Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Coast Guard and STWC Convention

Implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978.

In the Federal Register published today, the Coast Guard proposes to amend its regulations to fully incorporate the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW Convention), as well as the Seafarer’s Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) in the requirements for the credentialing of United States merchant mariners as found in 46 CFR Parts 10, 11, 12, and 15. The proposed regulations can be accessed via the Internet by clicking HERE. The changes proposed incorporate lessons learned from implementation of the STCW Convention and STCW Code through the interim rule and attempt to clarify those regulations that have generated confusion in the past.

Comments and related material must either be submitted to the Coast Guard’s online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before February 16, 2010 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. Comments sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on collection of information must reach OMB on or before February 16, 2010.

If you have questions on this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), call or email Mark Gould, Maritime Personnel Qualifications Division, U. S. Coast Guard, telephone 202–372–1409, e-mail [email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–9826.