Oral hearing
Article 14
1. At the request of the recognised organisation to which a statement of objections has been addressed, the Commission shall offer that organisation the opportunity to present its arguments at an oral hearing. 2. The Commission shall invite the competent authorities of Member States concerned, and may, on its own initiative or at the request of Member States concerned, invite any other persons with a legitimate interest in the infringements to take part in the oral hearing. The Commission may choose to be assisted by the European Maritime Safety Agency. 3. Natural or private legal persons invited to attend shall either appear in person or be represented by legal or authorised representatives. Member States shall be represented by officials of that Member State. 4. The oral hearing shall not be public. Each person invited to attend may be heard separately or in the presence of other persons invited to attend, having regard to the legitimate interest of the recognised organisation and other parties in the protection of their business secrets and other confidential information. 5. The statements made by each person heard shall be recorded. Upon request, the recording of the hearing shall be made available to the persons who attended the hearing and to Member States concerned.