Agency: 
National Transportation Safety Board
Scheme Nickname: 
Marine Certificate Actions

Marine certificate actions are heard first by the Coast Guard’s administrative law judges and may be appealed to the Coast Guard Commandant. The ruling of the Commandant may then be appealed to the NTSB. The Board follows the same appellate process in marine cases as it does when considering the initial decisions of its law judges in aviation cases. In 2012, the Board received one marine appeal.

Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 
The provisions of this part govern all proceedings before the National Transportation Safety Board (Board) on appeals taken from decisions, on or after April 1, 1975, of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, sustaining orders of an administrative law judge, revoking, suspending, or denying a license, certificate, document, or register in proceedings under: (a) R.S. 4450, as amended (46 U.S.C.239); (b) Act of July 15, 1954 (46 U.S.C. 239ab); or (c) Section 4, Great Lakes Pilotage Act (46 U.S.C. 216(b)). After the merchant marine has gone through the ALJ and the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, he/she may appeal to the NTSB. The NTSB is the second level of appeal.
Types of Adjudication: 
Type A
Comments/Notes on Related Schemes: 
The NTSB ALJs hear hearing level one adjudication regarding FAA aviation enforcement actions, and FAA aviation enforcement action appeals go to the board of the NTSB. The board of the NTSB also hears appeals from adjudication that takes place within the Coast Guard concerning marine certificate actions. Marine certificate actions are heard first by the USCG’s administrative law judges and may be appealed to the USCG Commandant. The ruling of the Commandant may then be appealed to the NTSB.
Resources & Articles: 
https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/agency_reports/PAR_2013_2012.pdf
http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/agency_reports/2012Annual%20Report.pdf
Verified by Agency: 
Verified
Is this a Major Adjudication: 
Yes