Continuing its evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 to the maritime industry, the US Coast Guard issued the fifth update on extensions to merchant mariner credentials, medical certificates and course approvals.
The Change 5 to MSIB 08-20, titled COVID-19 – Mariner Credentials, provides the following significant changes:
- Merchant mariner credentials, both national and STCW, and medical certificates that expire between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are extended. The credentials are extended to the earlier of October 31, 2021 or one year from the expiration date of the credential. This reflects the fact that our statutory authority to extend credentials is limited to one year.
- In light of the recent closures of Regional Examination Centers to the public, approval to test letters and course approval certificates that expire between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are extended to October 31, 2021.
I encourage all mariners, ship owners and operators and providers of Coast Guard approved training to read MSIB 08-20, Change 5 carefully. While the Coast Guard has provided the extensions noted in the MSIB, mariners and training providers are strongly encouraged to fulfill the requirements and submit applications as early as possible in order to avoid a lapse in their credential or training approval. Similarly, training providers need to make every effort to submit their application early to avoid expiration of their current approval,
…advised Rear Admiral R. V. Timme, U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy.
