The New Hawsepipe

The New Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) is Here!

Leonard — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:45:38 +0000

The new MMC is here and will replace all MMD’s. It is a red, passport size document that contains everything from licenses (Masters, Mates, Engineers, etc.), unlicensed documents (AB, QMED, etc), endorsements (VSO, Lifeboatman, etc) and STCW certificate. For more information, please visit the National Maritime Center’s Website at:

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/mmc_twic_announcements.asp

RADAR Observer Dates Will No Longer be Printed on Licenses

Leonard — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:14:13 +0000

The Federal Register has issued a report on the “Training and Service Requirments for Merchant Mariners.”

Effective Oct 14th, 2008, this docket removes the expiration date of the RADAR observer endorsement on merchant marine licenses to avoid confusion. Licensed mariners will be required to keep their RADAR training certification current and carry their cerificate with them. For the entire docket in detail, read here:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-21118.pdf

MSC Offers Training Program for Hawsepipers

Leonard — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:06:56 +0000

This is a very big step forward for hawsepipers. COMSC 12410.4 was signed by the commander in January of 2009 that contains the “Unlicensed to Licensed Mariner Degree Program.” This program will allow mariners who currently sail for MSC to apply to Maritime Academies and obtain not only a bachelor’s degree, but an Officer’s license as well. Please read the full article here:

http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2009/February/perspective.htm

Flashing Light Required for all License Upgrades (oceans /near coastal over 1600 GRT)

Leonard — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:01:40 +0000

Visual communications is now required for each level upgrade, including 3rd mate to 2nd mate and chief mate to master. This is usually only for ocean licenses, but beware!! The Coast Guard has stopped offering the flashing light in the R.E.C.’s so marinrs will have to take it at an approved school. The list of schools that offer it is on the C.G. Website at http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/training/flash.pdf

This is usually a self study course with software. The only tricky parts are de-coding from Pub 102, 70% is passing. The regualtions from the CFR Website is part of 46CFR 10.401(h) Ocean and Near Coastal Licenses

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2007/octqtr/pdf/46cfr10.401.pdf

Good Luck!!!!

Scupper Drain Permit

Leonard — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:25:52 +0000

I have found an article that MITAGS training center in Baltimore, MD pointed out for the scupper drains. The article is from the magazine and Website Marine Log. The article is called, “More Heartburn for Vessel Operators.”

It can be viewed online with all the permit procdures and dates of enforcement at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sb/ml0808/#/6

It basically states that by Septamber 30, 2008 commercial vessels over 79 ft in length will need to apply to the Evironmental Protection Agency for a “Vessel General Permit.”

This permit will detail all discharge streams a vessel is capable of and the best way to prevent pollution into the environment of each. Vessels under 79 feet in length will be exempt for an additional two mote years. It is just another permit, requirment and headache that vessels and crew must deal with. The article is very informaitve and detailed, definitely worth reading.

STCW and CG approved Vessel Security Officer Required!!!!!

Leonard — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:20:54 +0000

For licensed mariners there will be a new requirement to their STCW. The Vessel Security Officer (VSO) course and certificate will need to be printed on your STCW by the Coast Guard. This means that you HAD to have taken a Coast Guard approved VSO course to get it printed on your STCW. If you have already taken the course, contact the school in which you took it, and the date you took it and make sure your certificate is in compliance. I know some schools were offering the course as a company requirment and it was NOT approved by the Coast Guard at that time. Your VSO certificate should say it in the title. You might have to take the course over, or a refresher if you are going back to the same school. Any experience on this would be appreciated.

For the rules and regulations from the Coast Guard, and related questions. Goto

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ldcr_faq.asp as well as the Federal Register at

http://frwebgate2.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=183287390671+2+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve

Leonard Lambert

New Medical NVIC from the Coast Guard

Leonard — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:12:54 +0000

It may or may not be new to mariners, but there is a National Vessel Inspection Circular (04-08)

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/2000s.asp#2008

from the Coast Guard detailing the specific requirements for obtaining medical waivers for conditions individual mariners have. For example, if a mariner wears eyeglasses, to obtain a renewed MMD or license, there are certain guidelines the medical doctor must go through in the exam, and the patient must pass, to grant a waiver. The NVIC lists hundreds and hundreds of ailments. In my opinion, it is not the mariner who should be worried, but merely a guideline for doctors who are unfamiliar with granting waivers to follow so the exam is completed properly. If there is another interpretation out there, please let me know.

Leonard Lambert