[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR5.569]

[Page 61-62]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
         CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
 
PART 5--MARINE INVESTIGATION REGULATIONS--PERSONNEL ACTION--Table of Contents
 
                           Subpart H--Hearings
 
Sec. 5.569  Selection of an appropriate order.

    (a) This section addresses orders in a general manner. The selection 
of an appropriate order is the responsibility of the Administrative Law 
Judge, subject to appeal and review. The investigating officer and the 
respondent may suggest an order and present argument in support of this 
suggestion during the presentation of aggravating or mitigating 
evidence.
    (b) Except for acts or offenses for which revocation is mandatory, 
factors which may affect the order include:
    (1) Remedial actions which have been undertaken independently by the 
respondent;
    (2) Prior record of the respondent, considering the period of time 
between prior acts and the act or offense for which presently charged is 
relevant; and

[[Page 62]]

    (3) Evidence of mitigation or aggravation.
    (c) After an order of revocation is entered, the respondent will be 
given an opportunity to present relevant material on the record for 
subsequent consideration by the special board convened in the event an 
application is filed in accordance with subpart L of this part.
    (d) Table 5.569 is for the information and guidance of 
Administrative Law Judges and is intended to promote uniformity in 
orders rendered. This table should not affect the fair and impartial 
adjudication of each case on its individual facts and merits. The orders 
are expressed by a range, in months of outright suspension, considered 
appropriate for the particular act or offense prior to considering 
matters in mitigation or aggravation. For instance, without considering 
other factors, a period of two to four months outright suspension is 
considered appropriate for failure to obey a master's written 
instructions. An order within the range would not be considered 
excessive. Mitigating or aggravating factors may make an order greater 
or less than the given range appropriate. Orders for repeat offenders 
will ordinarily be greater than those specified.

          Table 5.569--Suggested Range of an Appropriate Order
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Type of offense                 Range of order (in months)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misconduct:
  Failure to obey master's/ship        1-3.
   officer's order.
  Failure to comply with U.S. law or   1-3.
   regulations.
  Possession of intoxicating liquor..  1-4.
  Failure to obey master's written     2-4.
   instruction.
  Improper performance of duties       2-5.
   related to vessel safety.
  Failure to join vessel (required     2-6.
   crew member).
  Violent acts against other persons   2-6.
   (without injury).
  Failure to perform duties related    3-6.
   to vessel safety.
  Theft..............................  3-6.
  Violent acts against other persons   4-Revocation.
   (injury).
  Use, possession, or sale of          Revocation (Note: see Sec. 5.59).
   dangerous drugs.
Negligence:
  Negligently performing duties        2-6.
   related to vessel navigation.
  Negligently performing non-          1-3.
   navigational duties related to
   vessel safety.
  Neglect of vessel navigation duties  3-6.
  Neglect of non-navigational safety   2-4.
   related duties.
Incompetence.........................  The only proper order for a
                                        charge of incompetence found
                                        proved is revocation.
Violation of Regulation:
  Refusal to take chemical drug test.  12-24
  Refusal to take required alcohol     12-24
   test.
Dangerous drugs (46 U.S.C. 7704).....  The only proper order for a
                                        charge under 46 U.S.C. 7704
                                        found proved is revocation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[CGD 82-002, 50 FR 32184, Aug. 9, 1985, as amended by CGD 86-067, 53 FR 
47079, Nov. 21, 1989; USCG-2000-7759, 66 FR 42967, Aug. 16, 2001]

Subpart I [Reserved]