(a) Claims may be filed by or on behalf of seamen or their surviving dependents or beneficiaries, or by their legal representatives. Claims shall be filed either by personal delivery or by registered mail.

(b) The claimant shall send the claim directly to the Chief, Division of Marine Insurance, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. A copy of each claim shall be filed with the Ship Manager or General Agent of the vessel with respect to which such claim arose.