(b) Generally, the Coast Guard will consider negotiated rulemaking when:
- (1) There is a need for a rule;
- (2) There are a limited number of representatives for identifiable parties affected by the rule;
- (3) There is a reasonable chance that balanced representation can be reached in the negotiated rulemaking committee and that the committee members will negotiate in good faith;
- (4) There is a likelihood of a committee consensus in a fixed time period;
- (5) The negotiated rulemaking process will not unreasonably delay the rule;
- (6) The Coast Guard has resources to do negotiated rulemaking; and
- (7) The Coast Guard can use the consensus of the committee in formulating the NPRM and final rule.