(a) The time limitations for service of a complaint upon the holder of a credential are as follows:

(1) When based exclusively on 46 U.S.C. 7704,service,or.

(2) For one of the misconduct offenses specified in § 5.59(a) or § 5.61(a), service shall be within five years after commission of the offense alleged therein.

(3) For an act or offense not otherwise provided for, the service shall be within three years after the commission of the act or offense alleged therein.

(b) When computing the period of time specified in paragraphs (a) (2) and (3) of this section there shall be excluded any period or periods of time when the respondent could not attend a hearing or be served charges by reason of being outside of the United States or by reason of being in prison or hospitalized.