46 CFR § 221.63 - Investigation.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s221.63"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 221.63 - Investigation."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "221.63"
section_name: "Investigation."
chapter_name: "MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "REGULATIONS AFFECTING MARITIME CARRIERS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES"
part_number: "221"
part_name: "REGULATED TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING DOCUMENTED VESSELS AND OTHER MARITIME INTERESTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. chs. 301, 313, and 561; Pub. L. 114-74; 49 CFR 1.93."
regulatory_source: "57 FR 23478, June 3, 1992, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "221"
---


# 221.63 Investigation.

(a) When the Vessel Transfer Office obtains information that a Person may have violated a statute or regulation for which a civil penalty may be assessed under this subpart, that Officer may investigate the matter and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to establish a *prima facie* case that a violation occurred.

(b) If that Officer decides there is a *prima facie* case, then that Officer may enter into a stipulation with the Party in accordance with § 221.67 of this subpart, or may refer the matter directly to a Hearing Officer for procedures in accordance with § 221.73 to 221.89 of this subpart.