March 13, 2024

National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee Meeting

The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing is hosting the seventh meeting of the National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (NMERPAC) March 26-27, 2024, in Edmonds, Washington, at Compass Courses.

March 7, 2024

Release of CG-CVC Policy Letter 24-01 – Guidance for Determining Inspection Status of Publicly Owned Oceanographic Research Vessels (ORV)

The Coast Guard has published CG-CVC Policy Letter 24-01 – Guidance for Determining Inspection Status of Publicly Owned Oceanographic Research Vessels (ORV). This new policy letter establishes policy and guidance for the evaluation of publicly owned ORVs to determine whether they are subject to vessel inspection requirements under U.S. law.

Feb. 26, 2024

Coast Guard Announces New Merchant Mariner Credential

The U.S. Coast Guard announced a new merchant mariner credential (MMC) set to launch on March 1, 2024. This milestone marks the first comprehensive revision of the mariner credential in nearly a decade and is strategically designed to enhance both the quality of service and security within the Marine Transportation System (MTS). As the exclusive source of U.S. mariner credentials, the Coast Guard will continue to grant these credentials to mariners who meet the necessary qualifications and suitability criteria, enabling them to serve on U.S. flagged vessels.

Feb. 23, 2024

Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-24: Reporting Breaches of Security, Suspicious Activity, Transportation Security Incidents, and Cyber Incidents

On February 21, 2024, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Amending Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Vessels, Harbors, Ports, and Waterfront Facilities of the United States, updating Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 6, to explicitly address cyber threats. 

Feb. 22, 2024

National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee; Vacancies

The U.S. Coast Guard is accepting applications to fill three vacancies on the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC). NOSAC advises the Secretary of Homeland Security, via the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on matters relating to activities directly involved with, or in support of, the exploration of offshore mineral and energy resources, to the extent that such matters are within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard.