Aug. 14, 2026

MSIB 03-26: Update to Reporting Sexual Misconduct and Harassment on U.S. Vessels

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 updated 46 U.S.C. 10104 with a definition for harassment. Responsible entities of US vessels are required to report incidents that meet the definition of harassment to the US Coast Guard. The definition of harassment includes conduct prohibited by existing federal anti-discrimination statutes, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. This safety bulletin is provided to provide clarifying information on mandatory reporting with updates from the NDAA 2026.

Aug. 13, 2026

Mariner Credentialing Program (MCP) Transformation

The Mariner Credentialing Program (MCP) Transformation represents a comprehensive reform of U.S. merchant mariner credentialing. It aims to meet the needs of the maritime industry by removing obsolete requirements, integrating modern training technology, and introducing digital-first tools to serve stakeholders more efficiently. Process improvements such as the Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP) and the emailing of medical certificates have already provided improvements.

July 30, 2026

What Mariners Can Expect Before the Navita™ Launch

As the U.S. Coast Guard prepares for the initial rollout of Navita™ in September 2026, we want to ensure the maritime workforce is fully prepared for the transition. Navita™ is our new digital credentialing system, designed to replace paper-based processes with an easier, more secure online experience. By improving efficiency Navita™ will help reduce delays and get qualified mariners their merchant mariner credential (MMC) faster. Because this represents a significant shift in how you will interact with the Coast Guard, we want you to know exactly what to expect in the weeks leading to the launch.

July 16, 2026

How Navita™ Addresses Major Mariner Pain Points

For decades, the Merchant Mariner Credentialing (MMC) process has relied on manual, paper-based workflows that inadvertently create bottlenecks for both mariners and the Coast Guard. Navita™ shifts mariner credentialing from a reactive, error-prone paper process to a proactive, guided digital experience. Currently, many processing delays stem from simple administrative errors. When an application is submitted with missing information or incorrect fees, the National Maritime Center (NMC) must pause processing, costing mariners valuable time. Navita™ addresses these historical pain points through smart automation and a guided user interface.

July 2, 2026

Navita™ and the Coast Guard’s Digital Transformation

As part of the Coast Guard’s Digital Transformation (DTX) strategy, modernization efforts are increasingly focused on improving user experience, streamlining processes, and creating more connected digital services for mariners and maritime stakeholders. Navita™ supports this vision by transitioning from the legacy, paper-driven Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MMLD) application toward a more modern, self-service digital experience.