Navigating the Regulatory Seas

From the Holland and Knight Newsletter: USCG – reminder to replace older EPIRBs

The US Coast Guard issued a press release reminding mariners that older model Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) that broadcast on 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz will not be monitored by satellite as of February 1, 2009. Effective that date, the satellites will only monitor for radio beacons broadcasting on 406 MHz. Some of the newer EPIRBs are equipped with embedded GPS, which will automatically signal the location of the distress.

The official press release after the jump.

USCG – TWIC FAQs

The US Coast Guard issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding its enforcement of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.

From Holland and Knight….

USCG – Mariner licensing and Documentation update

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a Mariner Licensing and Documentation Update. The focus is on the transition of various functions from the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) to centralized operations at the NMC. Plans call for these functions to be fully centralized by the end of the fiscal year. (4/14/08).

Click here to read the USCG document.

Some helpful information from the Regional Exam Center (REC) in New York City about the future of applying for credentials and what to bring to the REC when you go for your TWIC….

As required by law, all credentialed U.S. merchant mariners must obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), prior to September 25, 2008 - this includes all persons holding a Coast Guard-issued License, Certificate of Registry, Merchant Mariner Document or Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers endorsement.

The Coast Guard is currently engaged with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) working out the specific information, provided by applicants to TSA during TWIC enrollment, which would be needed to process an application for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). We (USCG) are also attempting to determine the method by which the information we require will be shared with to us by TSA. We expect to have coordinated these details prior to September 25, 2008, if not sooner.
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The American Boating Congress two-day legislative conference will be held in Washington, DC this year on April 27-29. Presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the seminars will address public policy and present on issues relevant to the maritime industry.

More information after the jump American Boating Congress