March 13, 2024

The The Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group to Identify and Address Seafarers’ Issues, Human Element Recommends Actions to Address Violence, Sexual Harassment, Bullying, and Assault

The second meeting of the Joint International Labour Organization (ILO)/International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tripartite Working Group to Identify and Address Seafarers' Issues and the Human Element (JTWG) met at the IMO Headquarters from February 27-29, 2024, to consider bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, and provide recommendations for future steps to address these issues and ensure a safe working environment for seafarers.

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.