Release of the new Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Forms

October 30, 2009

Today the Coast Guard is releasing revised versions of the Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report form (CG-719 K, Revision 01-09) and the Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings form (CG-719 K/E, Revision 01-09) to facilitate obtaining objective medical information for use in evaluating merchant mariner credential applications. These forms are now available for voluntary use until December 31, 2009. All physical exams completed on or after January 1, 2010 must be documented on Revision 01-09.

 

MERCHANT MARINER THIRD PARTY AUTHORIZATION

Dear Merchant Mariner,

Many mariners, especially those that are at sea or away from home for extended periods of time, have authorized third parties, such as a spouse or an employer, to handle the details of their credential application while they are gone. If you would like to authorize the National Maritime Center (NMC) to work directly with others, and to protect your privacy, please follow the instructions below.

 

UPDATED MERCHANT MARINER MEDICAL EVALUATION REPORT

 The Coast Guard is planning to release new versions of the Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report form (CG-719 K) and the Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings form (CG-719 K/E). These new forms will be phased in over a two month period, as outlined below. The CG-719 K/E should be used only by mariners seeking an entry level credential. This form is limited to applicants for the following rating endorsements: Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, or Steward’s Department (food handler). The CG-719K should be used for all other endorsement applications.

 

New Medical Standards from the US Coast Guard

From The Maritime Executive Magazine:

REC veteran Andy Hammond weighs in and cautions mariners to provide sufficient documentation that their medical condition is being treated properly AND that they could perform the normal duties of the license held or applied for.

When the Staten Island Ferry crashed into the dock in October of 2003 the investigation revealed a “system” that may have allowed a mariner to operate under the authority of their license, who was not physically competent to do so. While the regulatory licensing process may not have prevented Richard Smith (Captain) from taking Tremadol and Tylenol PM, which most likely caused him to pass out, resulting in a casualty that killed 11 people, it did prompt the Coast Guard to take a hard look at mariners and physical competency.

A major part of the license and MMD application process is providing documentation that you are physically competent to perform the normal duties of the license or rating applied for, including all emergency duties. There are very specific regulations with regard to visual acuity and color sense. However, the Coast Guard will make the final determination if your general physical condition is suitable to hold a credential.

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Changes in training and service requirements for merchant marine officers

From Holland and Knight…

The US Coast Guard is amending certain regulations relating to the training and service requirements for merchant marine officers. These changes remove the expiration date of the radar-observer endorsement from the merchant mariner’s license, allow for an apprentice mate of towing vessels to reduce sea-service time form mate (pilot) of towing vessels by completing additional approved training, and provide an alternate path to mate (pilot) of towing vessels for master of steam or motor vessels of any tonnage that is 200 GRT or less. The amendments come into effect on October 14.

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