(a) Each special permit covers any shipment of the permitted material by the shipper and also covers for each shipment—

(1) Each transfer operation;

(2) Each vessel involved in the shipment; and

(3) Each individual involved in any cargo handling operation.

(b) Each special permit is valid for a period determined by the Commandant (CG-ENG-5) and specified in the special permit. The period will not exceed 4 years and is subject to suspension or revocation before its expiration date.