(a) General. Upon request by any individual made in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, such individual shall be granted access to any record pertaining to him or her which is contained in a Commission system of records. However, nothing in this section shall allow an individual access to any information compiled by the Commission in reasonable anticipation of a civil or criminal action or proceeding.

(b) Procedures for requests for access to records. Any individual may request access to a record pertaining to him or her in person or by mail in accordance with paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section:

(1) Any individual making such request in person shall do so at the Office of the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20573 and shall:

(i) Provide identification acceptable to the Secretary to verify the individual's identity, e.g., driver's license, employee identification card, or medicare card; and

(ii) Complete and sign the appropriate form provided by the Secretary.

(2) Any individual making a request for access to records by mail shall address such request to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20573 and shall include therein a signed, notarized statement to verify his or her identity.

(3) Any individual requesting access to records under this section in person may be accompanied by a person of his or her own choosing, while reviewing the record requested. If an individual elects to be so accompanied, he or she shall notify the Secretary of such election in the request and shall provide a written statement authorizing disclosure of the record in the presence of the accompanying person. Failure to so notify the Secretary in a request for access shall be deemed to be a decision by the individual not to be accompanied.

(c) Commission determination of requests for access. (1) Upon request made in accordance with this section, the Secretary or his or her delegate shall:

(i) Determine whether or not such request shall be granted;

(ii) Make such determination and provide notification within 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after receipt of such request, and, if such request is granted shall:

(iii) Notify the individual that fees for reproducing copies will be made in accordance with § 503.69.

(2) If access to a record is denied because such information has been compiled by the Commission in reasonable anticipation of a civil or criminal action or proceeding, or for any other reason, the Secretary shall notify the individual of such determination and his or her right to judicial appeal under 5 U.S.C. 552a(g).

(d) Manner of providing access. (1) If access is granted, the individual making such request shall notify the Secretary whether the records requested are to be copied and mailed to the individual.

(2) If records are to be made available for personal inspection, the individual shall arrange with the Secretary a mutually agreeable time and place for inspection of the record.

(3) Fees for reproducing and mailing copies of records will be made in accordance with § 503.69.