Washington Waves for August 19, 2024

Washington, D.C.—The National Maritime Center (NMC) announced it has established a centralized email inbox for receiving certain merchant mariner credential (MMC) applications to streamline that process and better manage the initial processing of applications. Applications other than those for Local Limited, Restricted and First Class Pilot credentials, the MMC said, should be emailed to MMCApplications@uscg.mil.

Regional exam centers (RECs) will continue to receive and process MMC applications for Local Limited, Restricted and First Class Pilot MMCs, the agency stated. Those applications should continue to be emailed (the preferred method), mailed or hand delivered to the local REC responsible for the routes requested. Email and physical addresses for each of the RECs are available on the NMC’s Regional Exam Centers webpage.

MMC and medical certificate applications are processed separately and should not be sent to the same email address. For more detailed guidelines on submitting medical certificate applications and information, visit the NMC’s Medical Certificate webpage.

For additional information, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

“Fragile” Facilities

Progress at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) to address problems with managing facilities and infrastructure was described as “fragile” by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) despite numerous reports since 2010 documenting poor and deteriorating conditions on campus.

According to the federal watchdog agency, the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have still not established continuous leadership to manage facilities and infrastructure improvements, and MarAd and USMMA have not conducted strategic workforce planning to determine the needed skills and capabilities for its Office of Facilities and Infrastructure.

“Focused attention from DOT on these issues could help ensure that the Academy has the dedicated leadership, resources and skills to address longstanding challenges with campus conditions,” GAO stated.

In addition to those two recommendations, GAO said MarAd should ensure USMMA implements cost estimating policies for projects that align with best practices.

“DOT agreed with GAO’s recommendations,” the agency added.

An update on facilities and infrastructure is included on the agenda of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Council, which is scheduled to meet virtually August 29. Access information for the 1 p.m. EST meeting will be available on the council’s webpage and social media channels by August 23.

The council also is expected to receive updates on sexual assault and sexual harassment, academics, culture and diversity. Written statements to be considered during the meeting must be received at USMMAAdvisoryCouncil@dot.gov by August 22, and requests for accommodations for a disability must be received via email by August 23.

For additional information, contact Mary Grice at 202-366-4264 or USMMAAdvisoryCouncil@dot.gov.

Rice’s Whale

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) continues to warn of the economic hit ports and the maritime industry would take under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) proposed critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale.

“Sadly, NOAA’s proposed critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale fails to properly consider the full range of negative downstream impacts on mariners, ports, industry and our broader economy,” AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis said. “Ports are open to responsible and reasonable efforts to protect the species, but we ask the Biden Administration to thoughtfully hear the concerns of industry and seek a more balanced approach to conservation policy in the Gulf of Mexico.”

AAPA issued its statement after leading a recent meeting with Gulf Coast port officials and key members of the administration. AAPA said the port officials echoed the concerns Gulf Coast senators stressed in a letter in May over the scientific evidence of the critical habitat designation and fear the rule could impede military and national security activities.

AAPA also cited a study released by other industry groups that future vessel restrictions could cut energy production in the Gulf of Mexico by almost 25 percent, eliminate 44,000 jobs and cut federal government revenues by roughly $30 billion through 2040.

Data-Sharing Partnership

The Department of Transportation has announced that ports comprising 95 percent of inbound container traffic on the West Coast have joined a first-of-its-kind private-public supply chain data-sharing partnership known as FLOW (Freight Logistics Optimization Works). FLOW’s new members include the Port of Oakland and the Northwest Seaport Alliance, which includes the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma.

DOT described FLOW as a critical part of the Biden Administration’s work to strengthen U.S. supply chains, which has lowered everyday costs and supported American workers and businesses.

“When President Biden took office, supply chains were in disarray, upended by the global pandemic and contributing to rising prices and delayed shipments,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “With today’s announcement, FLOW’s membership now reaches the five largest container ports on the West Coast, which will lead to more informed decisions across America’s supply chains.”

USCG Guidance

The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) published updated guidance to inspectors, U.S. ship owners, operators and builders and manufacturers on marine equipment approvals covered by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

Change 2 to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-19, Guide to Marine Equipment Approvals, details what MRAs are and how they work, the processes to follow to get MRA approval, and how to find what products are approved. The guide also provides a list of all product categories eligible under MRAs.

NVIC 02-19 Change 2 is an update to include four new product category approvals and numerous MED/UK item number changes, mirroring the most recent amendments to the MRA(s). Product categories added are pilot ladders, integrated navigation systems, C class fire boundaries and a category of upholstered furniture. Additional information can be found on the ENG-4 MRA website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/MRA/ or by emailing questions to CG-ENG-4 at typeapproval@uscg.mil.