(a) The Commandant may adopt, in whole or in part, the findings, conclusions, and basis therefor stated by the Administrative Law Judge, may make entirely new findings on the record, or may remand the case to the Administrative Law Judge for further proceedings.

(b) In no case will the review by the Commandant be followed by any order increasing the severity of the Administrative Law Judge's original order.

(c) The Decision of the Commandant on Review, shall be the final agency action in the absence of a remand.

[CGD 82-002, 50 FR 32184, Aug. 9, 1985, as amended by USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58342, Sept. 30, 2004]