount per group or association of OTIs set forth in 46 CFR 515.21, regardless of the financial responsibility or lack thereof, or the solvency or bankruptcy, of Insured. The insurance evidenced by this undertaking shall be applicable only in relation to incidents occurring on or after the effective date and before the date termination of this undertaking becomes effective. The effective date of this undertaking shall be ____ day of ____, ____, and shall continue in effect until discharged or terminated as herein provided. The Insured or the Insurer may at any time terminate the Insurance by mail or email ([email protected]) written notice to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Such termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after receipt of said notice by the Commission. The Insurer shall not be liable for any transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act of the Insured after the expiration of the 30-day period but such termination shall not affect the liability of the Insured and Insurer for such activities occurring prior to the date when said termination becomes effective.


(Name of Agent) ____ domiciled in the United States, with offices located in the United States, at ____ is hereby designated as the Insurer’s agent for service of process for the purposes of enforcing the Insurance certified to herein.


If more than one insurer joins in executing this document, that action constitutes joint and several liability on the part of the insurers.


The Insurer will promptly notify the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, in writing by mail or email ([email protected]), of all claims made, lawsuits filed, judgments rendered, and payments made against the Insurance.


Signed and sealed this ____ day of ____, ____.




Signature of Official signing on behalf of Insurer



Type Name and Title of signer

This Insurance Form has been filed with the Federal Maritime Commission.


[80 FR 68738, Nov. 5, 2015]


Appendix C to Part 515—Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Guaranty Form [Form 68]

Form FMC-68

Federal Maritime Commission

Guaranty in Respect of Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Liability for Damages, Reparations or Penalties Arising from Transportation-Related Activities Under the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309) (Shipping Act).


1. Whereas ____ (Name of Applicant [indicate whether NVOCC or Freight Forwarder]) (hereinafter “Applicant”) is or may become an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (“OTI”) subject to the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309) and the rules and regulations of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), or is or may become a group or association of OTIs, and desires to establish its financial responsibility in accordance with section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109), then, provided that the FMC shall have accepted, as sufficient for that purpose, the Applicant’s application, supported by evidence of a financial rating for the Guarantor of Class V or higher under the Financial Size Categories of A.M. Best & Company or equivalent from an acceptable international rating organization on such rating organization’s letterhead or designated form, or, in the case of Guaranty provided by Underwriters at Lloyd’s, documentation verifying membership in Lloyd’s, or, in the case of surplus lines insurers, documentation verifying inclusion on a current “white list” issued by the Non-Admitted Insurers’ Information Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the undersigned Guarantor certifies that it has sufficient and acceptable assets located in the United States to cover all damages arising from the transportation-related activities of the covered OTI as specified under the Shipping Act.


2. Whereas, this Guaranty is written to ensure compliance by the Applicant with section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904), and the rules and regulations of the Federal Maritime Commission relating to evidence of financial responsibility for OTIs (46 CFR part 515), this guaranty shall be available to pay any judgment obtained or any settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 for damages against the Applicant arising from the Applicant’s transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against the Applicant pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).


3. Now, Therefore, The condition of this obligation is that the penalty amount of this Guaranty shall be available to pay any judgment obtained or any settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 for damages against the Applicant arising from the Applicant’s transportation-related activities or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against the Principal pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109).


4. The undersigned Guarantor hereby consents to be sued directly in respect of any bona fide claim owed by Applicant for damages, reparations or penalties arising from Applicant’s transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, in the event that such legal liability has not been discharged by the Applicant after any such claimant has obtained a final judgment (after appeal, if any) against the Applicant from a United States Federal or State Court of competent jurisdiction and has complied with the procedures for collecting on such a judgment pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, the FMC, or where all parties and claimants otherwise mutually consent, from a foreign court, or where such claimant has become entitled to payment of a specified sum by virtue of a compromise settlement agreement made with the Applicant and/or Guarantor pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, whereby, upon payment of the agreed sum, the Guarantor is to be fully, irrevocably and unconditionally discharged from all further liability to such claimant. In the case of a guaranty covering the liability of a group or association of OTIs, Guarantor’s obligation extends only to such damages, reparations or penalties described herein as are not covered by another insurance policy, guaranty or surety bond held by the OTI(s) against which a claim or final judgment has been brought.


5. The Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty in respect to any claimant shall not exceed the amount of the guaranty; and the aggregate amount of the Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall not exceed the amount per OTI set forth in 46 CFR 515.21, or the amount per group or association of OTIs set forth in 46 CFR 515.21 in aggregate.


6. The Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall attach only in respect of such activities giving rise to a cause of action against the Applicant, in respect of any of its transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, occurring after the Guaranty has become effective, and before the expiration date of this Guaranty, which shall be the date thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of mail or email ([email protected]) written notice to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, that either Applicant or the Guarantor has elected to terminate this Guaranty. The Guarantor and/or Applicant specifically agree to file such written notice of cancellation.


7. Guarantor shall not be liable for payments of any of the damages, reparations or penalties hereinbefore described which arise as the result of any transportation-related activities of Applicant after the cancellation of the Guaranty, as herein provided, but such cancellation shall not affect the liability of the Guarantor for the payment of any such damages, reparations or penalties prior to the date such cancellation becomes effective.


8. Guarantor shall pay, subject to the limit of the amount per OTI set forth in 46 CFR 515.21, directly to a claimant any sum or sums which Guarantor, in good faith, determines that the Applicant has failed to pay and would be held legally liable by reason of Applicant’s transportation-related activities, or its legal responsibilities under the Shipping Act and the rules and regulations of the FMC, made by Applicant while this agreement is in effect, regardless of the financial responsibility or lack thereof, or the solvency or bankruptcy, of Applicant.


9. The Applicant or Guarantor will promptly notify the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, in writing by mail or email ([email protected]), of all claims made, lawsuits filed, judgments rendered, and payments made under the Guaranty.


10. Applicant and Guarantor agree to handle the processing and adjudication of claims by claimants under the Guaranty established herein in the United States, unless by mutual consent of all parties and claimants another country is agreed upon. Guarantor agrees to appoint an agent for service of process in the United States.


11. This Guaranty shall be governed by the laws in the State of ____ to the extent not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of the FMC.


12. This Guaranty is effective the day of ____, ____, ____ 12:01 a.m., standard time at the address of the Guarantor as stated herein and shall continue in force until terminated as herein provided.


13. The Guarantor hereby designates as the Guarantor’s legal agent for service of process domiciled in the United States ____, with offices located in the United States at ____, for the purposes of enforcing the Guaranty described herein.




(Place and Date of Execution)



(Type Name of Guarantor)



(Type Address of Guarantor)



By



(Signature and Title)

[80 FR 68738, Nov. 5, 2015]


Appendix D to Part 515—Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Group Bond Form [FMC-69]

Form FMC-69

Federal Maritime Commission

Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Group Supplemental Coverage Bond Form (Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309)) (Shipping Act).


____ [indicate whether NVOCC or Freight Forwarder], as Principal (hereinafter “Principal”), and ____ as Surety (hereinafter “Surety”) are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America in the sum of $____ for the payment of which sum we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, jointly and severally.


Whereas, (Principal) ____ operates as a group or association of OTIs in the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States and pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904), files this bond with the Federal Maritime Commission;


Whereas, this group bond is written to ensure compliance by the OTIs, enumerated in Appendix A of this bond, with section 19 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904), and the rules and regulations of the Federal Maritime Commission relating to evidence of financial responsibility for OTIs (46 CFR part 515), this group bond shall be available to pay any judgment obtained or any settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 for damages against such OTIs arising from OTI transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed against one or more OTI members pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109); provided, however, that the Surety’s obligation for a group or association of OTIs shall extend only to such damages, reparations or penalties described herein as are not covered by another surety bond, insurance policy or guaranty held by the OTI(s) against which a claim or final judgment has been brought and that Surety’s total obligation hereunder shall not exceed the amount per OTI provided for in 46 CFR 515.21 or the amount per group or association of OTIs provided for in 46 CFR 515.21 in aggregate.


Now, therefore, the conditions of this obligation are that the penalty amount of this bond shall be available to pay any judgment obtained or any settlement made pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 against the OTIs enumerated in Appendix A of this bond for damages arising from any or all of the identified OTIs’ transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309), or order for reparations issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41301-41302, 41305-41307(a)), or any penalty assessed pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109), that are not covered by the identified OTIs’ individual insurance policy(ies), guaranty(ies) or surety bond(s).


This group bond shall inure to the benefit of any and all persons who have obtained a judgment or made a settlement pursuant to a claim under 46 CFR 515.23 for damages against any or all of the OTIs identified in Appendix A not covered by said OTIs’ insurance policy(ies), guaranty(ies) or surety bond(s) arising from said OTIs’ transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act, or order for reparation issued pursuant to section 11 of the Shipping Act, and to the benefit of the Federal Maritime Commission for any penalty assessed against said OTIs pursuant to section 13 of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. 41107-41109). However, the bond shall not apply to shipments of used household goods and personal effects for the account of the Department of Defense or the account of federal civilian executive agencies shipping under the International Household Goods Program administered by the General Services Administration.


The Surety consents to be sued directly in respect of any bona fide claim owed by any or all of the OTIs identified in Appendix A for damages, reparations or penalties arising from the transportation-related activities under the Shipping Act of the OTIs in the event that such legal liability has not been discharged by the OTIs or Surety after a claimant has obtained a final judgment (after appeal, if any) against the OTIs from a United States Federal or State Court of competent jurisdiction and has complied with the procedures for collecting on such a judgment pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, the Federal Maritime Commission, or where all parties and claimants otherwise mutually consent, from a foreign court, or where such claimant has become entitled to payment of a specified sum by virtue of a compromise settlement agreement made with the OTI(s) and/or Surety pursuant to 46 CFR 515.23, whereby, upon payment of the agreed sum, the Surety is to be fully, irrevocably and unconditionally discharged from all further liability to such claimant(s).


The liability of the Surety shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall aggregate the penalty of this bond, and in no event shall the Surety’s total obligation hereunder exceed the amount per member OTI set forth in 46 CFR 515.21, identified in Appendix A, or the amount per group or association of OTIs set forth in 46 CFR 515.21, regardless of the number of OTIs, claims or claimants.


This bond is effective the ____, day of ____,____ and shall continue in effect until discharged or terminated as herein provided. The Principal or the Surety may at any time terminate this bond by mail or email ([email protected]) written notice to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Such termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after receipt of said notice by the Commission. The Surety shall not be liable for any transportation-related activities of the OTIs identified in Appendix A as covered by the Principal after the expiration of the 30-day period, but such termination shall not affect the liability of the Principal and Surety for any transportation-related activities occurring prior to the date when said termination becomes effective.


The Principal or financial responsibility provider will promptly notify the underwriting Surety in writing and the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, by mail or email ([email protected]), of any additions, deletions or changes to the OTIs enumerated in Appendix A. In the event of additions to Appendix A, coverage will be effective upon receipt of such notice, in writing, by the Commission at its office in Washington, DC. In the event of deletions to Appendix A, termination of coverage for such OTI(s) shall become effective 30 days after receipt of written notice by the Commission. Neither the Principal nor the Surety shall be liable for any transportation-related activities of the OTI(s) deleted from Appendix A that occur after the expiration of the 30-day period, but such termination shall not affect the liability of the Principal and Surety for any transportation-related activities of said OTI(s) occurring prior to the date when said termination becomes effective.


The underwriting Surety will promptly notify the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, in writing by mail or email ([email protected]), of all claims made, lawsuits filed, judgments rendered, and payments made against this group bond.


Signed and sealed this ____ day of ____,


(Please type name of signer under each signature).



Individual Principal or Partner



Business Address



Individual Principal or Partner



Business Address



Individual Principal or Partner



Business Address



Trade Name, if Any



Corporate Principal



Place of Incorporation



Trade Name, if Any



Business Address (Affix Corporate Seal)



By



Title



Principal’s Agent for Service of Process (Required if Principal is not a U.S. Corporation)



Agent’s Address



Corporate Surety



Business Address (Affix Corporate Seal)



By



Title



[80 FR 68738, Nov. 5, 2015; 81 FR 4593, Jan. 27, 2016]


Appendix E to Part 515—Optional Rider for Additional NVOCC Financial Responsibility (Optional Rider to Form FMC-48) [FORM 48A]

FMC-48A, OMB No. 3072-0018, (04/06/04)

Optional Rider for Additional NVOCC Financial Responsibility [Optional Rider to Form FMC-48]

RIDER

The undersigned ____, as Principal and ____, as Surety do hereby agree that the existing Bond No. ____ to the United States of America and filed with the Federal Maritime Commission pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 is modified as follows:


1. The following condition is added to this Bond:


a. An additional condition of this Bond is that $____ (payable in U.S. Dollars or Renminbi Yuan at the option of the Surety) shall be available to pay any fines and penalties for activities in the U.S.-China trades imposed by the Ministry of Communications of the People’s Republic of China (“MOC”) or its authorized competent communications department of the people’s government of the province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government or the State Administration of Industry and Commerce pursuant to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation and the Implementing Rules of the Regulations of the PRC on International Maritime Transportation promulgated by MOC Decree No. 1, January 20, 2003.


b. The liability of the Surety shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments pursuant to section 1 of this Rider, unless and until the payment or payments shall aggregate the amount set forth in section 1a of this Rider. In no event shall the Surety’s obligation under this Rider exceed the amount set forth in section 1a regardless of the number of claims.


c. The total amount of coverage available under this Bond and all of its riders, available pursuant to the terms of section 1(a.) of this rider, equals $____. The total amount of aggregate coverage equals or exceeds $125,000.


d. This Rider is effective the ____ day of ____, 20____, and shall continue in effect until discharged, terminated as herein provided, or upon termination of the Bond in accordance with the sixth paragraph of the Bond. The Principal or the Surety may at any time terminate this Rider by mail or email ([email protected]) written notice to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, accompanied by proof of transmission of notice to MOC. Such termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after receipt of said notice and proof of transmission by the Federal Maritime Commission. The Surety shall not be liable for fines or penalties imposed on the Principal after the expiration of the 30-day period but such termination shall not affect the liability of the Principal and Surety for any fine or penalty imposed prior to the date when said termination becomes effective.


2. This Bond remains in full force and effect according to its terms except as modified above.


In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals on this day ____ of ____________, 20____,


[Principal],


By: ________________________________________________


[Surety],


By: ________________________________________________


[80 FR 68738, Nov. 5, 2015]


Appendix F to Part 515—Optional Rider for Additional NVOCC Financial Responsibility for Group Bonds [Optional Rider to Form FMC-69]

FMC-69A, OMB No. 3072-0018 (04/06/04)

Optional Rider for Additional NVOCC Financial Responsibility for Group Bonds [Optional Rider to Form FMC-69]

RIDER

The undersigned ____, as Principal and ____, as Surety do hereby agree that the existing Bond No. ____ to the United States of America and filed with the Federal Maritime Commission pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 is modified as follows:


1. The following condition is added to this Bond:


a. An additional condition of this Bond is that $ ______________(payable in U.S. Dollars or Renminbi Yuan at the option of the Surety) shall be available to any NVOCC enumerated in an Appendix to this Rider to pay any fines and penalties for activities in the U.S.-China trades imposed by the Ministry of Communications of the People’s Republic of China (“MOC”) or its authorized competent communications department of the people’s government of the province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government or the State Administration of Industry and Commerce pursuant to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation and the Implementing Rules of the Regulations of the PRC on International Maritime Transportation promulgated by MOC Decree No. 1, January 20, 2003. Such amount is separate and distinct from the bond amount set forth in the first paragraph of this Bond. Payment under this Rider shall not reduce the bond amount in the first paragraph of this Bond or affect its availability. The Surety shall indicate that $50,000 is available to pay such fines and penalties for each NVOCC listed on appendix A to this Rider wishing to exercise this option.


b. The liability of the Surety shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments pursuant to section 1 of this Rider, unless and until the payment or payments shall aggregate the amount set forth in section 1a of this Rider. In no event shall the Surety’s obligation under this Rider exceed the amount set forth in section 1a regardless of the number of claims.


c. This Rider is effective the ____ day of ____, 20____, and shall continue in effect until discharged, terminated as herein provided, or upon termination of the Bond in accordance with the sixth paragraph of the Bond. The Principal or the Surety may at any time terminate this Rider by mail or email ([email protected]) written notice to the Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, accompanied by proof of transmission of notice to MOC. Such termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after receipt of said notice and proof of transmission by the Federal Maritime Commission. The Surety shall not be liable for fines or penalties imposed on the Principal after the expiration of the 30-day period but such termination shall not affect the liability of the Principal and Surety for any fine or penalty imposed prior to the date when said termination becomes effective.


2. This Bond remains in full force and effect according to its terms except as modified above.


In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals on this ____________day of ____, 20____.


[Principal],


By: ________________________________________________


[Surety],


By: ________________________________________________


Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice

The collection of this information is authorized generally by Section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904). This is an optional form. Submission is completely voluntary. Failure to submit this form will in no way impact the Federal Maritime Commission’s assessment of your firm’s financial responsibility.


You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Copies of this form will be maintained until the corresponding license has been revoked.


The time needed to complete and file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. The estimated average time is: Recordkeeping, 20 minutes; Learning about the form, 20 minutes; Preparing and sending the form to the FMC, 20 minutes.


If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time estimates or suggestions for making this form simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can write to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street NW., Washington, DC 20573-0001 or email: [email protected]


[80 FR 68738, Nov. 5, 2015]


PART 520—CARRIER AUTOMATED TARIFFS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 553; 46 U.S.C., 40101-40102, 40501-40503, 40701-40706, 41101-41109, 46105.



Source:64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

§ 520.1 Scope and purpose.

(a) Scope. The regulations of this part govern the publication of tariffs in automated systems by common carriers and conferences in the waterborne foreign commerce of the United States. They cover the transportation of property by such carriers, including through transportation with inland carriers. They implement the tariff publication requirements of 46 U.S.C. 40501-40503.


(b) Purpose. The requirements of this part are intended to permit:


(1) Shippers and other members of the public to obtain reliable and useful information concerning the rates and charges that will be assessed by common carriers and conferences for their transportation services;


(2) Carriers and conferences to meet their publication requirements pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 40501-40503;


(3) The Commission to ensure that carrier tariff publications are accurate and accessible and to protect the public from violations by carriers of 46 U.S.C. 41101-41106; and


(4) The Commission to review and monitor the activities of controlled carriers pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 40701-40706.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50721, Oct. 1, 2009; 89 FR 29, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.2 Definitions.

The following definitions apply to this part:


Amendment means any change, alteration, correction or modification of an existing tariff.


Assessorial charge means the amount that is added to the basic ocean freight rate.


BTA means the Commission’s Bureau of Trade Analysis or its successor bureau.


Bulk cargo means cargo that is loaded and carried in bulk without mark or count in a loose unpackaged form, having homogeneous characteristics. Bulk containerized cargo tendered by the shipper is subject to mark and count and is, therefore, subject to the requirements of this part.


Co-loading means the combining of cargo by two or more NVOCCs for tendering to an ocean common carrier under the name of one or more of the NVOCCs.


Combination rate means a rate for a shipment moving under intermodal transportation which is computed by the addition of a tariff rate item (“TRI”) and an inland rate applicable from/to inland points not covered by the TRI.


Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


Commodity description means a comprehensive description of a commodity listed in a tariff, including a brief definition of the commodity, that may be identified by a specific number.


Commodity index means an index of the commodity descriptions contained in a tariff.


Commodity rate means a rate for shipping to or from specific locations a commodity or commodities specifically named or described in the tariff in which the rate or rates are published.


Common carrier means a person holding itself out to the general public to provide transportation by water of cargo between the United States and a foreign country for compensation that:


(1) Assumes responsibility for the transportation from port or point of receipt to the port or point of destination; and


(2) Utilizes, for all or part of that transportation, a vessel operating on the high seas or the Great Lakes between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country, except that the term does not include a common carrier engaged in ocean transportation by ferry boat, ocean tramp, or chemical parcel tanker or by a vessel when primarily engaged in the carriage of perishable agricultural commodities:


(i) If the common carrier and the owner of those commodities are wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by a person primarily engaged in the marketing and distribution of those commodities and


(ii) Only with respect to the carriage of those commodities.


Conference means an agreement between or among two or more ocean common carriers which provides for the fixing of and adherence to uniform tariff rates, charges, practices and conditions of service relating to the receipt, carriage, handling and/or delivery of passengers or cargo for all members, but the term does not include joint service, consortium, pooling, sailing, or transshipment agreements.


Consignee means the recipient of cargo from a shipper; the person to whom a transported commodity is to be delivered.


Container means a demountable and reusable freight-carrying unit designed to be transported by different modes of transportation and having construction, fittings, and fastenings able to withstand, without permanent distortion or additional exterior packaging or containment, the normal stresses that apply on continuous all-water and intermodal transportation. The term includes dry cargo, ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, liquid tank, and open-top containers without chassis, but does not include crates, boxes or pallets.


Controlled carrier means an ocean common carrier that is, or whose operating assets are, directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a government; ownership or control by a government will be deemed to exist with respect to any common carrier if:


(1) A majority portion of the interest in the common carrier is owned or controlled in any manner by that government, by an agency thereof, or by any public or private person controlled in any manner by that government, by any agency thereof, or by any public or private person controlled by that government; or


(2) That government has the right to appoint or disapprove the appointment of a majority of the directors, the chief operating officer or the chief executive officer of the common carrier.


Destination scope means a location group defining the geographic range of cargo destinations covered by a tariff.


Effective date means the date upon which a published tariff or tariff element is scheduled to go into effect. Where there are multiple publications to a tariff element on the same day, the last element published with the same effective date is the one effective for that day.


Expiration date means the last day after which the entire tariff or tariff element is no longer in effect.


Foreign commerce means that commerce under the jurisdiction of title 46 of the United States Code.


Forest products means forest products including, but not limited to, lumber in bundles, rough timber, ties, poles, piling, laminated beams, bundled siding, bundled plywood, bundled core stock or veneers, bundled particle or fiber boards, bundled hardwood, wood pulp in rolls, wood pulp in unitized bales, paper and paper board in rolls or in pallet or skid-sized sheets, liquid or granular by-products derived from pulping and papermaking, and engineered wood products.


Harmonized Code means the coding provisions of the Harmonized System.


Harmonized System means the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, published by the U.S. International Trade Commission, and Schedule B, administered by the U.S. Census Bureau.


Inland division means the amount paid by a common carrier to an inland carrier for the inland portion of through transportation offered to the public by the common carrier.


Inland point means any city and associated state/province, country, U.S. ZIP code, or U.S. ZIP code range, which lies beyond port terminal areas. (A city may share the name of a port: the immediate ship-side and terminal area is the port, but the rest of the city is considered an inland point.)


Inland rate means a rate specified from/to an ocean port to/from an inland point, for specified modes of overland transportation.


Inland rate table means a structured matrix of geographic inland locations (points, postal codes/postal code ranges, etc.) on one axis and transportation modes (truck, rail, etc.) on the other axis, with the inland rates specified at the matrix row and column intersections.


Intermodal transportation means continuous through transportation involving more than one mode of service (e.g., ship, rail, motor, air), for pickup and/or delivery at a point beyond the area of the port at which the vessel calls. The term “intermodal transportation” can apply to “through transportation (at through rates)” or transportation on through routes using combination rates.


Location group means a logical collection of geographic points, ports, states/provinces, countries, or combinations thereof, which is primarily used to identify, by location group name, a group that represents tariff origin and/or destination scope and TRI origin and/or destination.


Loyalty contract means a contract with an ocean common carrier or agreement by which a shipper obtains lower rates by committing all or a fixed portion of its cargo to that carrier or agreement and the contract provides for a deferred rebate arrangement.


Motor vehicle means a wheeled vehicle whose primary purpose is ordinarily the non-commercial transportation of passengers, including an automobile, pickup truck, minivan, or sport utility vehicle.


Ocean common carrier means a common carrier that operates, for all or part of its common carrier service, a vessel on the high seas or the Great Lakes between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country, except that the term does not include a common carrier engaged in ocean transportation by ferry boat, ocean tramp, or chemical parcel-tanker.


Ocean transportation intermediary means an ocean freight forwarder or a non-vessel-operating common carrier. For purposes of this part,


(1) Ocean freight forwarder means a person that—


(i) In the United States, dispatches shipments from the United States via a common carrier and books or otherwise arranges space for those shipments on behalf of shippers; and


(ii) Processes the documentation or performs related activities incident to those shipments; and


(2) Non-vessel-operating common carrier (“NVOCC”) means a common carrier that does not operate the vessels by which the ocean transportation is provided, and is a shipper in its relationship with an ocean common carrier.


Open rate means a rate on a specified commodity or commodities over which a conference relinquishes or suspends its ratemaking authority in whole or in part, thereby permitting each individual ocean common carrier member of the conference to fix its own rate on such commodity or commodities.


Organization name means an entity’s name on file with the Commission and for which the Commission assigns an organization number.


Organization record means information regarding an entity, including its name, address, and organization type.


Origin scope means a location group defining the geographic range of cargo origins covered by a tariff.


Person includes individuals, firms, partnerships, associations, companies, corporations, joint stock associations, trustees, receivers, agents, assignees and personal representatives.


Port means a place at which a common carrier originates or terminates (by transshipment or otherwise) its actual ocean carriage of cargo or passengers as to any particular transportation movement.


Project rates means rates applicable to the transportation of materials and equipment to be employed in the construction or development of a named facility used for a major governmental, charitable, manufacturing, resource exploitation and public utility or public service purpose, including disaster relief projects.


Proportional rates means rates or charges assessed by a common carrier for transportation services, the application of which is conditioned upon a prior or subsequent movement.


Publication date means the date a tariff or tariff element is published in a carrier’s or conference’s tariff.


Publisher means a person authorized by a common carrier to publish or amend tariff information.


Rate means a price stated in a tariff for providing a specified level of transportation service for a stated cargo quantity, from origin to destination, on and after a stated effective date or within a defined time frame.


Retrieval means the process by which a person accesses a tariff and interacts with the carrier’s or publisher’s system on a transaction-by-transaction basis to retrieve published tariff matter.


Rules means the stated terms and conditions set by a common carrier or a conference of common carriers which govern the application of tariff rates, charges, and other matters.


Scope means the location group(s) (geographic groupings(s)) listing the ports or ranges of ports to and from which the tariff’s rates apply.


Shipment means all of the cargo carried under the terms of a single bill of lading.


Shipper means:


(1) A cargo owner;


(2) The person for whose account the ocean transportation of cargo is provided;


(3) The person to whom delivery is to be made (e.g., consignee);


(4) A shippers’ association, meaning a group of shippers that consolidates or distributes freight on a nonprofit basis for the members of the group to obtain carload, truckload, or other volume rates or service contracts; or


(5) An NVOCC that accepts responsibility for payment of all charges applicable under the tariff or service contract.


Special permission means permission, authorized by the Commission, for certain tariff publications that do not conform with applicable regulations, usually involving effectiveness on less than statutory notice.


Tariff means a publication containing the actual rates, charges, classifications, rules, regulations and practices of a common carrier or a conference of common carriers. The term “practices” refers to those usages, customs or modes of operation which in any way affect, determine or change the transportation rates, charges or services provided by a common carrier or conference and, in the case of conferences, must be restricted to activities authorized by the basic conference agreement.


Tariff number means a unique three-digit number assigned by the publisher to distinguish it from other tariffs. Tariffs must be identified by the six-digit organization number plus the user-assigned tariff number (e.g., 999999-001) or a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (“SCAC”) plus the user-assigned tariff number.


Tariff rate item (“TRI”) means a single freight rate, in effect on and after a specific date or for a specific time period, for the transportation of a stated cargo quantity, which moves from origin to destination under a single specified set of transportation conditions, such as container size or temperature.


TRI number means a number that consists of the numeric commodity code, if any, and a unique numeric suffix used to differentiate TRIs within the same commodity description. TRI numbers are not required in systems that do not use numeric commodity coding.


Through date means the date after which an amendment to a tariff element is designated by the publisher to be unavailable for use and the previously effective tariff element automatically goes back into effect.


Through rate means the single amount charged by a common carrier in connection with through transportation.


Through transportation means continuous transportation between origin and destination, for which a through rate is assessed and which is offered or performed by one or more carriers, at least one of which is a common carrier, between a United States port or point and a foreign port or point.


Time/volume rate means a rate published in a tariff which is conditioned upon receipt of a specified aggregate volume of cargo or aggregate freight revenue over a specified period of time.


Trade name means a name used for conducting business, but which is not necessarily its legal name. This is also known as a “d/b/a” (doing business as) name.


Transshipment means the physical transfer of cargo from a vessel of one carrier to a vessel of another in the course of all-water or through transportation, where at least one of the exchanging carriers is an ocean common carrier subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 23022, Apr. 29, 1999; 65 FR 26512, May 8, 2000; 67 FR 39860, June 11, 2002; 89 FR 29, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.3 Publication responsibilities.

(a) General. Unless otherwise exempted or excepted by § 520.13, all common carriers and conferences must keep open for public inspection in automated tariff systems tariffs showing all rates, charges, classifications, rules, and practices between all points or ports on their own routes and on any through transportation route that has been established.


(b) Conferences. Conferences must publish in their automated tariff systems rates offered pursuant to independent action by their members and may publish any open rates offered by their members. Alternatively, open rates may be published in individual tariffs of conference members.


(c) Publishers. Common carriers or conferences can use publishers to meet their publication requirements under this part.


(d) Notification. (1) Prior to the commencement of common carrier service pursuant to a published tariff, each common carrier and conference must electronically submit to BTA Form FMC-1 via the Commission’s website www.fmc.gov.


(2) The common carrier and conference must include on Form FMC-1 its organization name, organization number, home office address, name and email address and telephone number of the firm’s representative, the location of its tariffs, and the publisher, if any, used to maintain its tariffs.


(3) Any changes to the above information must be transmitted to BTA within 30 calendar days.


(4) The Commission will provide a unique organization number to new entities operating as common carriers or conferences in the U.S. foreign commerce.


(e) Location of tariffs. The Commission will publish on its website, www.fmc.gov, a list of the locations of all common carrier and conference tariffs.


(f) NVOCC failure to maintain tariff. Failure to maintain a tariff will result in revocation of an NVOCC’s license or suspension of a foreign-based unlicensed NVOCC’s registration.


[89 FR 30, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.4 Tariff contents.

(a) General. Tariffs published pursuant to this part must:


(1) State the places between which cargo will be carried;


(2) List each classification of cargo in use;


(3) State the level of compensation, if any, to be paid by a carrier or conference to an ocean freight forwarder, as defined by 46 U.S.C. 40102(19);


(4) State separately each terminal or other charge, privilege, or facility under the control of the carrier or conference and any rules that in any way change, affect, or determine any part or the total of the rates or charges;


(5) Include sample copies of any bill of lading showing legible terms and conditions, contract of affreightment, and/or other document evidencing the transportation agreement;


(6) Include copies of any loyalty contract, omitting the shipper’s name;


(7) Contain an organization record, tariff record, and tariff rules; and


(8) For commodity tariffs, also contain a retrievable commodity index, commodity descriptions, and tariff rate items.


(b) Organization record. Common carriers’ and conferences’ organization records must include:


(1) Organization name;


(2) Organization number assigned by the Commission;


(3) Agreement number, where applicable;


(4) Organization type (e.g., ocean common carrier (VOCC), conference (CONF), non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) or agent);


(5) Home office address and telephone number of firm’s representative;


(6) Names and organization numbers of all affiliates to conferences or agreements, including trade names; and


(7) The publisher, if any, used to maintain the organization’s tariffs.


(c) Tariff record. The tariff record for each tariff must include:


(1) Organization number and name, including any trade name;


(2) Tariff number;


(3) Tariff title;


(4) Tariff type (e.g., commodity, rules, equipment interchange, or bill of lading);


(5) Contact person and address;


(6) Default measurement and currency units;


(7) Origination and destination scope; and


(8) A statement certifying that all information contained in the tariff is true and accurate and no unlawful alterations will be permitted.


(d) Tariff rules. Carriers and conferences must publish in their tariffs any rule that affects the application of the tariff.


(e) Commodity descriptions.(1) If a tariff publisher uses a numeric code to identify commodities, the following commodity types must be preceded by their associated 2-digit prefixes, with the remaining digits at the publisher’s option:


(i) Mixed commodities—“99”;


(ii) Projects—“98”; and


(iii) non-commodities, e.g., “cargo, n.o.s.,” “general cargo,” or “freight-all kinds”—“00”.


(2) Commodity index. (i) Common carriers or their publishers must have at least one similar index entry which will logically represent the commodity within the alphabetical index for each commodity description it creates under this section. Common carriers or their publishers must create multiple entries in the index for articles with equally valid common use names, such as “Sodium Chloride,” “Salt, common,” etc.


(ii) If a commodity description includes two or more commodities, each included commodity must be shown in the index.


(iii) Items, such as “mixed commodities,” “projects” or “project rates,” “n.o.s.” descriptions, and “FAK,” must be included in the commodity index.


(f) Tariff rate items. A tariff rate item (“TRI”) is the single freight rate in effect for the transportation of cargo under a specified set of transportation conditions. TRIs must contain the following:


(1) Brief commodity description;


(2) TRI number (optional);


(3) Publication date;


(4) Effective date;


(5) Origin and destination scopes or location groups;


(6) Rate and rate basis; and


(7) Service code.


(g) Location groups. In the primary tariff or in a governing tariff, a publisher may define and create groups of cities, states, provinces, and countries (e.g., location groups) or groups of ports (e.g., port groups), which can be used in the construction of TRIs and other tariff objects, in lieu of specifying particular place names in each tariff item or creating multiple tariff items which are identical in all ways except for place names.


(h) Inland rate tables. If a carrier or conference desires to provide intermodal transportation to or from named points/postal regions at combination rates, it must clearly and accurately set forth the applicable charges in an “Inland Rate Tables” section. An inland rate table may be constructed to provide an inland distance which is applied to a per mile rate to calculate the inland rate.


(i) Shipper requests. Conference tariffs must contain clear and complete instructions, in accordance with the agreement’s provisions, stating where and by what method shippers can file requests and complaints and how they can engage in consultation pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 40303(b)(6)-(7), together with a sample rate request form or a description of the information necessary for processing the request or complaint.


(j) Inland divisions. Common carriers are not required to state separately or otherwise reveal in tariffs the inland division of a through rate.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50722, Oct. 1, 2009; 89 FR 31, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.5 Standard tariff terminology.

(a) Approved codes. The Standard Terminology Appendix contains codes for rate bases, container sizes, service, etc., and units for weight, measure and distance. They are intended to provide a standard terminology baseline for tariffs to facilitate retriever efficiency. Tariff publishers can use additional codes, if they are clearly defined in their tariffs.


(b) Geographic names. Tariffs should employ locations (points) that are provided by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency or the Geographic Names Information System developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Ports published or approved for publication in the World Port Index (Pub. 150) should also be used in tariffs. Tariff publishers can use geographic names that are currently in use and have not yet been included in these publications.


[89 FR 31, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.6 Retrieval of information.

(a) General. Tariffs systems must present retrievers with the ability to:


(1) Search for commonly understood tariff objects (e.g., commodities, origins, destinations, etc.) without restricting such search to a specific tariff;


(2) Search a tariff for a rate on the basis of origin, destination and commodity;


(3) Employ a tariff selection option; or


(4) Select an object group (e.g., rules, locations, groups, etc.) within a particular tariff.


(b) Search capability. Publisher must provide the capability to search for tariff matter by non-case sensitive text search. Text search matches for commodity descriptions must result in a commodity or retrievable commodity index list.


(c) Commodities and TRIs. Retriever selection of a specific commodity from a commodity index list must display the commodity description and provide an option for searching for a rate (e.g., on the basis of origin/destination) or a TRI list, if multiple TRIs are in effect for the commodity.


(d) Object groups. Retriever selection of a specific object group must result in a list of the objects within the group or present a text search mechanism to allow location of an object within the group. For example, selection of the rules object group would present a list of the rules or a text search mechanism for locating specific terms or phrases within the rules.


(e) Basic ocean freight. The minimum rate display for tariffs must consist of the basic ocean freight rate and a list of all assessorial charges and surcharges that apply for the retriever-entered shipment parameters. The tariff must indicate when other rules or charges apply to a shipment under certain circumstances.


(f) Displays. All displays of individual tariff matter must include the publication date, effective date, amendment code (use codes in appendix A to this part), and object name or number. When applicable, a through date or expiration date must also be displayed. Use of “S” as an amendment code must be accompanied by a Commission issued special permission number.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 89 FR 31, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.7 Tariff limitations.

(a) General. Tariffs published pursuant to this part must:


(1) Be clear and definite;


(2) Use English as the primary textual language;


(3) Not contain cross-references to any other rate tariffs, except:


(i) A tariff of general applicability maintained by that same carrier or conference;


(ii) The individual tariffs of members of a non-conference agreement to enter into time/volume rates can cross-reference the tariffs of other members for purposes of said time/volume rates;


(iii) Multiple common tariffs of a conference agreement to enter into time/volume rates can cross-reference their own multiple conference tariffs for purposes of said time/volume rates; and


(iv) An NVOCC may cross-reference an ocean common carrier tariff for the purpose of charging its shipper the ocean common carrier’s published and effective surcharges, assessorial charges, and general rate increases, but the NVOCC must clearly list the named charges or categories of charges in the NVOCC’s tariff, and must not mark them up above cost. Any fee associated with services provided by the NVOCC to its shipper should be separate and distinguished from the vessel-operating common carrier’s surcharges, assessorial charges, and general rate increases, and specify the service for which the shipper is being charged.


(4) Not duplicate or conflict with any other tariff publication.


(b) Notice of cancellation. Carriers and conferences must inform BTA, in writing, whenever a tariff is canceled and the effective date of that cancellation.


(c) Applicable rates. The rates, charges, and rules applicable to any given shipment must be those in effect on the date the cargo is received by the common carrier or its agent including originating carriers in the case of rates for through transportation.


(d) Minimum quantity rates. When two or more TRIs are stated for the same commodity over the same route and under similar conditions, and the application is dependent upon the quantity of the commodity shipped, the total freight charges assessed against the shipment may not exceed the total charges computed for a larger quantity, if the TRI specifying a required minimum quantity (either weight or measurement; per container or in containers) will be applicable to the contents of the container(s), and if the minimum set forth is met or exceeded. At the shipper’s option, a quantity less than the minimum level may be freighted at the lower TRI if the weight or measurement declared for rating purposes is increased to the minimum level.


(e) Conference situations. (1) New members of a conference must cancel any independent tariffs applicable to the trades served by the conference within 90 days of membership in the conference. Individual conference members can publish their own separate open rate tariffs. A new member’s participation in the conference tariff is effective on the date notice of membership is published in the conference tariff, unless a later effective date is specified.


(2) New conference agreements have ninety (90) days within which to publish a new tariff.


(f) Overcharge claims. (1) A tariff must not limit the filing of overcharge claims by a shipper with a common carrier to a period of less than 3 years from the accrual of the cause of action.


(2) The acceptance of any overcharge claim cannot be conditioned upon the payment of a fee or charge.


(3) A tariff must not require that overcharge claims based on alleged errors in weight, measurement, or description of cargo be filed before the cargo has left the custody of the common carrier.


(g) Returned cargo. When a carrier or conference offers the return shipment of refused, damaged or rejected shipments, or exhibits at trade fairs, shows or expositions, to port of origin at the TRI assessed on the original movement, and such TRI is lower than the prevailing TRI:


(1) The return shipment must occur within one (1) year;


(2) The return movement must be made over the line of the same common carrier performing the original movement, except in the use of a conference tariff, where return may be made by any member line when the original shipment was carried under the conference tariff; and


(3) A copy of the original bill of lading showing the rate assessed must be presented to the return common carrier.


(h) Charges assessed by ocean common carriers to non-vessel-operating common carriers. NVOCCs may pass through charges received from ocean common carriers for terminal services, canal tolls, additional charges, or other provisions which are not under the control of the ocean common carrier or conferences and for which the NVOCC merely acts as a collection agent. The charges or categories of charges must be clearly listed in the NVOCC’s tariffs and not marked up above cost.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 39860, June 11, 2002; 89 FR 31, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.8 Effective dates.

(a) General. (1) No new or initial rate, charge, or change in an existing rate, that results in an increased cost to a shipper may become effective earlier than thirty (30) calendar days after publication.


(2) An amendment which deletes a specific commodity and applicable rate from a tariff, thereby resulting in a higher “cargo n.o.s.” or similar general cargo rate, is a rate increase requiring a 30-day notice period.


(3) Rates for the transportation of cargo for the U.S. Department of Defense may be effective upon publication.


(4) Changes in rates, charges, rules, regulations or other tariff provisions resulting in a decrease in cost to a shipper may become effective upon publication.


(b) Amendments. The following amendments may take effect upon publication:


(1) Those resulting in no change in cost to a shipper;


(2) The canceling of a tariff due to cessation of all service by the carrier between the ports or points covered by the tariff;


(3) The addition of a port or point to a previously existing origin or destination scope; or


(4) Changes in charges which are not under the control of the common carrier or conference (including terminal services, canal tolls, additional charges, or other provisions) for which the carrier or conference merely acts as a collection agent for such charges and the agency making such changes does so without notifying the common carrier or conference. Ocean common carriers and NVOCCs must not mark up these charges above cost.


(c) Controlled carriers. Published rates by or for controlled carriers are governed by the procedures set forth in part 565 of this chapter.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 89 FR 32, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.9 Access to tariffs.

(a) Methods to access. Carriers and conferences must provide access to their published tariffs via the internet.


(b) Internet connection. (1) The internet connection requires that systems provide a uniform resource locator (“URL”) internet address.


(2) Carriers or conferences must ensure that their internet service providers provide static internet addresses.


(c) Tariff availability. (1) Tariffs must be made available to any person without time, quantity, or other limitations.


(2) Carriers and conferences must provide free access to their tariff publication system.


(3) Tariff publication systems must provide user instructions for access to tariff information.


(d) Federal agencies. Carriers and conferences must not assess any access charges against the Commission or any other Federal agency.


(e) User identifications. Carriers and conferences must provide the Commission with the requisite documentation and the number of user identifications and passwords required to facilitate the Commission’s access to their systems, if those systems require such identifications and passwords.


[89 FR 32, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.10 Integrity of tariffs.

(a) Historical data. Carriers and conferences must keep the data that appeared in their tariff publication systems for a period of 5 years from the date such information is superseded, canceled, or withdrawn, and must provide online access to such data for 2 years. After 2 years, such data must be retained online or in other electronic form and must be made available to any person or the Commission upon request within 45 days, unless otherwise agreed. Carriers and conferences may charge a reasonable fee for the provision of historical data, not to exceed the fees for obtaining such data online. Carriers and conferences must not charge a fee to the Commission or any other Federal agency.


(b) Access date capability. Each tariff must provide the capability for a retriever to enter an access date, i.e., a specific date for the retrieval of tariff data, so that only data in effect on that date would be directly retrievable. This capability would also align any rate adjustments and assessorial charges that were effective on the access date for rate calculations and designation of applicable surcharges. The access date also applies to the alignment of tariff objects for any governing tariffs.


(c) Periodic review. The Commission will periodically review published tariff systems and will prohibit the use of any system that fails to meet the requirements of this part.


(d) Access to systems. Carriers and conferences must provide the Commission reasonable access to their automated systems and records for the Commission’s review.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 89 FR 32, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.11 Non-vessel-operating common carriers.

(a) Financial responsibility. An ocean transportation intermediary that operates as a non-vessel-operating common carrier must state in its tariff publication:


(1) That it has furnished the Commission proof of its financial responsibility in the manner and amount required by part 515 of this chapter;


(2) The manner of its financial responsibility;


(3) Whether it is relying on coverage provided by a group or association to which it is a member;


(4) The name and address of the surety company, insurance company, or guarantor issuing the bond, insurance policy, or guaranty;


(5) The number of its bond, insurance policy, or guaranty; and


(6) Where applicable, the name and address of the group or association providing coverage.


(b) Agent for service. Every NVOCC not in the United States must state the name and address of the person in the United States designated under part 515 of this chapter as its legal agent for service of process, including subpoenas. The NVOCC must also state that in any instance in which the designated legal agent cannot be served because of death, disability, or unavailability, the Commission’s Secretary will be deemed to be its legal agent for service of process.


(c) Co-loading. NVOCCs must address the following situations in their tariffs:


(1) If two or more NVOCCs enter into an agreement which establishes a carrier-to-carrier relationship for the co-loading of cargo, then the existence of such agreement must be noted in the tariff. Carrier-to-carrier relationships apply to the co-loading of less than container loads of cargo only.


(2) If two NVOCCs enter into a co-loading arrangement which results in a shipper-to-carrier relationship, the tendering NVOCC must describe its co-loading practices and specify its responsibility to pay any charges for the transportation of the cargo. A shipper-to-carrier relationship is presumed to exist where the receiving NVOCC issues a bill of lading to the tendering NVOCC for carriage of the co-loaded cargo. Shipper-to-carrier relationships may apply to the co-loading of full container loads or less than container loads of cargo.


(3) An NVOCC which tenders cargo to another NVOCC for co-loading, whether under a shipper-to-carrier or carrier-to-carrier relationship, shall annotate each applicable bill of lading with the identity of any other NVOCC to which the shipment has been tendered for co-loading. Such annotation shall be shown on the face of the bill of lading in a clear and legible manner.


[89 FR 32, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.12 Time/Volume rates.

(a) General. Common carriers or conferences must publish in their tariffs rates that are conditioned upon the receipt of a specified aggregate volume of cargo or aggregate freight revenue over a specified period of time.


(b) Publication requirements. (1) All rates, charges, classifications rules and practices concerning time/volume rates must be set forth in the carrier’s or conference’s tariff.


(2) The tariff must identify:


(i) The shipment records that will be maintained to support the rate; and


(ii) The method to be used by shippers giving notice of their intention to use a time/volume rate prior to tendering any shipments under the time/volume arrangement.


(c) Accepted rates. Once a time/volume rate is accepted by one shipper, it will remain in effect for the time specified, without amendment. If no shipper gives notice within 30 days of publication, a common carrier or conference may cancel the time/volume rate.


(d) Records. Shipper notices and shipment records supporting a time/volume rate must be maintained by the offering carrier or conference for at least 5 years after a shipper’s use of a time/volume rate has ended.


(e) Liquidated damages. Time/volume rates must not impose or attempt to impose liquidated damages on any shipper that moves cargo under the rate. Carriers and agreements must rerate cargo moved at the applicable tariff rate if a shipper fails to meet the requirements of the time/volume offer.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 89 FR 33, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.13 Exemptions and exceptions.

(a) General. Exemptions from the requirements of this part are governed by 46 U.S.C. 40103 and § 502.92 of this chapter.


(b) Services. The following services are exempt from the requirements of this part:


(1) Equipment interchange agreements. Equipment-interchange agreements between common carriers subject to this part and inland carriers, where such agreements are not referred to in the carriers’ tariffs and do not affect the tariff rates, charges or practices of the carriers.


(2) Controlled carriers in foreign commerce. A controlled common carrier is exempt from the provisions of this part exclusively applicable to controlled carriers when:


(i) The vessels of the controlling state are entitled by a treaty of the United States to receive national or most-favored-nation treatment; or


(ii) The controlled carrier operates in a trade served exclusively by controlled carriers.


(3) Terminal barge operators in Pacific Slope states. Transportation provided by terminal barge operators in Pacific Slope states barging containers and containerized cargo by barge between points in the United States are exempt from the tariff publication requirements of subtitle IV of title 46 of the United States Code and the rules of this part, where:


(i) The cargo is moving between a point in a foreign country or a non-contiguous State, territory, or possession and a point in the United States;


(ii) The transportation by barge between points in the United States is furnished by a terminal operator as a service substitute in lieu of a direct vessel call by the common carrier by water transporting the containers or containerized cargo under a through bill of lading; and


(iii) Such terminal operator is a Pacific Slope state, municipality, or other public body or agency subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, and the only one furnishing the particular circumscribed barge service in question as of January 2, 1975.


(c) Cargo types. The following cargo types are not subject to the requirements of this part:


(1) Bulk cargo, forest products, etc. This part does not apply to bulk cargo, forest products, recycled metal scrap, new assembled motor vehicles, waste paper and paper waste. Carriers or conferences which voluntarily publish tariff provisions covering otherwise exempt transportation thereby subject themselves to the requirements of this part, including the requirement to adhere to the tariff provisions.


(2) Mail in foreign commerce. Transportation of mail between the United States and foreign countries.


(3) Used military household goods. Transportation of used military household goods and personal effects by ocean transportation intermediaries.


(4) Department of Defense cargo. Transportation of U.S. Department of Defense cargo moving in foreign commerce under terms and conditions negotiated and approved by the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and published in a universal service contract. An exact copy of the universal service contract, including any amendments thereto, must be provided to the Commission in electronic format upon request.


(5) Used household goods—General Services Administration. Transportation of used household goods and personal effects by ocean transportation intermediaries shipped for federal civilian executive agencies under the International Household Goods Program administered by the General Services Administration.


(d) Services involving foreign countries. The following transportation services involving foreign countries are not subject to the requirements of this part:


(1) Between foreign countries. This part does not apply to transportation of cargo between foreign countries, including that which is transshipped from one ocean common carrier to another (or between vessels of the same common carrier) at a U.S. port or transferred between an ocean common carrier and another transportation mode at a U.S. port for overland carriage through the United States, where the ocean common carrier accepts custody of the cargo in a foreign country and issues a through bill of lading covering its transportation to a foreign point of destination.


(2) Between Canada and U.S. The following services are exempt from the filing requirements of subtitle IV of title 46 of the United States Code and the rules of this part:


(i) Prince Rupert and Alaska—(A) Vehicles. Transportation by vessels operated by the State of Alaska between Prince Rupert, Canada and ports in southeastern Alaska, if all the following conditions are met:


(1) Carriage of property is limited to vehicles;


(2) Tolls levied for vehicles are based solely on space utilized rather than the weight or contents of the vehicle and are the same whether the vehicle is loaded or empty;


(3) The vessel operator does not move the vehicles on or off the ship; and


(4) The common carrier does not participate in any joint rate establishing through routes or in any other type of agreement with any other common carrier.


(B) Passengers. Transportation of passengers, commercial buses carrying passengers, personal vehicles and personal effects by vessels operated by the State of Alaska between Seattle, Washington and Prince Rupert, Canada, only if such vehicles and personal effects are the accompanying personal property of the passengers and are not transported for the purpose of sale.


(ii) British Columbia and Puget Sound Ports; rail cars—(A) Through rates. Transportation by water of cargo moving in rail cars between British Columbia, Canada, and United States ports on Puget Sound, and between British Columbia, Canada, and ports or points in Alaska, if the cargo does not originate in or is not destined to foreign countries other than Canada, and if:


(1) The through rates are filed with the Surface Transportation Board and/or the Canadian Transport Commission; and


(2) Certified copies of the rate divisions and of all agreements, arrangements or concurrences, entered into in connection with the transportation of such cargo, are filed with the Commission within 30 days of the effectiveness of such rate divisions, agreements, arrangements or concurrences.


(B) Bulk; port-to-port. Transportation by water of cargo moving in bulk without mark or count in rail cars on a local port-to-port rate basis between ports in British Columbia, Canada and United States ports on Puget Sound, only if the rates charged for any particular bulk type commodity on any one sailing are identical for all shippers, except that:


(1) This exemption does not apply to cargo originating in or destined to foreign countries other than Canada; and


(2) The carrier will remain subject to all other provisions of the subtitle IV of title 46 of the United States Code.


(e) NVOCC Negotiated Rate Arrangements. An NVOCC that satisfies the requirements of part 532 of this chapter is exempt from the requirement in this part that it include rates in a tariff open to public inspection in an automated tariff system.


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50722, Oct. 1, 2009; 76 FR 11360, Mar. 2, 2011; 78 FR 42888, July 18, 2013; 89 FR 33, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.14 Special permission.

(a) General. The statute at 46 U.S.C. 40501(e) authorizes the Commission, in its discretion and for good cause shown, to permit increases or decreases in rates, or the issuance of new or initial rates, on less than the statutory notice. The statutes at 46 U.S.C. 40703 and 40704(a) authorize the Commission to permit a controlled carrier’s rates, charges, classifications, rules or regulations to become effective on less than 30 days’ notice. The Commission may also in its discretion and for good cause shown, permit departures from the requirements of this part.


(b) Clerical errors. Typographical and/or clerical errors constitute good cause for the exercise of special permission authority. Every special permission application must plainly specify the error and present clear evidence of its existence. The special permission application must also include a full statement of the attending circumstances. The special permission application must be submitted with reasonable promptness after publishing the defective tariff material.


(c) Application. (1) Applications for special permission to establish rate increases or decreases on less than statutory notice or for waiver of the provisions of this part must be made by the common carrier, conference, or agent for publishing. Every such application must be submitted to the Bureau of Trade Analysis and be accompanied by a filing fee of $313.


(2) Applications for special permission must be made by letter, submitted via mail or email, followed promptly by electronic payment of the filing fee.


(3) Applications for special permission must contain the following information:


(i) Organization name, number and trade name of the conference or carrier;


(ii) Tariff number and title;


(iii) The rate, commodity, or rules related to the application, and the special circumstances which the applicant believes constitute good cause to depart from the requirements of this part or to warrant a tariff change upon less than the statutory notice period; and


(iv) A statement that identifies any part(s) of the application for which confidential treatment is sought and a justification for such confidential treatment. In such cases, the applicant must provide both a confidential version and a public version of the application.


(d) Implementation. The authority granted by the Commission must be used in its entirety, including the prompt publishing of the material for which permission was requested. Applicants must use the special case number assigned by the Commission with the symbol “S.”


[64 FR 11225, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 39860, June 11, 2002; 70 FR 10330, Mar. 3, 2005; 74 FR 50722, Oct. 1, 2009; 81 FR 59144, Aug. 29, 2016; 83 FR 50294, Oct. 5, 2018; 85 FR 72578, Nov. 13, 2020; 88 FR 16898, Mar. 21, 2023; 89 FR 33, Jan. 2, 2024]


§ 520.91 OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Commission has received OMB approval for this collection of information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as amended. In accordance with the Act, agencies are required to display a currently valid control number. The valid control number for this collection of information is 3072-0064.


Appendix A to Part 520—Standard Terminology and Codes

I—Publishing/Amendment Type Codes

Code
Definition
AIncrease.
CChange resulting in neither increase nor decrease in rate or charges.
EExpiration (also use “A” if the deletion results in the application of a higher “cargo, n.o.s.” or similar rate).
INew or initial matter.
KRate or change filed by a controlled common carrier member of a conference under independent action.
MTransportation of U.S. Department of Defense cargo by American-flag common carriers.
PAddition of a port or point.
RReduction.
SSpecial Case matter filed pursuant to Special Permission, Special Docket or other Commission direction, including filing of tariff data after suspension, such as for controlled carriers. Requires “Special Case Number.”
TTerminal Rates, charges or provisions or canal tolls over which the carrier has no control.
WWithdrawal of an erroneous publication on the same publication date.
XExemption for controlled carrier data in trades served exclusively by controlled carriers or by controlled carriers of states receiving most-favored-nation treatment.

II—Unit Codes

A. Weight Units:
KilogramsKGS
1000 Kgs (Metric Ton)KT
PoundsLBS
Long Ton (2240 LBS)LT
Short Ton (2000 LBS)ST
B. Volume Units:
Cubic meterCBM
Cubic feetCFT
C. Length Units:
CentimetersCM
FeetFT
InchesIN
MetersM
D. Measure Board Feet:
Thousand Board FeetMBF
E. Distance Units:
KilometersKM
MilesMI
F. Rate Basis:
Ad ValoremAV
EachEA
Lump SumLS
MeasureM
Thousand Board FeetMBF
Per ContainerPC
WeightW
Weight/MeasureWM
G. Container Size Codes:
Not ApplicableN/A
Less Than LoadLTL
10 FT Any Height10X
20 FT 8′6″20
20 FT 9′0″ High Cube20A
20 FT 9′6″ High Cube20B
20 FT 8′0″20S
20 FT Any Height20X
24 FT 8′6″24
24 FT 9′0″ High Cube24A
24 FT 9′6″ High Cube24B
24 FT 8′0″24S
24 FT Any Height24X
35 FT 8′6″35
35 FT 9′0″ High Cube35A
35 FT 9′6″ High Cube35B
35 FT 8′0″35S
35 FT Any Height35X
40 FT 8′6″40
40 FT 9′0″ High Cube40A
40 FT 9′6″ High Cube40B
40 FT 8′0″40S
40 FT Any Height40X
42 FT 8′6″42
42 FT 9′0″ High Cube42A
42 FT 9′6″ High Cube42B
42 FT 8′0″42S
42 FT Any Height42X
43 FT 8′6″43
43 FT 9′0″ High Cube43A
43 FT 9′6″ High Cube43B
43 FT 8′0″43S
43 FT Any Height43X
45 FT 8′6″45
45 FT 9′0″ High Cube45A
45 FT 9′6″ High Cube45B
45 FT 8′0″45S
45 FT Any Height45X
48 FT 8′6″48
48 FT 9′0″ High Cube48A
48 FT 9′6″ High Cube48B
48 FT 8′0″48S
48 FT Any Height48X
53 FT 8′6″53
53 FT 9′0″ High Cube53A
53 FT 9′6″ High Cube53B
53 FT 8′0″53S
53 FT Any Height53X
H. Container Type Codes:
Not ApplicableN/A
Atmosphere ControlAC
Collapsible FlatrackCF
Drop FrameDF
Flat BedFB
Flat RackFR
Garment ContainerGC
Half-HeightHH
HardtopHT
InsulatedIN
Open TopOT
DryPC
PlatformPL
ReeferRE
TankTC
Top LoaderTL
TrailerTR
Vehicle RacksVR
I. Container Temperature Codes:
Not Appl/OperatingN/A
Artificial Atmo CtrlAC
ChilledCLD
FrozenFRZ
HeatedHTD
RefrigeratedRE
VentilatedVEN
J. Packaging Codes:
BagBAG
BaleBAL
BarBAR
BarrelBBL
BundleBDL
BeamBEM
Bing ChestBIC
BinBIN
BulkBLK
BobbinBOB
BoxBOX
BargeBRG
Basket/HamperBSK
BushelBUS
Box, with Inner CntnBXI
BucketBXT
CabinetCAB
CageCAG
CanCAN
CarrierCAR
CaseCAS
Cntnrs of Bulk CargoCBC
CarboyCBY
Can CaseCCS
CheesesCHE
CoreCOR
CradleCRD
CrateCRT
CaskCSK
CartonCTN
CylinderCYL
Dry BulkDBK
Double-length RackDRK
DrumDRM
Double-length SkidDSK
Double-lengthDTB
FirkinFIR
Flo-BinFLO
FrameFRM
FlaskFSK
Forward ReelFWR
Garment on HangerGOH
Heads of BeefHED
HogsheadHGH
Hopper CarHPC
Hopper TruckHPT
On Hanger/Rack in bxHRB
Half-Standard RackHRK
Half-Stand. Tote BinHTB
JarJAR
KegKEG
KitKIT
Knockdown RackKRK
Knockdown Wood CratesKWC
Knockdown Tote BinKTB
Liquid BulkLBK
LiftsLIF
LogLOG
LooseLSE
LugLUG
Lift VanLVN
Multi-roll PakMRP
NoilNOL
NestedNST
PailPAL
Packed—NOSPCK
PiecesPCS
PirnsPIR
PackagePKG
PlatformPLF
Pipe LinePLN
PalletPLT
Private VehiclePOV
Pipe RackPRK
Quarters of BeefQTR
Rail (semiconductor)RAL
RackRCK
ReelREL
RollROL
Reverse ReelRVR
SackSAK
ShookSHK
Sides of BeefSID
SkidSKD
Skid, Elev, Lift TrkSKE
SleeveSLV
Spin CylindersSPI
SpoolSPL
TubeTBE
Tote BinTBN
Tank Car RailTKR
Tank TruckTKT
Intermdl Trlr/CntnrTLD
TankTNK
TierceTRC
Trunk and ChestTRK
TrayTRY
Trunk, Salesmen SampTSS
TubTUB
UnpackedUNP
UnitUNT
VehiclesVEH
Van PackVPK
On Own WheelsWHE
Wheeled CarrierWLC
Wood CratesWC
WrappedWRP
Not ApplicableN/A
K. Shipment Stowage Location Codes:
Not ApplicableN/A
On DeckOD
Bottom StowageBS
L. Hazard Codes:
Not ApplicableN/A
IMD Stow Category AA
IMD Stow Category BB
IMD Stow Category CC
IMD Stow Category DD
IMD Stow Category EE
HazardousHAZ
Non-HazardousNHZ
M. Stuffing/Stripping Modes:
Not ApplicableN/A
MechanicalMECH
Hand LoadingHAND
N. Inland Transportation Modes:
Not ApplicableN/A
MotorM
RailR
BargeB
Motor/RailMR
Rail/MotorRM
Motor/BargeMB
Barge/MotorBM
Rail/BargeRB
Barge/RailBR
O. Shipment Service Types:
BargeB
DoorD
HouseH
MotorM
Ocean PortO
PierP
Rail YardR
Container StationS
TerminalT
Container YardY
Rail SidingU
Team TracksX
P. Freight Forwarder/Broker Type Codes:
Not ApplicableN/A
Freight ForwarderFF
Customs House BrokerCB
OtherOTH
Q. Tariff Type Codes:
Bill of Lading TariffBL
Equipment Interchange Agreement TariffEI
Essential Terms PublicationET
Foreign Commodity TariffFC
Foreign Rules TariffFR
Terminal TariffTM
Service ContractsSC

PART 525—MARINE TERMINAL OPERATOR SCHEDULES


Authority:46 U.S.C. 40102, 40501, 41101-41106.


Source:64 FR 9283, Feb. 25, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

§ 525.1 Purpose and scope.

(a) Purpose. This part implements the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309). The requirements of this part are necessary to enable the Commission to meet its responsibilities with regard to identifying and preventing unreasonable preference or prejudice and unjust discrimination pursuant to section 10 of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41101-41106).


(b) Scope. This part sets forth the regulations for the publication of terminal schedules by marine terminal operators. Information made available under this part may be used to determine marine terminal operators’ compliance with shipping statutes and regulations.


(c) Definitions. The following definitions apply to the regulations of this part:


(1) Act means the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended.


(2) Bulk cargo means cargo that is loaded and carried in bulk without mark or count, in a loose unpackaged form, having homogenous characteristics. Bulk containerized cargo tendered by the shipper is subject to mark and count and is, therefore, subject to the requirements of this part.


(3) Checking means the service of counting and checking cargo against appropriate documents for the account of the cargo or the vessel, or other person requesting same.


(4) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


(5) Dockage means the charge assessed against a vessel for berthing at a wharf, pier, bulkhead structure, or bank or for mooring to a vessel so berthed.


(6) Effective date means the date a schedule or an element of a schedule becomes effective. Where there are multiple publications on the same day, the last schedule or element of a schedule published with the same effective date is the one effective for that day.


(7) Expiration date means the last day after which the entire schedule or a single element of the schedule, is no longer in effect.


(8) Forest products means forest products including, but not limited to, lumber in bundles, rough timber, ties, poles, piling, laminated beams, bundled siding, bundled plywood, bundled core stock or veneers, bundled particle or fiber boards, bundled hardwood, wood pulp in rolls, wood pulp in unitized bales, paper and paper board in rolls or in pallet or skid-sized sheets, liquid or granular by-products derived from pulping and papermaking, and engineered wood products.


(9) Free time means the period specified in the terminal schedule during which cargo may occupy space assigned to it on terminal property, including off-dock facilities, free of wharf demurrage or terminal storage charges immediately prior to the loading or subsequent to the discharge of such cargo on or off the vessel.


(10) Handling means the service of physically moving cargo between point of rest and any place on the terminal facility, other than the end of ship’s tackle.


(11) Heavy lift means the service of providing heavy lift cranes and equipment for lifting cargo.


(12) Loading and unloading means the service of loading or unloading cargo between any place on the terminal and railroad cars, trucks, lighters or barges or any other means of conveyance to or from the terminal facility.


(13) Marine terminal operator means a person engaged in the United States in the business of providing wharfage, dock, warehouse or other terminal facilities in connection with a common carrier, or in connection with a common carrier and a water carrier subject to Subchapter II of Chapter 135 of Title 49, United States Code. A marine terminal operator includes, but is not limited to, terminals owned or operated by states and their political subdivisions; railroads who perform port terminal services not covered by their line haul rates; common carriers who perform port terminal services; and warehousemen who operate port terminal facilities. For the purposes of this part, marine terminal operator includes conferences of marine terminal operators. This term does not include shippers or consignees who exclusively provide their own marine terminal facilities in connection with tendering or receiving proprietary cargo from a common carrier or water carrier.


(14) Organization name means an entity’s name on file with the Commission and for which the Commission assigns an organizational number.


(15) Person includes individuals, firms, partnerships, associations, companies, corporations, joint stock associations, trustees, receivers, agents, assignees and personal representatives.


(16) Rate means a price quoted in a schedule for providing a specified level of marine terminal service or facility for a stated cargo quantity, on and after a stated effective date or within a defined time frame.


(17) Schedule means a publication containing the actual rates, charges, classifications, regulations and practices of a marine terminal operator. The term “practices” refers to those usages, customs or modes of operation which in any way affect, determine or change the rates, charges or services provided by a marine terminal operator.


(18) Terminal facilities means one or more structures comprising a terminal unit, which include, but are not limited to docks, berths, piers, aprons, wharves, warehouses, covered and/or open storage spaces, cold storage plants, cranes, grain elevators and/or bulk cargo loading and/or unloading structures, landings, and receiving stations, used for the transmission, care and convenience of cargo and/or passengers in the interchange of same between land and ocean common carriers or between two ocean common carriers.


(19) Terminal services includes checking, dockage, free time, handling, heavy lift, loading and unloading, terminal storage, usage, wharfage, and wharf demurrage, as defined in this section. The definitions of terminal services set forth in this section shall be set forth in terminal schedules, except that other definitions of terminal services may be used if they are correlated by footnote, or other appropriate method, to the definitions set forth herein. Any additional services which are offered shall be listed and charges therefor shall be shown in the terminal schedule.


(20) Terminal storage means the service of providing warehouse or other terminal facilities for the storage of inbound or outbound cargo after the expiration of free time, including wharf storage, shipside storage, closed or covered storage, open or ground storage, bonded storage and refrigerated storage.


(21) United States means the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.


(22) Usage means the use of a terminal facility by any rail carrier, lighter operator, trucker, shipper or consignee, its agents, servants, and/or employees, when it performs its own car, lighter or truck loading or unloading, or the use of said facilities for any other gainful purpose for which a charge is not otherwise specified.


(23) Wharf demurrage means a charge assessed against cargo remaining in or on terminal facilities after the expiration of free time, unless arrangements have been made for storage.


(24) Wharfage means a charge assessed against the cargo or vessel on all cargo passing or conveyed over, onto, or under wharves or between vessels (to or from barge, lighter, or water), when berthed at wharf or when moored in slip adjacent to a wharf. Wharfage is solely the charge for use of a wharf and does not include charges for any other service.


[64 FR 9283, Feb. 25, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50723, Oct. 1, 2009; 87 FR 15125, Mar. 17, 2022]



Editorial Note:At 87 FR 15125, Mar. 17, 2022, § 525.1 was amended by revising paragraph (c)(19). However, due to inaccurate amendatory instruction, the amendment could not be incorporated.

§ 525.2 Terminal schedules.

(a) Marine terminal operator schedules. A marine terminal operator, at its discretion, may make available to the public, subject to section 10(d) of the Act (46 U.S.C. 41102(c), 41103, 41106), a schedule of its rates, regulations, and practices.


(1) Limitations of liability. Any limitations of liability for cargo loss or damage pertaining to receiving, delivering, handling, or storing property at the marine terminal contained in a terminal schedule must be consistent with domestic law and international conventions and agreements adopted by the United States; such terminal schedules cannot contain provisions that exculpate or relieve marine terminal operators from liability for their own negligence, or that impose upon others the obligation to indemnify or hold-harmless the terminals from liability for their own negligence.


(2) Enforcement of terminal schedules. Any schedule that is made available to the public by the marine terminal operator shall be enforceable by an appropriate court as an implied contract between the marine terminal operator and the party receiving the services rendered by the marine terminal operator, without proof that such party has actual knowledge of the provisions of the applicable terminal schedule.


(3) Contracts for terminal services. If the marine terminal operator has an actual contract with a party covering the services rendered by the marine terminal operator to that party, an existing terminal schedule covering those same services shall not be enforceable as an implied contract.


(b) Cargo types not subject to this part. (1) Except as set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, this part does not apply to bulk cargo, forest products, recycled metal scrap, new assembled motor vehicles, waste paper and paper waste in terminal schedules.


(2) Marine terminal operators which voluntarily make available terminal schedules covering any of the commodities identified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section thereby subject their services with respect to those commodities to the requirements of this part.


(c) Marine terminal operator agreements. The regulations relating to agreements to which a marine terminal operator is a party are located at part 535 of this chapter.


[64 FR 9283, Feb. 25, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50723, Oct. 1, 2009]


§ 525.3 Availability of marine terminal operator schedules.

(a) Availability of terminal schedules—(1) Availability to the Commission. A complete and current set of terminal schedules used by a marine terminal operator, or to which it is a party, shall be maintained in its office(s) for a period of five (5) years, whether or not made available to the public, and shall promptly be made available to the Commission upon request.


(2) Availability to the public. Any terminal schedule that is made available to the public shall be available during normal business hours and in electronic form. The public may be assessed a reasonable nondiscriminatory charge for access to the terminal schedules; no charge will be assessed against the Commission.


(b) Access to electronically published schedules. Marine terminal operators shall provide access to their terminal schedules via the internet.


(c) Internet connection. (1) The internet connection requires that systems provide a uniform resource locator (URL) internet address (e.g., http://www.tariffsrus.com or http://1.2.3.4).


(2) Marine terminal operators shall ensure that their internet service providers provide static internet addresses.


(d) Notification. Each marine terminal operator shall notify the Commission’s Bureau of Trade Analysis (BTA), prior to the commencement of marine terminal operations, of its organization name, home office address, contact information for its representative, the location of its terminal schedule(s), and the publisher, if any, used to maintain its terminal schedule, by electronically submitting Form FMC-1 via the Commission’s website at www.fmc.gov. Any changes to the above information shall be immediately transmitted to BTA within 30 calendar days. BTA has the authority to accept submitted Form FMC-1 filings and revisions. Form FMC-1 filings are pending until accepted. The Commission will publish, on its website, the location of any terminal schedule made available to the public.


(e) Form and manner. A marine terminal operator may make available to the public a schedule of rates, regulations, and practices, including limitations of liability for cargo loss or damage, pertaining to receiving, delivering, handling, or storing property at its marine terminal. Any such schedule made available to the public is enforceable by an appropriate court as an implied contract without proof of actual knowledge of its provisions. Each terminal schedule made available by a marine terminal operator shall contain an individual identification number, effective date, expiration date, if any, and the terminal schedule in full text and/or data format showing the relevant rates, charges, and regulations relating to or connected with the receiving, handling, storing, and/or delivering of property at its terminal facilities.


(f) Notification. Each marine terminal operator shall notify the Commission’s Bureau of Tariffs, Certification and Licensing (“BTCL”), prior to the commencement of marine terminal operations, of its organization name, organization number, home office address, name and telephone number of firm’s representative, the location of its terminal schedule(s), and the publisher, if any, used to maintain its terminal schedule, by electronically submitting Form FMC-1 via the Commission’s website at www.fmc.gov. Any changes to the above information shall be immediately transmitted to BTCL. The Commission will publish a list on its website of the location of any terminal schedule made available to the public.


(g) Form and manner. Each terminal schedule made available by a marine terminal operator shall contain an individual identification number, effective date, expiration date, if any, and the complete terminal schedule in full text and/or data format showing all its rates, charges, and regulations relating to or connected with the receiving, handling, storing, and/or delivering of property at its terminal facilities.


[64 FR 9283, Feb. 25, 1999, as amended at 87 FR 15125, Mar. 17, 2022]


§ 525.4 OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Commission has received Office of Management and Budget approval for this collection of information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as amended. In accordance with that Act, agencies are required to display a currently valid control number. In this regard, the valid control number for this collection of information is 3072-0061.


PART 530—SERVICE CONTRACTS


Authority:5 U.S.C. 553; 46 U.S.C., 40301-40306, 40501-40503, 41307, 46105.



Source:64 FR 11206, Mar. 8, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General Provisions

§ 530.1 Purpose.

The purpose of this part is to facilitate the filing of service contracts as required by section 8(c) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (“the Act”) (46 U.S.C. 40502). This part enables the Commission to review service contracts to ensure that these contracts and the parties to them comport with the requirements of the Act. This part also implements electronic filing provisions for service contracts to facilitate compliance and minimize the filing burdens on the oceanborne commerce of the United States.


[64 FR 11206, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50723, Oct. 1, 2009; 85 FR 38089, June 25, 2020]


§ 530.2 Scope and applicability.

An individual ocean common carrier or an agreement between or among ocean common carriers may enter into a service contract with one or more shippers subject to the requirements of the Act.


§ 530.3 Definitions.

When used in this part:


(a) Act means the Shipping Act of 1984 as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998.


(b) Agreement means an understanding, arrangement, or association (written or oral) and any modification or cancellation thereof which has been filed and effective under part 535 of this chapter with the Commission. The term does not include a maritime labor agreement.


(c) Authorized person means a carrier or a duly appointed agent who is authorized to file service contracts on behalf of the carrier party to a service contract and is registered by the Commission to file under § 530.5(c) and appendix A to this part.


(d) BTA means the Commission’s Bureau of Trade Analysis or its successor bureau.


(e) Commission means the Federal Maritime Commission.


(f) Common carrier means a person holding itself out to the general public to provide transportation by water of passengers or cargo between the United States and a foreign country for compensation that:


(1) Assumes responsibility for the transportation from the port or point of receipt to the port or point of destination; and


(2) Utilizes, for all or part of that transportation, a vessel operating on the high seas or the Great Lakes between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country, except that the term does not include a common carrier engaged in ocean transportation by ferry boat, ocean tramp, or chemical parcel tanker, or by a vessel when primarily engaged in the carriage of perishable agricultural commodities:


(i) If the common carrier and the owner of those commodities are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by a person primarily engaged in the marketing and distribution of those commodities and


(ii) Only with respect to those commodities.


(g) Conference means an agreement between or among two or more ocean common carriers which provides for the fixing of and adherence to uniform rates, charges, practices and conditions of service relating to the receipt, carriage, handling and/or delivery of passengers or cargo for all members. The term does not include joint service, pooling, sailing, space charter, or transshipment agreements.


(h) Controlled carrier means an ocean common carrier that is, or whose operating assets are, directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a government. Ownership or control by a government shall be deemed to exist with respect to any ocean common carrier if:


(1) A majority portion of the interest in the carrier is owned or controlled in any manner by that government, by any agency thereof, or by any public or private person controlled by that government; or


(2) That government has the right to appoint or disapprove the appointment of a majority of the directors, the chief operating officer or the chief executive officer of the carrier.


(i) Effective date means the date upon which a service contract or amendment is scheduled to go into effect by the parties to the contract. A service contract or amendment becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)-05:00) on the effective date. The effective date may not be earlier than the date on which all parties have signed the service contract or amendment.


(j) Expiration date means the last day after which the entire service contract is no longer in effect.


(k) File or filing (of service contracts or amendments thereto) means the use of the Commission’s electronic filing system for receipt of a service contract or an amendment thereto by the Commission, consistent with the method set forth in appendix A of this part, and the recording of its receipt by the Commission.


(l) Labor agreement means a collective-bargaining agreement between an employer subject to the Act, or group of such employers, and a labor organization or an agreement preparatory to such a collective-bargaining agreement among members of a multi-employer bargaining group, or an agreement specifically implementing provisions of such a collective-bargaining agreement or providing for the formation, financing, or administration of a multi-employer bargaining group, but the term does not include an assessment agreement.


(m) Motor vehicle means a wheeled vehicle whose primary purpose is ordinarily the non-commercial transportation of passengers, including an automobile, pickup truck, minivan or sport utility vehicle.


(n) Ocean common carrier means a common carrier that operates, for all or part of its common carrier service, a vessel on the high seas or the Great Lakes between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country, except that the term does not include a common carrier engaged in ocean transportation by ferry boat, ocean tramp, or chemical parcel-tanker.


(o) OIT means the Commission’s Office of Information Technology.


(p) Non-vessel-operating common carrier (“NVOCC”) means an ocean transportation intermediary as defined by section 3(17)(B) of the Act (46 U.S.C. 40102(16)).


(q) Service contract means a written contract, other than a bill of lading or receipt, between one or more shippers and an individual ocean common carrier or an agreement between or among ocean common carriers in which the shipper makes a commitment to provide a certain minimum quantity or portion of its cargo or freight revenue over a fixed time period, and the individual ocean common carrier or the agreement commits to a certain rate or rate schedule and a defined service level, such as, assured space, transit time, port rotation, or similar service features. The contract may also specify provisions in the event of nonperformance on the part of any party.


(r) Shipper means a cargo owner; the person for whose account the ocean transportation is provided; the person to whom delivery is to be made; a shippers’ association; or an NVOCC that accepts responsibility for payment of all applicable charges under the service contract.


[64 FR 11206, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 23792, May 4, 1999; 64 FR 41042, July 29, 1999; 65 FR 26513, May 8, 2000; 74 FR 50723, Oct. 1, 2009; 82 FR 16296, Apr. 4, 2017; 85 FR 38089, June 25, 2020; 86 FR 21661, Apr. 23, 2021]


§ 530.4 Confidentiality.

All service contracts and amendments to service contracts filed with the Commission shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be held in confidence. Nothing contained in this part shall preclude the Commission from providing certain information from or access to service contracts to another agency of the Federal government of the United States.


§ 530.5 Duty to file.

(a) The duty under this part to file service contracts, amendments, and notices shall be upon the individual carrier party or parties participating or eligible to participate in the service contract.


(b) Filing may be accomplished by any duly agreed-upon agent, as the parties to the service contract may designate, and subject to conditions as the parties may agree.


(c) Registration—(1) Application. Authority to file or delegate the authority to file must be requested by a responsible official of the service contract carrier in writing by submitting to BTA the Registration Form (FMC-83) in Exhibit 1 to this part.


(2) Approved registrations. OIT shall provide approved Registrants a log-on ID and password for filing and amending service contracts and notify Registrants of such approval.


[64 FR 11206, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 41042, July 29, 1999; 76 FR 11680, Mar. 3, 2011; 85 FR 38089, June 25, 2020]


§ 530.6 Certification of shipper status.

(a) Certification. The shipper contract party shall sign and certify on the signature page of the service contract its shipper status (e.g., owner of the cargo, shippers’ association, NVOCC, or specified other designation), and the status of every affiliate of such contract party or member of a shippers’ association entitled to receive service under the contract.


(b) Proof of tariff and financial responsibility. If the certification completed by the contract party under paragraph (a) of this section identifies the contract party or an affiliate or member of a shippers’ association as an NVOCC, the ocean common carrier, conference or agreement shall obtain proof that such NVOCC has a published tariff and proof of financial responsibility as required under sections 8 (46 U.S.C. 40501-40503) and 19 (46 U.S.C. 40901-40904) of the Act before signing the service contract. An ocean common carrier, conference or agreement can obtain such proof by the same methods prescribed in § 515.27 of this chapter.


(c) Joining shippers’ association during term of contract. If an NVOCC joins a shippers’ association during the term of a service contract and is thereby entitled to receive service under the contract, the NVOCC shall provide to the ocean common carrier, agreement or conference the proof of compliance required by paragraph (b) of this section prior to making any shipments under the contract.


(d) Reliance on NVOCC proof; independent knowledge. An ocean common carrier, agreement or conference executing a service contract shall be deemed to have complied with 46 U.S.C. 41104(a)(12) upon meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, unless the carrier party had reason to know such certification or documentation of NVOCC tariff and bonding was false.


[64 FR 11206, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50723, Oct. 1, 2009; 85 FR 9683, Feb. 20, 2020]


§ 530.7 Duty to labor organizations.

(a) Terms. When used in this section, the following terms will have these meanings:


(1) Dock area and within the port area shall have the same meaning and scope as defined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.


(2) Reasonable period of time ordinarily means:


(i) If the cargo in question is due to arrive in less than five (5) days from the date of receipt of the request as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, two (2) days from the date of receipt of the request; but


(ii) If cargo in question is due to arrive in more than five (5) days from the date of receipt of the request as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, four (4) days from the date of receipt of the request.


(3) Movement includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the normal and usual aspects of the loading and discharging of cargo in containers; placement, positioning and re-positioning of cargo or of containers; the insertion and removal of cargo into and from containers; and the storage and warehousing of cargo.


(4) Assignment includes, but is not limited to, the carrier’s direct or indirect control over the parties which, the manner by which, or the means by which the shipper’s cargo is moved, regardless of whether such movement is completed within or outside of containers.


(5) Transmit means communication by first-class mail, facsimile, telegram, hand-delivery, or electronic mail (“e-mail”).


(b) Procedure. In response to a written request transmitted from a labor organization with which it is a party or is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement with a labor organization, an ocean common carrier shall state, within a reasonable period of time, whether it is responsible for the following work at dock areas and within port areas in the United States with respect to cargo transported under a service contract:


(1) The movement of the shipper’s cargo on a dock area or within the port area or to or from railroad cars on a dock area or within a port area;


(2) The assignment of intraport carriage of the shipper’s cargo between areas on a dock or within the port area;


(3) The assignment of the carriage of the shipper’s cargo between a container yard on a dock area or within the port area and a rail yard adjacent to such container yard; or


(4) The assignment of container freight station work and maintenance and repair work performed at a dock area or within the port area.


(c) Applicability. This section requires the disclosure of information by an ocean common carrier only if there exists an applicable and otherwise lawful collective bargaining agreement which pertains to that carrier.


(d) Disclosure not deemed admission or agreement. No disclosure made by an ocean common carrier shall be deemed to be an admission or agreement that any work is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.


(e) Dispute resolution. Any dispute regarding whether any work is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the responsibility of the ocean common carrier under such agreement shall be resolved solely in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures contained in the collective bargaining agreement and the National Labor Relations Act, and without reference to this section.


(f) Jurisdiction and lawfulness. Nothing in this section has any effect on the lawfulness or unlawfulness under the Shipping Act of 1984, the National Labor Relations Act, the Taft-Hartley Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the antitrust laws, or any other federal or state law, or any revisions or amendments thereto, of any collective bargaining agreement or element thereof, including any element that constitutes an essential term of a service contract under section 8(c) of the Act (46 U.S.C. 40502).


[64 FR 11206, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 50723, Oct. 1, 2009]


Subpart B—Filing Requirements

§ 530.8 Service Contracts.

(a) Filing. (1) Authorized persons shall file with BTA, in the manner set forth in appendix A of this part, a true and complete copy of every service contract and every amendment to a service contract no later than thirty (30) days after the effective date.


(2) Failure to file a service contract or amendment in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section does not affect the applicability of the service contract or amendment to cargo received on or after the effective date by the ocean common carrier or its agent.


(b) Required terms. Every service contract filed with the Commission shall include the complete terms of the service contract including, but not limited to, the following:


(1) The origin port ranges in the case of port-to-port movements and geographic areas in the case of through intermodal movements;


(2) The destination port ranges in the case of port-to-port movements and geographic areas in the case of through intermodal movements;


(3) The commodity or commodities involved;


(4) The minimum volume or portion;


(5) The service commitments;


(6) The line-haul rate;


(7) Liquidated damages for non-performance (if any);


(8) Duration, including the


(i) Effective date; and


(ii) Expiration date;


(9) The legal names and business addresses of the contract parties; the legal names of affiliates entitled to access the contract; the names, titles and addresses of the representatives signing the contract for the parties; and the date upon which the service contract was signed, except that in the case of a contract entered under the authority of an agreement or by a shippers’ association, individual members need not be named unless the contract includes or excludes specific members. Subsequent references in the contract to the contract parties shall be consistent with the first reference (e.g., (exact name), “carrier,” “shipper,” or “association,” etc.). Carrier parties which enter into contracts that include affiliates must either:


(i) List the affiliates’ business addresses; or


(ii) Certify that this information will be provided to the Commission upon request within ten (10) business days of such request. However, the requirements of this section do not apply to amendments to contracts that have been filed in accordance with the requirements of this section unless the amendment adds new parties or affiliates;


(10) A certification of shipper status;


(11) A description of the shipment records which will be maintained to support the service contract and the address, telephone number, and title of the person who will respond to a request by making shipment records available to the Commission for inspection under § 530.15 of this part; and


(12) All other provisions of the contract.


(c) Certainty of terms. The terms described in paragraph (b) of this section may not:


(1) Be uncertain, vague or ambiguous; or


(2) Make reference to terms not explicitly contained in the service contract itself unless those terms are readily available to the parties and the Commission.


(3) Pursuant to § 530.15(c), the carrier party to the service contract must, upon written request by the Commission, provide the Commission with the associated records of the referenced terms. For the purpose of paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the referenced terms will be deemed readily available to the Commission if the carrier party to the service contract provides the Commission with the associated records of the terms within thirty (30) days of the Commission’s written request.


(d) Other requirements. Every service contract filed with BTA shall include, as set forth in appendix A to this part:


(1) A unique service contract number of more than one (1) but less than ten (10) alphanumeric characters in length (“SC Number”); and


(2) A consecutively numbered amendment number no more than three digits in length, with initial service contracts using “0”(“Amendment number”);


(3) The filed FMC Agreement Number(s) assigned by the Commission under 46 CFR part 535 (if applicable); and


(e) Exception in case of malfunction of Commission filing system. In the event that the Commission’s filing systems are not functioning and cannot receive service contract filings for twenty-four (24) continuous hours or more, an original service contract or amendment that must be filed during that period in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section will be considered timely filed so long as the service contract or amendment is filed no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the Commission’s filing systems return to service.


[64 FR 11206, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 23793, May 4, 1999; 64 FR 41042, July 29, 1999; 77 FR 13510, Mar. 7, 2012; 82 FR 16296, Apr. 4, 2017; 85 FR 38089, June 25, 2020; 86 FR 21661, Apr. 23, 2021]


§ 530.9 Notices.

Within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of any event listed below, there shall be filed with the Commission, pursuant to the same procedures as those followed for the filing of an amendment pursuant to § 530.10 and appendix A to this part, a detailed notice of:


(a) Correction (clerical or administrative errors);


(b) Cancellation (as defined in § 530