of every bill before submitting it to the owner, master, or agent of a merchant vessel. When an error occurs, the billing office shall take immediate steps to correct it. If the bill has not been paid, then the owner, master, or agent shall be notified and requested to return the bill for correction. If the bill has been paid, then the person paying the bill shall be notified and instructed on how he may obtain a refund of the overpayment. 1-8-45B. Refund for Owner, Master, or Agent of a Merchant Vessel

If payment has been made, the billing office shall notify the person who paid the bill by letter (original and copy) that an error was made in computing the charges for overtime services and that he in entitled to a refund. The way to obtain the refund should be explained, as follows: The owner, master, or agent who paid the bill should send a letter direct to the United States General Accounting Office, Washington 25, D. C., requesting a refund of an overpayment amounting to so much, in accordance with the enclosed duplicate copy of letter received from Coast Guard. (The letter should NOT be sent to the Commandant.)