The US Coast Guard continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 impact to the maritime industry and mariners in order to take action needed to ensure the continuity of the Maritime Transportation System (MTS).
In this light, the US Coast Guard has posted Change 4 to MSIB 08-20, titled COVID-19 – Mariner Credentials, which updates information on extensions to merchant mariner credentials, medical certificates and course approvals.
The following significant changes are provided in Change 4 to MSIB 08-20:
- Merchant mariner credentials, both national and STCW, that expire between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 are extended.
- The credentials are extended to the EARLIER of June 30, 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 December 31, 2020 are extended to October 1, 2021.
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.