Appeal Process

Reconsideration Process (see sample Reconsideration Request Letter)

Step 1—You MUST request reconsideration from the National Maritime Center (NMC) and receive a decision prior to requesting a formal appeal. 

Step 2—Request reconsideration in writing, please state why you believe our decision was incorrect and provide all supporting information/documentation you have and attach a copy of the denial, ATT or AI letter provided by the NMC.

Step 3—You will be contacted via letter by the NMC once a decision on your reconsideration has been made.

Step 4--If your reconsideration request is denied for any reason you have a legal right under Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 1.03-40, to request an appeal.

It is recommended that you retain copies of all material you send with any appeal.  Please attach a copy of the Denial, Awaiting Information (AI) letter or Approval to Test (ATT) letter as applicable, to the documentation provided by the NMC in response to this notification.

Appeal Process (see sample Appeal Request Letter)

Step 1—If your reconsideration request is denied for any reason, you have the legal right under Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 1.03-40, to request an appeal. Please attach a copy of the Reconsideration Denial letter with any documentation you provide in response to this notification.

Step 2—All appeal requests must be made in writing; please provide any additional supporting information/documentation you have and attach a copy of the Denial Letter. Appeals are processed at Coast Guard Headquarters; you MUST submit your request for an appeal directly to MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or mailed to:

Step 3—Once your appeal request has been submitted to Coast Guard Headquarters, you must contact them directly regarding updates for the duration of your appeal process. Headquarters will send you a letter advising you of their contact information.

While a formal appeal is pending, the original decision or action and reconsideration decisions remain in effect, unless otherwise stayed. 

Coast Guard Headquarters will contact you by letter informing you of their decision on your appeal.

Specific Code of Federal Regulations

• §1.03-10 Definition of terms used in this subpart.
• §1.03-15 General.
• §1.03-20 Appeals from decisions or actions of an OCMI
• §1.03-25 Appeals from decisions or actions of a District Commander.
• §1.03-30 Appeals from decisions or actions of the Marine Safety Center.
• §1.03-35 Appeals from decisions or actions of a recognized classification society acting on behalf of the Coast Guard.
• §1.03-40 Appeals from decisions or actions of the National Maritime Center.
• §1.03-45 Appeals from decisions or actions involving documentation of vessels.
• §1.03-50 Appeals from decisions or actions of the Director, Great Lakes Pilotage.