Laws Governing Administrative Proceedings in the Coast Guard

The Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551-558) sets out the requirements for all administrative hearings held by the Federal Government.

46 U.S.C. 7701-7705 contains the statutory authority for the suspension and revocation of licenses, certificates and documents issued by the United States Coast Guard.

33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6) is the authority for administrative penalties under the Clean Water Act. These provisions were amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to provide for Class II civil penalties. If the Coast Guard seeks a Class II civil penalty, then the respondent has a right to a hearing under the Administrative Procedure Act.