(a) The Board may conduct an investigation under the Act of any major marine casualty or any casualty involving public and nonpublic vessels. Where the Board determines it will convene a hearing in connection with such an investigation, the Board’s rules of practice for transportation accident hearings in 49 CFR part 845 shall apply.

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(b) The Board shall conduct an investigation under the Act when:

(1) The casualty involves a Coast Guard and a nonpublic vessel and at least one fatality or $75,000 in property damage; or

(2) The Commandant and the Board agree that the Board shall conduct the investigation, and the casualty involves a public and a nonpublic vessel and at least one fatality or $75,000 in property damage; or

(3) The Commandant and the Board agree that the Board shall conduct the investigation, and the casualty is a major marine casualty which involves significant safety issues relating to Coast Guard safety functions.

[47 FR 46090, Oct. 15, 1982]