SAN DIEGO — As activity on the water increases, the Coast Guard cautions the public that unlicensed vessel charters are both illegal and potentially unsafe. Coast Guard Sector San Diego investigators work with local law enforcement to identify and terminate unlicensed and illegal charter boat operations along California’s southern coast in the interest of passenger... Continue reading→

SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard, Port of San Diego and partner agencies urge boaters to be safe as recreational and commercial waterways traffic increases in San Diego. Boaters should be aware of maritime rules and guidelines to help them maintain safety for themselves and their fellow mariners. Sailors should know the “Rules of the... Continue reading→

One hundred years ago today, President Woodrow Wilson enacted a law that would become known as the Jones Act. Its purpose was to help the U.S. shipping industry recover after World War I. Yet few could have predicted how vital it would become to our national security and economic prosperity a full century later —... Continue reading→

COVID-19 – Mariner Credentials Extension of Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements, Medical Certificates and Course Approvals This MSIB updates guidance concerning mariner credentials, medical certificates and course approvals, and the action being taken by the Coast Guard due to the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes (COVID-19). We are doing this in keeping with national... Continue reading→

The Director, Commercial Regulations and Standards (CG-5PS), in conjunction with the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC-2), continues to receive and process mariner appeals that are submitted in accordance with Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1.03-40. However, due to ongoing COVID-19 safety and health concerns and technical constraints that operating in the... Continue reading→

Please join us for this year’s virtual celebration of National Maritime Day! This year’s theme – “Resilient Sealift for a Resilient Nation”— reflects the U.S. maritime industry’s unwavering support of the nation, especially during the current challenge of COVID-19. While we may not be able to join in person, we can honor our nation’s maritime... Continue reading→

SEATTLE – The 13th Coast Guard District has implemented a groundbreaking technology to assist mariners in distress on the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Across Washington and Oregon, mariners can provide vital location information to Coast Guard rescue crews from their smartphones without having to download an application. In addition to common life-saving devices known... Continue reading→

On May 1, 2020, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will launch a centralized electronic delivery process (via e-mail) for renewal examinations. This change provides mariners the ability to request, complete, and submit renewal examinations by e-mail and will help to maintain the flow of mariner credentials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paper mailings will still be... Continue reading→

15 April 2020, the TSA issued a 180-day extension for TWIC card renews on or after 1 March 2020.