46 CFR §502.301

1. (a)Section 11(a) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 41301(a)) permits any person to file a complaint with the Commission claiming a violation occurring in connection with the foreign commerce of the United States and to seek reparation for any injury caused by that violation.
2. (b)With the consent of both parties, claims filed under this subpart in the amount of $50,000 or less will be decided by a Small Claims Officer appointed by the Federal Maritime Commission's Chief Administrative Law Judge, without the necessity of formal proceedings under the rules of this part. Authority to issue decisions under this subpart is delegated to the appointed Small Claims Officer.
3. (c)Determination of claims under this subpart shall be administratively final and conclusive. [Rule 301.]