The U.S. Coast Guard on Jan. 6, aiming to ensure the issuance of merchant mariner documents (MMDs) only to eligible seafarers, published an interim rule changing the application procedures for the Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation program.The SIU is preparing a formal reply to the interim regulation.
A major change is that mariners seeking to renew current documents now must appear in person at a Regional Examination Center (REC) for fingerprinting during the renewal process. All applicants will undergo criminal and security checks, and new tamper-resistant documents will be issued. The rule went into effect immediately.
Another change stipulates that a mariner must report (in writing) a lost document, including the circumstances surrounding the loss.
Under the new rule, and according to The Federal Register, the Coast Guard will verify information provided on mariners’ original MMD applications and conduct record reviews and safety and security checks of applicants in accordance with applicable law. The agency may reject an application for an MMD if the record review and safety and security check leads officials to determine that the applicant’s criminal record or “character and habits of life” demonstrate that the applicant is not a “safe and suitable” person.
A safe and suitable person eligible for an MMD is defined in The Federal Register as one who, as determined by the appropriate Coast Guard official, possesses the character and habits of life to warrant the belief that their presence aboard vessels of the United States is not adverse to the security of the United States.
In instances where an application is disapproved, the applicant will be notified in writing of the reason(s) for disapproval, unless the Coast Guard determines that such disclosure of information is prohibited by law, regulation, or agency policy, in which case the reason(s) will not be disclosed. No MMD transactions will be performed pending a decision on an appeal.
Although the new regulations immediately took effect, comments are being accepted until April 5, 2004.
The text of the interim rule may be viewed here
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