The Coast Guard proposes to increase from 3 years to 7 years the period within which qualifying sea service aboard vessels of the uniformed services can be used to satisfy the requirement for recent sea service to qualify for a Merchant Mariner Credential with a national officer endorsement.
Policy Letter: Guidance for vessel requests to participate in hurricane relief operations
The Coast Guard recognizes that sealift capacity is an efficient and effective means to provide relief supplies following hurricane damage. Vessels operating within the conditions outlined in their Certificate of Inspection, generally, do not need additional permission from the Coast Guard to engage in relief operations. This policy provides guidelines for Coast Guard personnel when considering requests for vessels to participate in hurricane operations.
Credentials Lost Due to Hurricane Dorian
In this post, The National Maritime Center (NMC) is providing instructions for mariners whose credentials were lost due to Hurricane Dorian.
MSIB: Passenger vessel compliance and operational readiness
On September 2, 2019, the small passenger vessel Conception caught fire and sank off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, California with loss of life. This bulletin identifies regulations related to firefighting, lifesaving, preparations for emergencies, and means of escape that serve as a reminder for owner and operators to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew while onboard.
Proposed termination of Coast Guard medium frequency broadcast of Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) and shift to satellite
The Coast Guard is requesting public comments until Nov. 12, 2019, on its proposal to cease broadcasting Navigational Telex over Medium Frequency.
Online mariner credential verification tool temporarily unavailable
While technicians work to resolve the issue, credentials may be verified by contacting the National Maritime Center directly.
Merchant Mariner Medical Manual now available
The guidance in this Manual should assist medical practitioners, the maritime industry, individual mariners, and Coast Guard personnel in evaluating a mariner applicant’s physical and medical status to meet the requirements of the merchant mariner medical certificate. This Manual incorporates and consolidates prior guidance on the medical evaluation of merchant mariners contained in several Coast Guard documents. The Manual includes guidance on the medical certificate and related processes, including procedures for application, issuance, and cancellation of the medical certificate.
Marine Safety Center issues Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to COSCO Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd.
The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the 21st U.S. Coast Guard Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to COSCO Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd.
MSIB: Best practices to reduce transport of pathogens spreading stony coral tissue loss disease
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease can kill coral within weeks or months and spreads rapidly to destroy the soft tissue of many different species of coral. This MSIB reminds vessel representatives of mandatory management practices associated with the discharge of ballast water (BW) from vessels required to conduct a Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) under U.S. Regulations.
