The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) announced that the online Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license renewal process is on schedule to commence in mid-2017. The Commission was briefed on this development and other issues in an open session meeting including discussions about the Hanjin bankruptcy and shipping disruptions; an update on the PierPASS third-part audit and expanded gate workshop; and an empirical analysis of changing alliance structures in the transpacific trade
In total, almost 5,000 parties will need to have their license renewed over a three-year period. Commission staff reported that significant progress has been made in building the information technology based system that will be used for OTI license renewals, and in beginning to advise regulated entities of the procedures for complying with the new requirements.
In February of next year, the Commission will officially contact the first group of those qualified to have their licenses renewed, providing affected individuals with user names, passwords, and instructions on the process for completing license renewals.
The new system will communicate with regulated parties via electronic mail and OTIs are reminded that their most current contact information needs to be on file at the Commission. OTIs should confirm with the Commission’s Bureau of Certification & Licensing that they have submitted an accurate e-mail account to the agency.
further information about the renewal process can be found at http://www.fmc.gov/resources/guidance_renewals.aspx
Source: FMC
