33 CFR § 96.495 - How can I appeal a decision made by an authorized organization?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s96.495"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 96.495 - How can I appeal a decision made by an authorized organization?"
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "96.495"
section_name: "How can I appeal a decision made by an authorized organization?"
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "F"
subchapter_name: "VESSEL OPERATING REGULATIONS"
part_number: "96"
part_name: "RULES FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF VESSELS AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 3201 et. seq.; 46 U.S.C. 3103; 46 U.S.C. 3316; 33 U.S.C. 1231."
regulatory_source: "CGD 95-073, 62 FR 67506, Dec. 24, 1997, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "96"
---


# 96.495 How can I appeal a decision made by an authorized organization?

(a) A responsible person may appeal a decision made by an authorized organization by mailing or delivering to the organization a written request for reconsideration. Within 30 days of receiving your request, the authorized organization must rule on it and send you a written response. They must also send a copy of their response to the Commandant (CG-CVC), Attn: Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7501.

(b) If you are not satisfied with the organization's decision, you may appeal directly to Commandant (CG-CVC). You must make your appeal in writing, including any documentation and evidence you wish to be considered. You may ask Commandant (CG-CVC) to stay the effect of the appealed decision while it is under review.

(c) The Commandant (CG-CVC) will make a decision on your appeal and send you a response in writing. That decision will be the final Coast Guard action on your request.

[CGD 95-073, 62 FR 67506, Dec. 24, 1997, as amended by USCG-2011-0257, 76 FR 31836, June 2, 2011]