A comprehensive guide to the Federal Maritime Commission's regulations in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter IV. These regulations implement the Shipping Act of 1984 and the Ocean Shipping Reform Acts.
| Part | Title | Key Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Part 501 | FMC Organization and Functions | Describes the FMC's organizational structure, the roles of its five Commissioners, and the functions of each bureau and office including the Bureau of Enforcement, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, and Office of the General Counsel. |
| Part 502 | Rules of Practice and Procedure | Governs formal adjudicatory proceedings before the FMC, including complaint procedures, discovery, hearings before Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), and appeals to the full Commission. |
| Part 503 | Public Information | Implements the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for FMC records and describes what information is publicly available, how to request records, and fee schedules. |
| Part 504 | Procedures for Requests for Interpretations, Rulings, and Other Relief | Establishes the process by which parties may request informal guidance, interpretive rulings, or declaratory orders from the FMC on specific regulatory questions. |
| Part 515 | Licensing, Registration, and Financial Responsibility Requirements for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries | The primary licensing regulation for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs), including both Ocean Freight Forwarders (OFFs) and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs). |
| Part 520 | Carrier Automated Tariffs | Requires ocean common carriers and NVOCCs to publish and maintain tariffs in a format accessible to the public via the internet. |
| Part 525 | Marine Terminal Operator Schedules | Requires marine terminal operators (MTOs) to publish schedules of their rates, rules, and practices, including demurrage and detention charges. |
| Part 530 | Service Contracts | Governs the filing and confidentiality of service contracts between ocean common carriers and shippers. |
| Part 535 | Ocean Common Carrier and Marine Terminal Operator Agreements | Governs the filing, review, and monitoring of agreements between ocean common carriers and between MTOs. |
| Part 540 | Passenger Vessel Certificates | Requires passenger vessel operators to obtain certificates of financial responsibility (CFRs) demonstrating ability to reimburse passengers for non-performance of transportation. |
| Part 541 | Demurrage and Detention | Implements the OSRA 2022 requirement that demurrage and detention billing practices be reasonable. |
| Part 545 | Controlled Carriers | Governs the FMC's oversight of controlled carriers — ocean common carriers that are owned or controlled by a foreign government. |
Describes the FMC's organizational structure, the roles of its five Commissioners, and the functions of each bureau and office including the Bureau of Enforcement, Bureau of Certification and Licensing, and Office of the General Counsel.
Key Requirements
Governs formal adjudicatory proceedings before the FMC, including complaint procedures, discovery, hearings before Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), and appeals to the full Commission.
Key Requirements
Implements the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for FMC records and describes what information is publicly available, how to request records, and fee schedules.
Key Requirements
Establishes the process by which parties may request informal guidance, interpretive rulings, or declaratory orders from the FMC on specific regulatory questions.
Key Requirements
The primary licensing regulation for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs), including both Ocean Freight Forwarders (OFFs) and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs). Sets out application requirements, financial responsibility requirements, and grounds for license revocation.
Key Requirements
Requires ocean common carriers and NVOCCs to publish and maintain tariffs in a format accessible to the public via the internet. Sets out the required content, format, and amendment procedures for tariffs.
Key Requirements
Requires marine terminal operators (MTOs) to publish schedules of their rates, rules, and practices, including demurrage and detention charges.
Key Requirements
Governs the filing and confidentiality of service contracts between ocean common carriers and shippers. Sets out the required contents of service contracts and the procedures for filing essential terms with the FMC.
Key Requirements
Governs the filing, review, and monitoring of agreements between ocean common carriers and between MTOs. Implements the antitrust immunity provisions of the Shipping Act for qualifying agreements.
Key Requirements
Requires passenger vessel operators to obtain certificates of financial responsibility (CFRs) demonstrating ability to reimburse passengers for non-performance of transportation.
Key Requirements
Implements the OSRA 2022 requirement that demurrage and detention billing practices be reasonable. Effective May 28, 2024, this rule establishes billing requirements, dispute resolution procedures, and the FMC's enforcement authority.
Key Requirements
Governs the FMC's oversight of controlled carriers — ocean common carriers that are owned or controlled by a foreign government. Controlled carriers are subject to additional scrutiny to ensure their rates are not predatory or below cost.
Key Requirements
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