U.S. Coast Guard and CAMM Both Seek Mariner Feedback

Published Jul 26, 2007 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

• U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard announced today that its Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee has established a mechanism to provide ongoing feedback on the mariner licensing and documentation program and the relocation of the National Maritime Center.

"The committee is reaching out to organizations such as trade associations, labor unions, and educational institutions to obtain their feedback, as well as mariner feedback, on how implementation of the plan is affecting their constituents," said Andrew McGovern, committee chairman. "This process includes an early warning email contact system so problems warranting immediate action can be brought to the Coast Guard's attention."

Those wishing to provide feedback should email the committee at [email protected].

The Coast Guard began restructuring its mariner licensing and documentation program in March 2005 to improve service to mariners. The project will relocate the National Maritime Center to Martinsburg, West Virginia, change the mission focus for the 17 regional examination centers and implement technological improvements, such as electronic imaging of mariner records, electronic administration and grading of exams, and online payment of user fees. When the plan is complete, the processing of all applications for credentials will be centralized and managed by the reorganized National Maritime Center staff, and the responsibilities of the regional examination centers will be limited to fingerprinting mariners, establishing mariner identities, providing application assistance, administering testing and providing course oversight.

• Council of American Master Mariners (CAMM) Seeks Statements for Upcoming Congressional Hearings

Please send any information or statements (or anecdotes) re: Administrative Law Judge issues and / or Coast Guard Marine Safety Programs (Including Licensing & Documentation of Mariners) to:

Richard C. Hiscock; Senior Professional Staff
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
507 Ford House Office Building; Washington, DC 20515
Tel: (202) 226-3587; FAX: (202) 226-8068
[email protected]
Direct line (202) 226-5727