APPEALS AND WAIVERS.

SEC. 524. APPEALS AND WAIVERS.(a) In General.—Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting at the end the following new section:“§ 102. Appeals and waivers “Except for the Commandant of the Coast Guard, any individual adjudicating an appeal or waiver of a decision regarding marine safety, including inspection or manning and threats to the environment, shall—“(1) be a qualified specialist with the training, experience, and qualifications in marine safety to effectively judge the 124 STAT. 2959 facts and circumstances involved in the appeal and make a judgment regarding the merits of the appeal; or“(2) have a senior staff member who—“(A) meets the requirements of paragraph (1);“(B) actively advises the individual adjudicating the appeal; and“(C) concurs in writing on the decision on appeal.” .(b) Clerical Amendment.—The analysis for such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new item: “102. Appeals and waivers.”.