The term Commandant means Commandant of the Coast Guard.

The term District Commander means the officer of the Coast Guard designated by the Commandant to command a Coast Guard District.

The term Captain of the Port means the officer of the Coast Guard, under the command of a District Commander, so designated by the Commandant for the purpose of giving immediate direction to Coast Guard law enforcement activities within the general proximity of the port in which he is situated.

The term western rivers as used in the regulations in this subchapter shall include only the Red River of the North, the Mississippi River and its tributaries above the Huey P. Long Bridge, and that part of the Atchafalaya River above its junction with the Plaquemine-Morgan City alternate waterway.

The term waterfront facility as used in this subchapter, means all piers, wharves, docks, and similar structures to which vessels may be secured, buildings on such structures or contiguous to them, and equipment and materials on such structures or in such buildings.

The term Great Lakes as used in the regulations in this subchapter shall include the Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters.

The term Identification credentials as used in this subchapter, means any of the following:

(a) Coast Guard Port Security Card (Form CG 2514).

(b) Merchant Mariner's Document.

(c) Armed Forces Identification Card.

(d) Identification credentials issued by Federal Law enforcement and intelligence agencies to their officers and employees (e. g., Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, Federal Communications Commission).

(e) Identification credentials issued to public safety officials (e. g., police, firemen) when acting within the scope of their employment.

(f) Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

(g) Such other identification as may be approved by the Commandant from time to time.

The Coast Guard Port Security Card issued by the Coast Guard under the provisions of this subchapter shall be a laminated card bearing photograph, signature, fingerprint, and personal description of the holder, and other pertinent data.

(a) The Coast Guard Port Security Card (Form CG-2514) shall be valid for a period of eight years from the date of issuance thereof unless sooner suspended or revoked by proper authority. On the first day after eight years from the date of issuance, the Coast Guard Port Security Card (Form CG-2514) is hereby declared invalid and shall be considered null and void for all purposes.

(b) The holder of a Coast Guard Port Security Card, which is about to expire or has expired, may apply for a new Coast Guard Port Security Card in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 125.21. In the event the applicant's Coast Guard Port Security Card has expired, such card shall accompany the application for a new Coast Guard Port Security Card. In the event the applicant is holding a valid Coast Guard Port Security Card at the time he submits his application for a new card, such person shall surrender the old or expired Coast Guard Port Security Card at the time he is issued a new Coast Guard Port Security Card. In the event the old Coast Guard Port Security Card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, then the applicant shall comply with the provisions in § 125.51, regarding the replacement of a lost Coast Guard Port Security Card and the new card issued as a replacement for a lost card which has expired or is about to expire shall bear a current issuance date.

Captain of the Port Identification Cards issued under the form designation “Form CG 2514” prior to the revision of August 1950 were declared invalid by a notice published in the Federal Register on September 11, 1946 (11 FR 10103), which declaration is hereby reaffirmed.

(a) The Commandant will, from time to time, direct Captains of the Port of certain ports to prevent access of persons who do not possess one or more of the identification credentials listed in § 125.09 to those waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, where the following shipping activities are conducted:

(1) Those vital to the Military Defense Assistance Program.

(2) Those pertaining to the support of U.S. military operations.

(3) Those pertaining to loading and unloading explosives and other dangerous cargo.

(4) Those essential to the interests of national security and defense, to prevent loss, damage or injury, or to insure the observance of rights and obligations of the United States.

(b) No person who does not possess one of the identification credentials aforesaid shall enter or remain in such facilities, or port or harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein.

(c) The Captain of the Port shall give local public notice of the restriction of access to waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, as far in advance as practicable, and shall cause such facilities and areas to be suitably marked as to such restriction.

(a) Only the following persons may be issued Coast Guard Port Security Cards:

(1) Persons regularly employed on vessels or on waterfront facilities.

(2) Persons having regular public or private business connected with the operation, maintenance, or administration of vessels, their cargoes, or waterfront facilities.

(b) A holder of a Merchant Mariner's Document shall not be issued a Port Security Card, unless his Merchant Mariner's Document is surrendered to the Coast Guard. In this connection, see § 125.09.

Information concerning an applicant for a Coast Guard Port Security Card, or a holder of such card, which may preclude a determination that his character and habits of life are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, shall relate to the following:

(a) Advocacy of the overthrow or alteration of the Government of the United States by unconstitutional means.

(b) Commission of, or attempts or preparations to commit, an act of espionage, sabotage, sedition or treason, or conspiring with, or aiding or abetting another to commit such an act.

(c) Performing, or attempting to perform, duties or otherwise acting so as to serve the interests of another government to the detriment of the United States.

(d) Deliberate unauthorized disclosure of classified defense information.

(e) [Reserved]

(f) Having been adjudged insane, having been legally committed to an insane asylum, or treated for serious mental or neurological disorder, without evidence of cure.

(g) Having been convicted of any of the following offenses, indicative of a criminal tendency potentially dangerous to the security of such waterfront facilities and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein; arson, unlawful trafficking in drugs, espionage, sabotage, or treason.

(h) Drunkenness on the job or addiction to the use of narcotic drugs, without adequate evidence of rehabilitation.

(i) Illegal presence in the United States, its territories or possessions; having been found finally subject to deportation order by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.

(a)(1) Application for a Coast Guard Port Security Card shall be made under oath in writing and shall include applicant's answers in full to inquiries with respect to such matters as are deemed by the Commandant to be pertinent to the standards set forth in § 125.19, and to be necessary for a determination whether the character and habits of life of the applicant are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States.

(2) The application also shall include applicant's complete identification, citizenship record, personal description, military record, if any, and a statement of the applicant's sponsor certifying the applicant's employment or union membership and that applicant's statements are true and correct to the best of sponsor's knowledge.

(3) The application shall be accompanied by two unmounted, dull finish photographs, 1 inch × 1 15/16 inches, of passport type, taken within one year of the date of application. The photograph shall show the full face with the head uncovered and shall be a clear and satisfactory likeness of the applicant. It shall portray the largest image of the head and upper shoulders possible within the dimensions specified.

(4) Fingerprint records on each applicant shall be taken by the Coast Guard at the time application is submitted.

(5) The applicant shall present satisfactory proof of his citizenship.

(6) The applicant shall indicate the address to which his Coast Guard Port Security Card can be delivered to him by mail. Under special circumstances the applicant may arrange to call in person for the Coast Guard Port Security Card.

(7) The applicant shall present his application, in person, to a Coast Guard Port Security Unit designated to receive such applications. Such units will be located in or near each port where Coast Guard Port Security Cards are required. Each Captain of the Port shall forward promptly to the Commandant each application for a Coast Guard Port Security Card received by him.

(b) If an applicant fails or refuses to furnish the required information or to make full and complete answer with respect to all matters of inquiry, the Commandant shall hold in abeyance further consideration of the application, and shall notify the applicant that further action will not be taken unless and until the applicant furnishes the required information and fully and completely answers all inquiries directed to him.

Acceptable evidence of United States citizenship is described in this section in the order of its desirability; however, the Coast Guard will reject any evidence not believed to be authentic;

(a) Birth certificate or certified copy thereof.

(b) Certificate of naturalization. This shall be presented by all persons claiming citizenship through naturalization.

(c) Baptismal certificate or parish record recorded within one year after birth.

(d) Statement of a practicing physician certifying that he attended the birth and that he has a record in his possession showing the date and place of birth.

(e) United States passport.

(f) A commission in one of the armed forces of the United States, either regular or reserve; or satisfactory documentary evidence of having been commissioned in one of the armed forces subsequent to January 1, 1936, provided such commission or evidence shows the holder to be a citizen.

(g) A continuous discharge book, or Merchant Mariner's Document issued by the Coast Guard which shows the holder to be a citizen of the United States.

(h) If an applicant claiming to be a citizen of the United States submits a delayed certificate of birth issued under a State's seal, it may be accepted as prima facie evidence of citizenship if no one of the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section can be met by the applicant and in the absence of any collateral facts indicating fraud in its procurement.

(i) If no one of the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this section can be met by the applicant, he should make a statement to that effect, and in an attempt to establish citizenship, he may submit for consideration data of the following character:

(1) Report of the Census Bureau showing the earliest record of age or birth available. Request for such information should be addressed to the Director of the Census, Suitland, Md. 20233. In making such request, definite information must be furnished the Census Bureau as to the place of residence when the first census was taken after the birth of the applicant, giving the name of the street and the number of the house, or other identification of place where living, etc.; also names of parents or the names of other persons with whom residing on the date specified.

(2) School records, immigration records, or insurance policies (the latter must be at least 10 years old).

Alien registration records together with other papers and documents which indicated the country of which the applicant is a citizen shall be accepted as evidence of citizenship in a foreign nation.

Applications for a Coast Guard Port Security Card shall not be accepted unless sponsored. The applicant shall be sponsored by an authorized official of applicant's employer or by an authorized official of applicant's labor union. Each company and each labor union concerned shall file with the appropriate Captain of the Port a list of officials of the company or union who are authorized to sponsor applicants. Other sponsorship may be accepted where the circumstances warrant.

(a)(1) If, in the judgment of the Commandant, an application does not contain sufficient information to enable him to satisfy himself that the character and habits of life of the applicant are such to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft herein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, the Commandant may require the applicant to furnish, under oath in writing or orally, such further information as he deems pertinent to the standards set forth in § 125.19 and necessary to enable him to make such a determination.

(2) If an applicant fails or refuses to furnish such additional information, the Commandant shall hold in abeyance further consideration of the application, and shall notify the applicant that further action will not be taken unless and until the applicant furnishes such information.

(b) Upon receipt, the application and such further information as the Commandant may have required shall be referred, except in those instances where action on an application is held in abeyance pursuant to § 125.21(b) or to paragraph (a)(2) of this section, to a committee composed of a representative of the Legal Division, of the Merchant Vessel Personnel Division and of the Intelligence Division, Coast Guard Headquarters. The committee shall prepare an analysis of the available information and shall make recommendations for action by the Commandant.

(a) If the Commandant is satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant are not such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would be inimical to the security of the United States, he will direct that a Coast Guard Port Security Card be issued to the applicant.

(b) If the Commandant is not satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, he will notify the applicant in writing as provided for in § 125.35.

(a) Whenever the Commandant is not satisfied that the character and habits of life of a holder of a Coast Guard Port Security Card are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, he will request the holder to furnish, under oath in writing, such information as he deems pertinent and necessary for a determination on this issue.

(b) If the holder fails or refuses to furnish such information within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Commandant's request, the Commandant may issue the written notice provided for in § 125.35(a).

(c) The holder's failure or refusal to furnish such information shall preclude a determination that the holder's character and habits of life are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States.

(d) Upon receipt of such information as the Commandant may have required, the procedure prescribed in § 125.29(b) shall be followed.

(e) If the Commandant is satisfied that the character and habits of life of the holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, he shall notify the holder accordingly.

(f) If the Commandant is not satisfied that the character and habits of life of the holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, he shall notify the holder in writing as provided for in § 125.35.

(a) The notice provided for in §§ 125.31 and 125.33 shall contain a statement of the reasons why the Commandant is not satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant or holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States. Such notice shall be as specific and detailed as the interests of national security shall permit and shall include pertinent information such as names, dates, and places in such detail as to permit reasonable answer.

(b) The applicant or holder shall have 20 days from the date of receipt of the notice of reasons to file written answer thereto. Such answer may include statements or affidavits by third parties or such other documents or evidence as the applicant or holder deems pertinent to the matters in question.

(c) Upon receipt of such answer the procedure prescribed in § 125.29(b) shall be followed.

(d) If the Commandant is satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant or holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, he shall, in the case of an applicant, direct that a Coast Guard Port Security Card be issued to the applicant, or, in the case of a holder, notify him accordingly.

(e) If the Commandant is not satisfied that the applicant's or holder's character and habits of life are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, the Commandant shall refer the matter to a Hearing Board for hearing and recommendation in accordance with the provisions of this part.

The Commandant may establish a Hearing Board in each Coast Guard District. The Commandant shall designate for each Hearing Board a Chairman, who shall be, so far as practicable, an officer of the Coast Guard. The Commandant shall designate, so far as practicable, a second member from a panel of persons representing labor named by the Secretary of Labor, and a third member from a panel of persons representing management named by the Secretary of Labor.

Whenever the Commandant refers a matter to a Hearing Board, the Chairman shall:

(a) Fix the time and place of the hearing;

(b) Inform the applicant or holder of the names of the members of the Hearing Board, their occupations, and the businesses or organizations with which they are affiliated, of his privilege of challenge, and of the time and place of the hearing;

(c) Inform the applicant or holder of his privilege to appear before the Hearing Board in person or by counsel or representative of his choice, and to present testimonial and documentary evidence in his behalf, and to cross-examine any witnesses appearing before the Board; and

(d) Inform the applicant or holder that if within 10 days after receipt of the notice he does not request an opportunity to appear before the Hearing Board, either in person or by counsel or representative, the Hearing Board will proceed without further notice to him.

Within five days after receipt of the notice described in § 125.39 the applicant or holder may request disqualification of any member of the Hearing Board on the grounds of personal bias or other cause. The request shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting forth in detail the facts alleged to constitute grounds for disqualification. The affidavit may be supplemented by an oral presentation if desired. If after due consideration the Chairman believes a challenged member is qualified notwithstanding the challenge, he shall notify the person who made the challenge and arrange to proceed with the hearing. If the person who made the challenge takes exception to the ruling of the Chairman, the exception and data relating to the claim of disqualification shall be made a matter of record. If the Chairman finds that there is reasonable ground for disqualification he shall furnish the person who made the challenge with the name of an alternate in lieu of the challenged member and arrange to proceed with the hearing. In the event the Chairman is challenged, he shall forthwith notify the Commandant, furnishing the grounds for the claim of disqualification, and the Commandant shall act upon the challenge in accordance with the foregoing procedure. In addition to the right to challenge for cause, a person who has requested a hearing shall have two peremptory challenges, one challenge for the management member and one challenge for the labor member of the Hearing Board. Should the management member be so challenged, the person who made the challenge may elect to have the management member replaced by another management member or by a member not representing either management or labor; if the member peremptorily challenged represents labor, the person who made the challenge may elect to have the labor member replaced by another labor member or by a member not representing either management or labor.

(a) Hearings shall be conducted in an orderly manner and in a serious, businesslike atmosphere of dignity and decorum and shall be expedited as much as possible.

(b) The hearing shall be in open or closed session at the option of the applicant or holder.

(c) Testimony before the Hearing Board shall be given under oath or affirmation.

(d) The Chairman of the Hearing Board shall inform the applicant or holder of his right to:

(1) Participate in the hearing;

(2) Be represented by counsel of his choice;

(3) Present witnesses and offer other evidence in his own behalf and in refutation of the reasons set forth in the Notice of the Commandant; and

(4) Cross-examine any witnesses offered in support of such reasons.

(e) Hearings shall be opened by the reading of the Notice of the Commandant and the answer thereto. Any statement and affidavits filed by the applicant or holder may be incorporated in the record by reference.

(f) The Hearing Board may, in its discretion, invite any person to appear at the hearing and testify. However, the Board shall not be bound by the testimony of such witness by reason of having called him and shall have full right to cross-examine the witness. Every effort shall be made to produce material witnesses to testify in support of the reasons set forth in the Notice of the Commandant, in order that such witnesses may be confronted and cross-examined by the applicant or holder.

(g) The applicant or holder may introduce such evidence as may be relevant and pertinent. Rules of evidence shall not be binding on the Hearing Board, but reasonable restrictions may be imposed as to the relevancy, competency and materiality of matters considered. If the applicant or holder is, or may be, handicapped by the non-disclosure to him of confidential sources, or by the failure of witnesses to appear, the Hearing Board shall take the fact into consideration.

(h) The applicant or holder or his counsel or representative shall have the right to control the sequence of witnesses called by him.

(i) The Hearing Board shall give due consideration to documentary evidence developed by investigation, including membership cards, petitions bearing the applicant's or holder's signature, books, treatises or articles written by the applicant or holder and testimony by the applicant or holder before duly constituted authority.

(j) Complete verbatim stenographic transcription shall be made of the hearing by qualified reporters and the transcript shall constitute a permanent part of the record. Upon request, the applicant or holder or his counsel or representative shall be furnished, without cost, a copy of the transcript of the hearing.

(k) The Board shall reach its conclusion and base its determination on information presented at the hearing, together with such other information as may have been developed through investigation and inquiries or made available by the applicant or holder.

(l) If the applicant or holder fails, without good cause shown to the satisfaction of the chairman, to appear personally or to be represented before the Hearing Board, the Board shall proceed with consideration of the matter.

(m) The recommendation of the Hearing Board shall be in writing and shall be signed by all members of the Board. The Board shall forward to the Commandant, with its recommendation, a memorandum of reasons in support thereof. Should any member be in disagreement with the majority a dissent should be noted setting forth the reasons therefor. The recommendation of the Board, together with the complete record of the case, shall be sent to the Commandant as expeditiously as possible.

(a) If, upon receipt of the Board's recommendation, the Commandant is satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant or holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, he shall, in the case of an applicant, direct that a Coast Guard Port Security Card be issued to the applicant, or, in the case of a holder, notify him accordingly.

(b) If, upon receipt of the Board's recommendation, the Commandant is not satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant or holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, the Commandant shall:

(1) In the case of an applicant, notify him that a Coast Guard Port Security Card will not be issued to the applicant, or,

(2) In the case of a holder, revoke and require the surrender of his Coast Guard Port Security Card.

(c) Such applicant or holder shall be notified of his right, and shall have 20 days from the receipt of such notice within which, to appeal under this part.

(a) The Commandant shall establish at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC, an Appeal Board to hear appeals provided for in this part. The Commandant shall designate for the Appeal Board a Chairman, who shall be so far as practicable, an officer of the Coast Guard. The Commandant shall designate, so far as practicable, a member from a panel of persons representing management nominated by the Secretary of Labor, and a member from a panel of persons representing labor nominated by the Secretary of Labor. The Commandant shall insure that persons designated as Appeal Board members have suitable security clearance. The Chairman of the Appeal Board shall make all arrangements incident to the business of the Appeal Board.

(b) If an applicant or holder appeals to the Appeal Board within 20 days after receipt of notice of his right to appeal under this part, his appeal shall be handled under the same procedure as that specified in § 125.39, and the privilege of challenge may be exercised through the same procedure as that specified in § 125.41.

(c) Appeal Board proceedings shall be conducted in the same manner as that specified in § 125.43.

(a) If, upon receipt of the Appeal Board's recommendation, the Commandant is satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant or holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, he shall, in the case of an applicant, direct that a Coast Guard Port Security Card be issued to the applicant, or in the case of a holder, notify him accordingly.

(b) If, upon receipt of the Appeal Board's recommendation, the Commandant is not satisfied that the character and habits of life of the applicant or holder are such as to warrant the belief that his presence on waterfront facilities, and port and harbor areas, including vessels and harbor craft therein, would not be inimical to the security of the United States, the Commandant shall notify the applicant or holder that his appeal is denied.

(a) Any person whose Coast Guard Port Security Card has been stolen, lost, or destroyed shall report that fact to a Coast Guard Port Security Unit or Captain of the Port as soon thereafter as possible.

(b) A person who has lost a Coast Guard Port Security Card may apply for a replacement card by submitting “An Application for Replacement of Lost Port Security Card” (Form CG 2685A) to a Coast Guard Port Security Unit. A replacement will be issued only after a full explanation of the loss of the Coast Guard Port Security Card is made in writing to the Coast Guard and after a full check is made and authorization is granted by the Commandant.

(c) Any person to whom a Coast Guard Port Security Card has been issued as a replacement for a lost card, shall immediately surrender the original card to the nearest Coast Guard Port Security Unit or Captain of the Port if the original card should be recovered.

(a) Every person desiring access to vessels, except public vessels, falling within any of the categories listed below, as a master, person in charge, or member of the crew thereof, shall be required to be in possession of one of the identification credentials listed in § 125.09.

(1) Towing vessels, barges, and lighters operating in the navigable waters of the continental United States other than the Great Lakes and Western Rivers.

(2) Harbor craft, such as water taxis, junk boats, garbage disposal boats, bum boats, supply boats, repair boats, and ship cleaning boats, which in the course of their normal operations service or contact vessels, foreign or domestic, public or merchant, in the navigable waters of the continental United States other than the Great Lakes and Western Rivers.

(b) The term “master, person in charge, or member of the crew” shall be deemed to include any person who serves on board in any capacity concerned with the operation, maintenance, or administration of the vessel or its cargo.

(c) Where the Coast Guard Port Security Card (Form CG 2514) is to be used as the identification required by paragraph (a) of this section, application for such card may be made immediately by the persons concerned. The issuance of the Coast Guard Port Security Card shall be in the form and manner prescribed by § 125.11.

(d) At the discretion of the District Commander any person desiring access to vessels of the categories named in this section, who may be required by the provisions hereof to possess identification credentials, may be furnished a letter signed by the District Commander or the Captain of the Port and this letter shall serve in lieu of a Coast Guard Port Security Card and will authorize such access for a period not to exceed 60 days, and such a letter issued shall be deemed to be satisfactory identification within the meaning of § 125.09. The issuance of the letter shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) The services of the person are necessary to avoid delay in the operation of the vessel;

(2) The person does not possess one of the identification credentials listed in § 125.09.

(3) The person has filed his application for a Coast Guard Port Security Card or submits his application before the letter is issued; and,

(4) The person has been screened by the District Commander or Captain of the Port and such officer is satisfied concerning the eligibility of the applicant to receive a temporary letter.

A person who has filed an application for a Coast Guard Port Security Card and who did not receive such a document prior to May 1, 1956, shall submit a new application in accordance with the requirements of this part.

A person who has been denied a Coast Guard Port Security Card before May 1, 1956, may file a new application for such a document in accordance with the requirements of this part.