The National Maritime Center published a bulletin pertaining to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, or NVIC, 02-14 which provides guidance on transitional implementation of the final rule titled “Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as Amended, and Changes to National Endorsements” (78 FR 77796).

One item addressed in Enclosure 2, paragraph 3, of NVIC 02-14 is the interim, non-renewable endorsement of rating forming part of a navigational watch, or RFPNW, lookout duties only. Mariners who submitted an application with a course completion certificate prior to March 24, 2015, may be issued this endorsement. Applications for this endorsement received on or after March 24, 2015, will not be accepted.

RFPNW lookout only endorsements issued will remain valid until their specified expiration dates.

Mariners and other providers should contact the Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) with any questions.

You can view the National Maritime Center’s bulletin here.

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.