46 CFR 10 - MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL

This final rule makes non-substantive changes throughout Titles 46 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this rule is to make conforming amendments and technical corrections to Coast Guard shipping and transportation regulations. This rule will have no substantive effect on the regulated public. These changes are provided to coincide with the annual recodification of Titles 46 and 49 on October 1, 2012.

The Coast Guard is finalizing regulations previously published as an interim rule on January 13, 2006. The interim rule was published to amend the maritime personnel licensing rules to include new security requirements when mariners apply for original, renewal, and raise-of-grade licenses and certificates of registry, but was never published as a final rule. The Coast Guard is finalizing the one remaining section of the interim rule that has remained unfinalized, which is the definition of a dangerous drug.

The Coast Guard announces steps for implementing the 2010 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, (STCW) concerning hours of rest and security-related training requirements. Because the final rule implementing the 2010 amendments to the STCW will not be published before the 1 January 2012 entry into force date, there is a need to provide guidance on implementation of the amendments related to these requirements, which will impact U.S. vessels and seafarers beginning on 1 January 2012. This notice applies to all vessels subject to STCW under current regulations.

This final rule makes non-substantive changes throughout Titles 46 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this rule is to make conforming amendments and technical corrections to Coast Guard shipping and transportation regulations. This rule will have no substantive effect on the regulated public. These changes are provided to coincide with the annual recodification of Titles 46 and 49 on October 1, 2012.

The Coast Guard is seeking public comment regarding criteria for granting medical waivers to mariners who have anti-tachycardia devices or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Current Coast Guard guidance found in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 04-08, Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials (NVIC 04-08), states that anti-tachycardia devices or ICDs are generally not waiverable. The Coast Guard is considering changing that policy. Prior to issuing a policy change on whether to grant waivers for anti-tachycardia devices or ICDs and the criteria for such waivers, the Coast Guard will accept comments from the public on whether the proposed criteria would adequately address safety concerns regarding merchant mariners with ICDs.

The Coast Guard is finalizing regulations previously published as an interim rule on January 13, 2006. The interim rule was published to amend the maritime personnel licensing rules to include new security requirements when mariners apply for original, renewal, and raise-of-grade licenses and certificates of registry, but was never published as a final rule. The Coast Guard is finalizing the one remaining section of the interim rule that has remained unfinalized, which is the definition of a dangerous drug.

The Coast Guard announces steps for implementing the 2010 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, (STCW) concerning hours of rest and security-related training requirements. Because the final rule implementing the 2010 amendments to the STCW will not be published before the 1 January 2012 entry into force date, there is a need to provide guidance on implementation of the amendments related to these requirements, which will impact U.S. vessels and seafarers beginning on 1 January 2012. This notice applies to all vessels subject to STCW under current regulations.