News & Information

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.

San Diego, October 29, 2019 – – Training Resources Maritime Institute (TRLMI) has announced the introduction of their Small Vessel Refrigeration course, which supports the fishing industry. The course was developed to educate students on how to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair typical marine refrigeration systems. According to Dave Abrams, CEO of TRLMI, “Not all training... Continue reading→

The first ever Harbormaster appreciation day happened earlier this month on October 8, 2019. The day is registered with the National Day Archive and recognizes the work of harbor and port masters across the country. For more info visit: https://www.thelog.com/…/us-harbors-to-celebrate-first-eve…/