(a) The Commandant takes final agency action on each proceeding concerned with revocation.

(b) The Commandant has delegated authority to the Vice Commandant in 33 CFR 1.01-40 to take final agency action under subparts I, J, and K of part 5 of this chapter on each proceeding except on a petition or appeal in a case on which an order of revocation has been issued.

(c) The Commandant assigns to his staff a Chief Administrative Law Judge who is an Administrative Law Judge appointed under 5 U.S.C. 3105 and whose assignment is to:

(1) Act as adviser and special assistant to the Commandant on matters concerning the administration of hearings conducted under 46 U.S.C. chapter 77;

(2) Conduct hearings under 46 U.S.C. chapter 77;

(3) Train new Administrative Law Judges assigned to conduct hearings under 46 U.S.C. chapter 77;

(4) Review the written decisions and orders of each Administrative Law Judge assigned to conduct a hearing under 46 U.S.C. chapter 77; and

(5) Act as adviser to the Chief Counsel in preparation of the final action of proceedings conducted under subparts I, J, and K of part 5 of this chapter.

(d) The Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard, under the general direction and supervision of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard:

(1) Acts as an adviser and as a special assistant to the Commandant in matters of law; and

(2) Prepares for the consideration of the Commandant or the Vice Commandant, as appropriate, proposed decisions on cases on appeal or review in suspension and revocation proceedings.