The regulations in this part shall be construed so as to obtain a just, speedy, and economical determination of the issues presented.

(a) The time limitations for service of a complaint upon the holder of a credential are as follows:

(1) When based exclusively on 46 U.S.C. 7704, service shall be within 10 years after the date of conviction, or at anytime if the person charged is a user of or addicted to the use of a dangerous drug.

(2) For one of the misconduct offenses specified in § 5.59(a) or § 5.61(a), service shall be within five years after commission of the offense alleged therein.

(3) For an act or offense not otherwise provided for, the service shall be within three years after the commission of the act or offense alleged therein.

(b) When computing the period of time specified in paragraphs (a) (2) and (3) of this section there shall be excluded any period or periods of time when the respondent could not attend a hearing or be served charges by reason of being outside of the United States or by reason of being in prison or hospitalized.

(a) A person employed in the service of a vessel is considered to be acting under the authority of a credential or endorsement when the holding of such credential or endorsement is:

(1) Required by law or regulation; or

(2) Required by an employer as a condition for employment.

(b) A person is considered to be acting under the authority of the credential or endorsement while engaged in official matters regarding the credential or endorsement. This includes, but is not limited to, such acts as applying for renewal, taking examinations for raises of grade, requesting duplicate or replacement credentials, or when appearing at a hearing under this part.

(c) A person does not cease to act under the authority of a credential or endorsement while on authorized or unauthorized shore leave from the vessel.

An Administrative Law Judge enters an order revoking a respondent's credential or endorsement when—

(a) A charge of misconduct for wrongful possession, use, sale, or association with dangerous drugs is found proved. In those cases involving marijuana, the Administrative Law Judge may enter an order less than revocation when satisfied that the use, possession or association, was the result of experimentation by the respondent and that the respondent has submitted satisfactory evidence that he or she is cured of such use and that the possession or association will not recur.

(b) The respondent has been a user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or has been convicted for a violation of the dangerous drug laws, whether or not further court action is pending, and such charge is found proved. A conviction becomes final when no issue of law or fact determinative of the respondent's guilt remains to be decided.

(a) An investigating officer seeks revocation of a respondent's credential or endorsements when one of the following acts or offenses is found proved:

(1) Assault with a dangerous weapon.

(2) Misconduct resulting in loss of life or serious injury.

(3) Rape or sexual molestation.

(4) Murder or attempted murder.

(5) Mutiny.

(6) Perversion.

(7) Sabotage.

(8) Smuggling of aliens.

(9) Incompetence.

(10) Interference with master, ship's officers, or government officials in performance of official duties.

(11) Wrongful destruction of ship's property.

(b) An investigating officer may seek revocation of a respondent's credential or endorsements when the circumstances of an act or offense found proved or consideration of the respondent's prior record indicates that permitting such person to serve under the credential or endorsements would be clearly a threat to the safety of life or property, or detrimental to good discipline.

The decisions of the Commandant in cases of appeal or review of decisions of Administrative Law Judges are officially noticed and the principles and policies enunciated therein are binding upon all Administrative Law Judges, unless they are modified or rejected by competent authority.

For the purpose of these proceedings, the physician-patient privilege does not exist between a physician and a respondent.

Evidence of criminal liability discovered during an investigation or hearing conducted pursuant to this part will be referred to the Attorney General's local representative or other appropriate law enforcement authority having jurisdiction over the matter.

Under no circumstances will the Coast Guard exercise its authority for the purpose of favoring any party to a maritime labor controversy. However, if the situation affecting the safety of the vessel or persons on board is presented, the matter shall be thoroughly investigated and when a violation of existing statutes or regulations is indicated, appropriate action will be taken.