The Federal Register dated January 25 contains a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking for the consolidation of merchant mariner qualification credentials (MMC). It also contains the final rule for phase one of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. (Scroll down for links.)The union is reviewing both documents and will continue reporting to Seafarers at the monthly membership meetings, in the Seafarers LOG and on this web site. Members also are encouraged to periodically check with their port agent for the latest information.
The government is accepting comments on the supplemental notice for the MMC until April 25, 2007. The final rulemaking on the new mariner credential isn’t expected to take effect until approximately August 2008; initial issuance of that credential will continue over a five-year period. This means that until the proposed MMC regulation is final, Seafarers should continue to apply for z-cards/MMDs, licenses, CORs and STCW endorsements under the current regulations in 46 CFR parts 10 and 12.
The published summary of the TWIC rule states, “Those seeking unescorted access to secure areas aboard affected vessels, and all Coast Guard credentialed merchant mariners must possess a TWIC by September 25, 2008.”
Click HERE for the text version of the MMC supplemental notice. The PDF version (91 pages) is available by clicking HERE
Click HERE for the text version of the TWIC rule, or HERE for the PDF version (114 pages).
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