Coast Guard Proposes New Rules for Merchant Mariners
On November 17, 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard published proposed amendments to its regulations to fully incorporate the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and the Seafarer's Training Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) into the Coast Guard's rules.
These amended rule changes can be found on the Federal Register website.
Comments on the proposed rules must be submitted to the Coast Guard's online docket no later than February 16, 2010 or send via mail to the USCG Docket Management Facility.
The Coast Guard's proposed new regulations make numerous important changes to the rules for licensing and credentialing merchant mariners. These regulations also extend the STCW requirements to all seagoing vessels of less than 200 Gross Register Tons/500 Gross Tonnage on international voyages.
It will be interesting to observe the public comments on these proposed rules and what changes, if any, the Coast Guard will make before they go into effect.
Lafcadio Darling specializes in maritime and commercial litigation, representing a wide variety of business and consumer clients. In addition to being licensed in Washington and California, Lafcadio also holds an LL.M. from University College London and is a licensed solicitor in England & Wales
